The 2021 NFL Draft is just over a week away, and the Kansas City Chiefs need to get the most out of this young crop. After making three years of fantastic success, the Chiefs now need to build a contender on a budget. This is the final year before the Patrick Mahomes contract really kicks in, meaning that the organization will need to build through the draft to remain competitive. Without further ado, let’s take a dive into this Chiefs mock draft and see what Kansas City could do with their picks.
Note: This Chiefs mock draft was performed using The Draft Network’s Mock Draft Machine
Kansas City Chiefs Seven Round Mock Draft
First Round (31st Overall) – Greg Newsome II – CB
Greg Newsome II NFL Draft Profile
The Kansas City Chiefs have a solid defense, but they could use more help at cornerback. Talent and need combine in this scenario, as Kansas City lands one of the better cornerbacks in a loaded class. Greg Newsome has the build you love to see from the position and has a long history of successful play in press and zone. He tracks the ball when and should be an immediate starter for this defense.
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Second Round (63rd Overall) – Quinn Meinerz, IOL
This isn’t the first time that Quinn Meinerz has made his way onto a Chiefs mock draft. I acknowledge some risk due to the fact that he went up against some pretty weak competition at Wisconsin-Whitewater. However, he absolutely dominated that competition, and he reportedly had a great week of competition during the Senior Bowl. He could be as good as just about any interior lineman in this (admittedly weak) class, which makes him well worth the risk in the back of the second round.
Third Round (94th Overall) – Tylan Wallace, WR
Tylan Wallace NFL Draft Profile
The Kansas City Chiefs offense is all about speed and destroying defenses with the deep ball. Tylan Wallace is no Tyreek Hill, but the Oklahoma State product is a devastating deep threat with the jets required to turn every touch into a big play. He’s not the type of player that can do anything and everything, but he’s a perfect fit for this offense and could even start right out of the gate.
Fourth Round (136th Overall) – Tedarrell Slaton, IDL
Tedarrell Slaton is a very raw prospect, but he has the potential to easily outplay this draft position. The 6’-4”, 330-pound defensive tackle is already capable of collapsing the pocket on passing downs, which is arguably the most important trait for an interior lineman. While he currently struggles against the run, he has the build and strength to be a space-eating force along the interior. He’ll need some time, but he could turn into a solid starter in a year or two.
Fourth Round (144th Overall) – Brenden Jaimes, OT
The Kansas City Chiefs need some help at tackle, but the board just hasn’t allowed a pick at the position before now. Brenden Jaimes has experience at both left and right tackle, and should be able to fill in should injury strike one of the starters. He’s better as a pass blocker than a run blocker, which is good news for Kansas City’s pass-heavy attack. While he’s nobody’s idea of a perfect starter, he should be a fine backup and emergency option.
Fifth Round (175th Overall) – Tre’ McKitty, TE
Travis Kelce is arguably the best tight end in football, but Kansas City doesn’t have much behind him. Tre’ McKitty is an interesting prospect, as his receiving numbers took a massive dive. However, he used his final year of eligibility to improve his work as a blocker. He obviously isn’t the second-coming of Kelce, but he offers some upside in the passing game and proved that he’s not an active liability as a blocker.
Fifth Round (181st Overall) – Deommodore Lenoir, CB
Another cornerback goes off the board, as the Chiefs grab a very physical cornerback in this mock draft. Deommodore Lenoir might not be the biggest cornerback in the draft, but he’s not afraid to get in a receiver’s face and knock them off their route. While this aggressive style of play can lead to flags, he has the potential to be a solid depth option, and his physicality should translate to special teams.
Sixth Round (207th Overall) – Malcom Koonce, EDGE
Malcom Koonce put up some great numbers at the college level, but there are some worries that his skills won’t translate to the NFL level. However, at this point in the NFL Draft, you’re not expecting to get a starter, so you might as well aim for upside. Koonce has the motor and handwork necessary to succeed, but he needs to get a lot stronger. This will be the ultimate challenge for Kansas City’s strength and conditioning team, as he could be a good role player if he gets NFL strength.
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