With a highly successful draft pick secured in round one, the Kansas City Chiefs have three selections on Friday night. Given the depth in the draft at positions of need, the team can build upon the Josh Simmons pick.
Overall, the Kansas City Chiefs received high marks for drafting Ohio State left tackle Josh Simmons. He addresses the team’s most significant need, and if healthy, the Chiefs have secured a top-ten talent with pick 32. This is not the norm, but in the eyes of some, the rich get richer.
On Friday night, the Chiefs have three picks: #63 and #66 in the second round, and #95 in the third round. Given the depth available, it’s possible that the Chiefs could land three eventual starters for their roster.
Further, the players they select Friday night could impact the 2025 season.
So, who should the Chiefs draft?
Pick 63 – DT Alfred Collins (Texas) – If you want to draft a Chris Jones clone, then Collins is your man. In our evaluation, I’d rate him as the third or fourth-best defensive tackle in this draft. The fact that he could still be on the board at this stage of the second round would be as fortunate as the Simmons pick in the first round.
He possesses size, strength, and a wealth of moves to disrupt opposing offensive lines. The AFC West has invested significant draft capital in enhancing their offense, and finding one of the best run stuffers and disruptors in this draft would greatly benefit the Chiefs’ defense.
Playing alongside Chris Jones and learning from veteran Mike Pennel would give Collins a distinct advantage in taking his college game to the pro level.
Pick 66 (via Titans) – TE Elijah Arroyo (Miami) – If you want a tight end to play with Patrick Mahomes, you must be able to improvise. Arroyo would excel at making plays for the Chiefs when the original play breaks down. He’s a massive target, a great route runner with good speed, and possesses the hands desired at the NFL level.
Travis Kelce is entering the final year of his career, and Arroyo would be a terrific complement to the passing game and understudy to the Chiefs’ future first ballot Hall of Fame tight End.
He has no weaknesses in his game, is highly athletic, and would thrive in the Chiefs’ offense. With Jared Wiley not expected to be ready until October, Arroyo would receive plenty of reps with Kelce and Noah Gray and would quickly become a favorite of Mahomes.
Pick 95 RB Devin Neal (Kansas) – I can’t see the Jayhawks superstar slipping past the third round. He has been climbing higher on the draft boards, and with good reason. I’ve been advocating for him since we began our draft previews. He would be a tremendous fit for Andy Reid, who needs a Jamaal Charles-style runner to enhance his offense.
Now he isn’t Charles, but he’s close enough. His breakaway speed is good, but it’s his Marcus Allen style of running at the line of scrimmage that is his hallmark. He’s the most patient running back in this draft. He waits on blocks, can recognize traffic in front of him, and uses his eyes to make plays when the blocking breaks down.
That’s a rare feature for a running back. Yes, I’m biased about this pick, but with a revamped offensive line and no clear starter among the Chiefs’ current running back room, Neal can do it all. He can run, catch, and block, making him an every-down back at the NFL level.
