The Kansas City Chiefs open the NFL Draft with nine picks. Given my conservative approach last Friday, I expect General Manager Brett Veach to work his magic. Though trades might be the direction he goes, if he keeps all of his picks, he can solve much of his roster needs.
We talk a lot about the one thing the NFL Combine, film, and on-field play determine about a football player’s draft viability. For me, it’s what makes him tick. Thus, I’ve laid out my All-Glue Draft Class, which meets the Chiefs’ needs and offers a rare combination of players at several positions who fit the system and have shown their passion for playing football.
Pick #9 – (WR) Jordyn Tyson (Arizona State) – I know Reuben Bain was available at this spot, but Tyson is the best wide receiver in this draft class. The Giants were going to grab him at ten after passing on him at five to select Safety Caleb Downs. He’s the perfect fit for Mahomes, and he could develop into a true number one receiver early in his career.
Pick #29 – (TE) Kenyon Sadiq (Oregon) – The Chiefs secure another top offensive target by drafting the talented tight end. Because of the unexpected run of offensive linemen and wide receivers, Sadiq slid down the draft board as Justin Simmons did a year ago for the Chiefs. Though KC still hasn’t addressed the defense, he’s the best player on the board.
Pick #40 – (CB) Chris Johnson (San Diego State) – He’s the most gifted cornerback in the draft, but he still has room to improve. Dave Merritt should be able to correct his bad habits and become a potential starter midway through his rookie season.
Pick #74 – Edge R. Joshua Josephs (Tennessee) – He’s a machine blessed with power, speed, and the drive to create havoc. He should pair well with George Karlaftis and Ashton Gillotte.
Pick #109 – T Isaih World (Oregon) – Though there’s a real danger that World gets drafted before the 109th pick, I think he falls to the Chiefs. He is a strong, polished tackle who should compete with Esa Poke for the Chiefs’ starting right tackle spot.
Pick #148 – LB Harold Perkins, Jr. (LSU) – He might be my favorite third-day pick. Perkins is simply a football player. He’s solid across the board and a tackling machine. He may start on special teams, but late this season, he could likely contribute more to the Chiefs’ defense.
Pick #169 – S Michael Taafee (Texas) – He’s not the highest-rated safety, but he has the tools to make an impact in the Chiefs’ secondary. With a major need at the position, Taafee makes sense for Kansas City, which is seeking a replacement for Bryan Cook.
Pick #176 – Edge Max Llewelyn (Iowa) – For the Hawkeyes, Llewelyn delivered a master class in effort and disruption. He’s not the biggest, fastest, or among the best pass rushers in this draft, but he has a titanic drive that makes him the ultimate glue piece for Steve Spagnuolo’s defense.
Pick #210 – CB TJ Hall (Iowa) – You can never have enough corners. Because Hall was available this late, he has the same drive as Llewelyn and gives the Chiefs time to develop his skill set at the NFL level. He’ll be a solid backup and special teams player this season, but could emerge as a starting candidate in 2027.
