The 2023 NFL draft is drawing near, which means we’re getting a fresh dosage of mock drafts on a daily basis. Not all mock drafts are created equally, though.
In regards to the Kansas City Chiefs, there have been some pretty unique mock drafts to turn up as of late. Some of those mock drafts have sent prospects to the team well before they’re projected to be selected.
Below we’re taking a look at three recent mock drafts that make some pretty big leaps for Kansas City in Round 1:
Tennessee WR Cedric Tillman
I’m actually a fan of Tillman’s game and I’ve even said aloud before that I think he would have been in contention to be a first-round draft pick had he not been injured in 2022. This pick from NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein simply reeks of desperation. The Chiefs don’t need a wide receiver to take a prospect that doesn’t even rank in the top 50 on some big boards. Quentin Johnston is within striking distance for a trade-up (pick No. 26 to the Cowboys). USC WR Jordan Addison, who is a much better prospect albeit a different type of receiver, is also still available at pick No. 31.
Oregon State TE Luke Musgrave
I already wrote about why the Chiefs should avoid Musgrave in Round 1, but I’ve seen more and more mock drafts pop up with him landing in Kansas City. The latest comes from NFL.com’s Adam Rank, who admits he’s not the most popular personality in the Chiefs Kingdom. I know that teams draft based on traits often, but between the injury history and the lack of production, I have a hard time seeing Musgrave as a first-round pick.
Georgia CB Kelee Ringo
This particular scenario occurred in a recent mock draft from Pro Football Network. Outside of the glaring lack of need at the cornerback position for Kansas City, I’m not sure that Ringo should be a first-round draft pick. He’s big, fast and excels in man coverage, but it feels like he’s been along for the ride as a part of a great defense rather than a fixture. On top of all that, If the Chiefs draft Ringo (or any cornerback) with WRs Zay Flowers and Jordan Addison available, they might have to call in the national guard.
