The Kansas City Chiefs have put themselves in a position to earn the AFC’s No. 1 playoff seed, and while a Super Bowl three-peat is still in the cards for the defending champions, general manager Brett Veach is sure to have his eyes on the deep pool of talent in the 2025 NFL draft class.
As college football season draws to a close, and pre-combine big boards start to firm up, Veach may be considering what his options at the back end of the first round might look like, and which prospects he thinks might be diamonds in the rough who fall to the later rounds.
Though it is far too early to know how the Annual Player Selection Meeting will play out in April, Pro Football Network’s mock draft simulator can give a rough approximation of players who may be available when the Chiefs are on the clock.
Take a look at this mock below to see which stars from the college ranks might make their way to Kansas City next season:
Round 1, Pick 31: Alabama LB Jihaad Campbell
Oct 5, 2024; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Jihaad Campbell (11) sneaks a peek into the back field against the Vanderbilt Commodores during the second half at FirstBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
Round 2, Pick 63: LSU OL Emery Jones
Dec 3, 2022; Atlanta, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Robert Beal Jr. (33) rushes the quarterback against LSU Tigers offensive lineman Emery Jones (50) during the fourth quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Round 3, Pick 69: Ohio State RB TreVeyon Henderson
Ohio State Buckeyes running back TreVeyon Henderson (32) runs the ball in for a touchdown against the Purdue Boilermakers in the second half at Ohio Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024 in Columbus, Ohio.
Henderson is among the most exciting players in this class, and while Kansas City has proven that it can plug and play running backs in Andy Reid’s offense, the addition of another explosive rusher could give the Chiefs an extra edge next season.
Isiah Pacheco’s contract expires at the end of the season, and Henderson could be a low-risk high-reward replacement if Kansas City chooses to let their star running back seek greener pastures after the 2024 season.
Round 3, Pick 95: Illinois DB Terrance Brooks
Oct 12, 2024; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini defensive back Terrance Brooks (8) celebrates his team’s 50-49 overtime win over the Purdue Boilermakers at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images
By selecting Brooks here, the Chiefs would shore up the depth in their secondary to ensure that Steve Spagnuolo’s defense doesn’t take a step back in 2025.
Round 5, Pick 167: SMU TE R.J. Maryland
Oct 20, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; SMU Mustangs tight end RJ Maryland (82) makes a catch for a touchdown against the Temple Owls during the first half at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports
Round 7, Pick 233: Louisville DL Thor Griffith
LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY – AUGUST 31: Thor Griffith #50 of the Louisville Cardinals sacks Austin Smith #4 of the Austin Peay Governors during the third quarter at Cardinal Stadium on August 31, 2024 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
A defensive lineman named Thor? Available in the seventh round? Sign us up!
Round 7, Pick 256: Tennessee WR Squirrel White
Tennessee wide receiver Squirrel White (3) is tackled by Mississippi State safety Isaac Smith (2) during an NCAA college football game between Tennessee and Mississippi State at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn., Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024.
White will definitely be on our All-Name team during draft season and would be an excellent addition to Kansas City’s offense as a seventh-round pick.
