New mock draft reveals how Kansas City Chiefs could fill critical offensive line and secondary voids, plus add edge rush talent, after significant free agency losses.
In a weird sight, the Kansas City Chiefs are selecting in the top-10 of the NFL Draft this time after missing the playoffs and finishing in third place in the AFC West.
A ton of mock drafts had previously predicted Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love to be the choice at No. 9 overall, but the free agent signing of Kenneth Walker III changes that.
And, the Chiefs have other areas to fix, with the secondary and defense being the most glaring after Trent McDuffie was traded, Leo Chenal signed with the Washington Commanders, Bryan Cook joined the Cincinnati Bengals and Jaylen Watson inked a deal with the Rams.
The Chiefs have the No. 9 pick and No. 29 pick in the first round, and Josh Edwards of CBS Sports compiled a new three-round mock draft.
At No. 9, he has the Chiefs selecting Miami Hurricanes offensive lineman Francis Mauigoa.
"Jawaan Taylor was released, so the team needs a replacement. The Chiefs missed out on the top edge rushers but settle for offensive line help," Edwards wrote.
At No. 29, the Chiefs land a piece to the secondary, with Edwards projecting Clemson cornerback Avieon Terrell to be the pick.
In the second round, Edwards has more defensive help coming with Texas A&M EDGE Cashius Howell mocked at No. 40.
In the third round, the Chiefs pick at No. 74, and Edwards projects Notre Dame offensive lineman Billy Schrauth to be the choice with that pick.
Schrauth faced top-level talent during his days with the Irish, so the Chiefs grab experienced players who have played well.
So, if that is how things go, that's two offensive lineman and two key defensive pieces in the first three rounds, which would be a home run start of the draft for Brett Veach and company.
Some have questions about how Howell's game translates to the NFL level, but he has been explosive during his days with the Aggies.
Terrell has a solid chance to step right into a starting role, given the other departures in the secondary, and Mauigoa also should be a starter, especially since he is viewed as a top-10 pick.
Yes, the Chiefs lost a lot of players, but walking out of the first two days of the draft with this group would be a move in the right direction, both for now and the next few years for the Chiefs.