The Kansas City Chiefs are determined to keep their championship window open for as long as possible – and to do that, they need to do well in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Successful Draft picks will allow Kansas City to boost their ranks with talented players on lower salarieshelping the team to afford the bigger pay packets commanded by star veterans like Patrick Mahomes and Chris Jones.
Where will the Chiefs try to strengthen in the Draft?
The franchise has several gaps in its roster, but the Chiefs plan to address these through the college recruitment process.
On Thursday, general manager Brett Veach held a press conference to outline the AFC West team’s strategy for the 2025 NFL Draftwhich takes place next week.
“From a 1,000-foot view, it’s probably safe to say that offensive line, defensive line and cornerback (are areas) where the Draft has some numbers,” Veach said.
“I think that would be a logical landing spot for us early in the Draftbut I think we’re always in the mindset to add players that we have graded as impact players, and we certainly wouldn’t shy away from continuing to add to our receiver room as well.”
Which players have left the Chiefs in free agency?
The Chiefs’ most significant defensive losses in free agency were defensive tackle Tershawn Wharton, who signed a three-year, $45 million deal with the Carolina Panthers, and safety Justin Reid, who joined the New Orleans Saints on a three-year, $31.5 million contract.
The offense will look different as wellwith three of their standout wide receivers from 2024 – DeAndre Hopkins, Mecole Hardman and Justin Watson – leaving Kansas City as free agents. Additionally, a significant gap has been left in the offensive line by Joe Thuney’s departure for the Chicago Bears.
“We have plenty of names to work with”
The Draft recruitment process is an arduous one, as thousands of college football players enter the event but only 257 are selected each year. Therefore, teams are at pains to evaluate athletes’ every detail.
This is the case with the Chiefs, who, according to Veach, have run the rule over more than 200 prospects.
“I think we have 202 (players) right now,” Veach said. “We’ve been anywhere from 185 to 210 over the years. I think we have plenty of names to work with, and hopefully, we’re able to execute our game plan as the names come off the board.”
What picks do the Chiefs have in the 2025 Draft?
The Chiefs initially had six picks in the 2025 Draftbut have since received two more thanks to the NFL’s compensatory pick system:
Round 1: 31st
Round 2: 63rd
Round 3: 66th (via Tennessee), 95th
Round 4: 133rd
Round 7: 226th, 251st, 257th
2025 NFL Draft: when, where, how to watch?
Held at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin, the 2025 Draft runs from Thursday, April 24, to Saturday, April 26.
How can I watch the 2025 NFL Draft in the U.S.?
If you’re in the U.S., you can watch the Draft on NFL Network, NFL+, ESPN, ESPN2 and ESPN Deportes.
NFL Network and ESPN channels are available to stream on the online platform fubowhich offers new users a free introductory trial.
You’ll also be able to follow live-text coverage of the Draft right here at AS USA.
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