Chiefs 2025 NFL Draft takeaways: Biggest need addressed, plus reinforcements

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Intent on a prompt rebound from their devastating loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LIX, the Kansas City Chiefs came away from the 2025 NFL Draft having met a key need at their weakest point (offensive line), having acquired reinforcements for an already dominant defense and having added a couple of promising playmakers on offense and special teams.

The Chiefs opened the draft by selecting a potential franchise cornerstone in Ohio State left tackle Josh Simmons in the first round. They followed in the second and third rounds by taking a trio of defensive players in Tennessee tackle Omarr Norman-Lott, Louisville pass rusher Aston Gillotte and California cornerback Nohl Williams. Saturday’s selections consisted of Utah State wide receiver Jalen Royals (fourth round), Oregon linebacker Jeffrey Bassa (fifth round) and running back Brashard Smith (seventh round).

General manager Brett Veach and coach Andy Reid declared the first round a success after landing Simmons, a player they coveted early in the pre-draft evaluation process. Chiefs talent evaluators felt good about the Day 2 and 3 additions as well.

“We’re excited to get good football players here,” national scout Jonathan Howard said after Kansas City’s Day 3 selections. “That sums up the moment. We’re excited to get good football players.”

Southwest area scout Jason Lamb said the Chiefs felt like the draft as a whole was a success.

“When you go into a draft with needs and you address them all, and then you can get some other pieces in other areas as well to fill some roles, and bring different abilities and different aspects … it’s always a good thing,” Lamb said.

Here’s a look at how the pieces seemingly fit.

Best value pick

The Chiefs used the 32nd pick to select Simmons. Why was the 32nd pick such a great value? Because through the first five games of his second season for the Buckeyes, Simmons looked like a lock for All-America honors and displayed such dominance with his blend of athleticism, strength and instincts that most draft analysts started projecting him as a top-five pick and the first offensive tackle off the board. The midseason patella tendon injury, which required surgery to repair, caused Simmons’ draft stock to take a hit. But the Chiefs and their doctors and trainers agree with Simmons’ medical team that he is on pace to regain full strength and make a smooth transition to the pro game. Because they always pick so late in the draft order, the Chiefs never would have had a chance to land a tackle of Simmons’ caliber. They count themselves fortunate that Simmons fell into their laps, even after moving back one spot after the trade with the Eagles, who also sent them a fifth-round pick.

The QB1 seal of approval. pic.twitter.com/mfGhOq5Bv5

— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) April 25, 2025

Most surprising pick

I don’t know that any of their picks were necessarily surprising. Veach and Reid have a strong understanding of the type of player that fits the Chiefs’ mold, and they selected players that seemingly will fit right in from a skill and culture standpoint. Norman-Lott was a little surprising just because of how small he is for an interior defensive lineman (6-foot-1, 291 pounds). By comparison, defensive tackle Chris Jones is 6-6, 310. Free-agent addition Jerry Tillery is 6-6, 295. But the Chiefs like the relentless nature with which Norman-Lott attacks offensive linemen and the crafty way he compensates for his size disadvantage.

Biggest question mark

The main question involves the offensive line. How quickly will Simmons return to the field? He says by training camp. Reid said they’re not setting a timeline. And then, will he start at left tackle right away, or play behind free-agent signing Jaylon Moore for a while? Also, did the Chiefs do enough to upgrade the unit? Yes, the tackle depth and talent levels have improved, and the team has top-flight interior linemen in right guard Trey Smith and center Creed Humphrey. But should they have also drafted a guard/center to groom for depth purposes?

Remaining needs

Health ranks among the Chiefs’ biggest remaining needs. Injuries to Rashee Rice and Hollywood Brown significantly weakened their receiving corps in 2024. If both can stay on the field, and if Royals can develop the way Chiefs talent evaluators believe he can, Patrick Mahomes’ offense regains a strong dose of potency.

Post-draft outlook

There’s a reason Kansas City has ranked among the best teams in the NFL for the last decade. Their front office excels at fortifying the roster through the draft. The Chiefs come away from this draft having met one of their biggest long-term needs, acquired offensive reinforcements and replenished an already dominant defense. We’ll see how quickly all of these draft picks work their way into either starting jobs or a rotation. But on paper, the Chiefs found some players who will assist in their rebound from the Super Bowl LIX defeat.

(Photo of Josh Simmons: Jason Mowry / Getty Images)

This news was originally published on this post .

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