The Kansas City Chiefs have been one of the best NFL teams over the last several seasons.
The team is fresh off another Super Bowl appearance in 2024, however, this most recent appearance ended in defeat at the hands of the Philadelphia Eagles. The team has spent this offseason trying to reload for another run in 2025.
With free agency largely over, the Chiefs’ next opportunity to improve will take place in the 2025 NFL Draft. Because of the team’s Super Bowl appearance, the Chiefs will have the No. 31 pick in the first round.
Today, let’s identify the top three prospects who make the most sense for the Chiefs to begin the draft.
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Josh Conerly Jr., OL, Oregon
The Chiefs need to address the offensive line during this draft. Jaylon Moore was brought in during free agency, but the tackle isn’t an experienced starter and the team could be looking for more upside.
Josh Conerly Jr. had a fantastic 2024 season at Oregon. The blocker earned a 78.3 Pro Football Focus grade and allowed just one sack in just under 1,000 snaps at left tackle.
Conerly has the size, speed, and technique to stick at tackle in the NFL. The blocker held up well against the best edge-rushers in the Big Ten and was an asset in both pass protection and run blocking.
In Kansas City, Conerly would present a long-term option at the left tackle spot that’s desperately needed.
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Josh Simmons, OL, Ohio State
Sticking with the theme, Josh Simmons from Ohio State would be another solid option for the Chiefs.
Simmons was having a fantastic 2024 season before an injury ended his campaign after six games. However, in those six games, Simmons earned a 74.4 Pro Football Focus grade and allowed zero sacks in 306 snaps.
Simmons is a technically sound blocker who keeps edge-rushers in front of him and carves out running lanes. The blocker has the length and strength to stick at tackle in the NFL, which is what the Chiefs need.
Like Conerly, Simmons could challenge Moore for the left tackle spot and be the heir apparent at the position.
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James Pearce Jr., EDGE, Tennessee
If the Chiefs don’t want to go for an offensive lineman, a talented edge-rusher could be the selection.
James Pearce Jr. was dominant at Tennessee and could thrive in the NFL as well. The defender has long arms that teams covet in pass-rushers and has the speed to get around even the best tackles.
In 2024, Pearce racked up 38 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, and 7.5 sacks. The defender earned an elite 87.1 Pro Football Focus grade in 2024 and was credited with a whopping 43 quarterback hurries.
In Kansas City, Pearce could start opposite George Karlaftis, giving the team a scary one-two punch on the edges.