NEWSLETTER
2024 NFL Mock Draft: Kansas City Chiefs- The Chiefs find themselves in a familiar position – the defending Super Bowl champions, armed with a late first-round pick and the ever-present need to maintain championship contention around the electric Patrick Mahomes. While the temptation might be to chase a weapon for their star quarterback, the Chiefs’ front office has a history of prioritizing long-term stability. Here’s how they might navigate the 2024 NFL Draft, focusing on building a sustainable foundation to keep Mahomes at his peak for years to come.
Here’s a breakdown of a 2024 NFL Mock Draft for the Kansas City Chiefs, using the PFF Mock Draft simulator, focusing on the first three rounds:
2024 NFL Mock Draft: Kansas City Chiefs
Round 1, Pick 32: Kingsley Suamataia, OT, BYU
The offensive line has been a recurring concern in Kansas City, and with the 32nd overall pick, they address it head-on by selecting Kingsley Suamataia, a mammoth offensive tackle out of BYU. Suamataia is a physical specimen at 6’8″ and 340 lbs, boasting the size and power to dominate at the professional level.
Suamataia excels in the run game, using his immense strength to wall off defenders and create running lanes for the backfield. His ability to anchor against bull rushes and shutdown stunts ensures a clean pocket for Mahomes to operate in. He possesses surprisingly good footwork for his size, allowing him to mirror speed rushers and shut down outside threats.
While Suamataia is a force in the run game, his pass-blocking technique can be refined. He can occasionally struggle with setting a wide base, leaving him vulnerable to inside moves. However, Suamataia’s raw athleticism and coachability suggest he has the potential to develop into a dominant blindside protector. Learning under the tutelage of offensive line coach Andy Heck could unlock his full potential.
The Chiefs have a long history of developing late-round offensive linemen into stars, and Suamataia’s upside is undeniable. His arrival provides much-needed insurance for Mahomes’ health and paves the way for a more balanced offensive attack.
Round 2, Pick 64: Ja’Lynn Polk, WR, Washington
With their first pick in the second round, the Chiefs address their receiving corps by selecting Ja’Lynn Polk, a polished route runner out of Washington. Polk might not possess elite speed, but his route-running savvy and polished technique make him a reliable target for Mahomes.
Polk runs a crisp route tree, consistently creating separation on short and intermediate routes. He excels at finding soft spots in zone coverage and displays a knack for understanding defensive coverages. This allows him to adjust his routes on the fly and find open windows in Mahomes’ lightning-fast offense.
Beyond his route-running, Polk possesses strong hands and a knack for making contested catches. He shines in traffic situations, showcasing the ability to high-point the ball and win jump balls despite his average size (6’1″, 205 lbs). His arrival adds another young high-upside receiver to the Chiefs’ receiving corps.
Round 3, Pick 95: D.J. James, CB, Auburn
In the third round, the Chiefs prioritize the defensive side of the ball by selecting D.J. James, a ball-hawking cornerback out of Auburn. James possesses excellent speed (4.40 40-yard dash) and impressive closing ability, allowing him to stay tight with receivers downfield. He displays a knack for anticipating throws, breaking on routes quickly, and creating turnovers with his opportunistic play.
James excels in press coverage, jamming receivers at the line of scrimmage and disrupting their timing. He displays good instincts in zone coverage, reading quarterbacks’ eyes and reacting swiftly to throws. While James might not be the biggest corner (5’11”, 185 lbs), he makes up for it with his aggressive style of play and ability to find the football.
James’ ability to play press coverage and generate turnovers aligns perfectly with Defensive Coordinator Steve Spagnuolo’s aggressive scheme. Drafting James gives the Chiefs another young, athletic corner with high potential, allowing them to draft and develop an in-house replacement for the recently traded L’Jarius Sneed.
2024 NFL Mock Draft: Kansas City Chiefs
This draft strategy prioritizes building a sustainable foundation for the Chiefs’ future success. Suamataia immediately bolsters the offensive line, while Polk adds a reliable target for Mahomes. James injects youth and talent into the secondary. By focusing on long-term value and addressing key needs, the Chiefs can ensure they remain contenders in the AFC for years to come with Mahomes at the helm.
