NFL Draft's most interesting teams: Can the Chiefs retool with extra draft capital?

The Kansas City Chiefs went 6-11 last season. It’s possible we look back on that season as the end of a dynasty.

But that record was misleading in some ways. The Chiefs’ unbelievable luck in close games from 2024 turned the other way. They couldn’t win a close game last season. Then late in the season they lost Patrick Mahomes to an ACL injury and were uncompetitive on offense as they lost their final three games. However, the Chiefs enter this season at a crossroads.

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The problem with making the Super Bowl season after season is it’s hard to keep all of your good players. They either traded or lost in free agency players like linebacker Leo Chenal, safety Bryan Cook and cornerbacks Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson. It’s a lot to lose, especially in the secondary.

The most important piece for the Chiefs is obviously Mahomes, and how he rebounds from a torn ACL. But beyond that, they need to use their extra draft capital to add talent and maybe keep the dynasty going.

Chiefs’ highest pick since 2017

The Chiefs haven’t had a pick higher than 21st overall since 2017, when they traded up to take Mahomes. This year is much different.

Kansas City has the ninth overall pick due to its poor record. The Chiefs added another first-round pick when they traded McDuffie to the Rams. Kansas City also has a high pick in the second round, 40th overall.

The Chiefs hope their own pick isn’t in the top 10 again anytime soon, and hope that cap issues don’t cause them to trade one of their best players again. It’s a rare position for Kansas City to be in, and they have to take advantage of it.

Patrick Mahomes, Andy Reid and the Chiefs can keep their dynasty going by striking gold on their better-than-usual draft position this spring. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

Jamie Squire via Getty Images

One obvious need for the Chiefs is the secondary. Watson got $51 million over three years from the Rams, Cook got $40.25 million over three years from the Bengals, and the Rams gave up four picks including a first-rounder and a four-year, $124 million contract for McDuffie. That’s indicative of how valuable those players are. The Chiefs did sign safety Alohi Gilman and cornerback Kader Kohou, but they will need more to solidify the defensive backfield.

They have the picks to add some immediate contributors, but it’s not like the secondary is the only area of concern.

Which position will Chiefs take first?

In the latest mock draft from Yahoo Sports’ Charles McDonald and Nate Tice, the Chiefs are projected to take Ohio State safety Caleb Downs. That would be one of the more perfect fits of need and talent in the draft.

Downs is one of the best players in the NFL Draft. On Yahoo Sports’ combined big board, Downs is ranked No. 3 overall in the class behind only Ohio State edge defender Arvell Reese and Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza. Downs can impact the game in many ways, and his versatility would be a fantastic fit with defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo.

However, Downs might not slip to ninth, and the Chiefs have to consider cornerbacks too. LSU’s Mansoor Delane or Tennessee’s Jermod McCoy would be tempting if the Chiefs want to take a corner and they’re still on the board.

Smart teams don’t generally draft solely on need, however. An edge rusher to take some pressure off George Karlaftis might be an even more pressing need than cornerback or safety, and there should be options at No. 9. The latest Yahoo Sports mock draft has Rueben Bain Jr. available when the Chiefs go on the clock with the ninth pick, though off-field concerns that recently came to light publicly would have to be addressed. Kansas City could draft a receiver, to add some depth. Travis Kelce won’t play forever, and someone like Oregon’s Kenyon Sadiq might be unstoppable with Mahomes. Interior defensive lineman Chris Jones will be 32 years old this season, and someone to take his spot in the lineup would have value.

Whichever position the Chiefs decide to take with the ninth pick, they’ll have two more picks in the top 40 to get impact players at other spots. They have at least one pick in every other round except the seventh.

The Chiefs have an opportunity to restock their roster. How they fare in this draft could shape not just the Chiefs or the AFC West, but the entire NFL over the next few years. We’ll find out quickly if the Chiefs’ dynasty is over, or simply was paused for a year.