Kansas City Chiefs: Who should KC take in 2022 NFL Draft?
By Zach Gunter
With the 2022 NFL Draft days away, here’s who the Kansas City Chiefs should take.
The Kansas City Chiefs have 12 draft picks in the 2022 NFL draft, including the 29th and 30th picks of the first round.
- They also have:
- Round 2, Pick 50
- Round 2, Pick 62
- Round 3, Pick 94
- Round 3, Pick 103
- Round 4, Pick 121
- Round 4; Pick 135
- Round 7, Pick 233
- Round 7, Pick 243
- Round 7, Pick 251
- Round 7, Pick 259
In my last mock draft, I made picks based on not only my own thoughts but also outside influence. In this draft, I will only be picking based on my own opinion on what I believe the Chiefs need and who fits the scheme best.
As per usual, I believe Brett Veach will trade away some of the picks to move up, but I will not be taking that into account during this mock.
KC Chiefs mock draft: Round 1, Pick 29
Daxton Hill, S, Michigan
Daxton Hill played elite in the slot at Michigan, and I believe he is just what the Chiefs need for their team. He mostly played at slot corner with Michigan in 2021, allowing 48 receptions on 68 targets for 456 yards. He’s incredibly quick, running an official 4.38 40-yard dash.
In my last mock, I stated that I didn’t believe Hill would be a day-one starter. I now believe that isn’t true. As a hybrid CB/S, I think his skillset would transfer well onto the field.
KC Chiefs mock draft: Round 1, Pick 30
Andrew Booth Jr., CB, Clemson
Unlike Hill, Booth is a true Cornerback. He doesn’t play slot or any other position on the field. This isn’t necessarily a weakness, however. In his career at Clemson, he picked off QBs five times and was only scored on four times. Booth’s strength is in his feet.
He can turn on a dime. He needs to improve his tackling, but I believe he will eventually become a quality starter.
KC Chiefs mock draft: Round 2, Pick 50
Nakobe Dean, LB, Georgia
Nakobe Dean isn’t my favorite player in this draft class. In fact, I’m not super impressed by him. However, he is one of the higher-ranked linebackers in this class and that is a position where we need a lot of depth. In three seasons with the Bulldogs, Dean recorded 122 tackles and only 20 missed tackles. As a depth guy, I think Nakobe Dean would be a fine pick.
KC Chiefs mock draft: Round 2, Pick 62
Josh Paschal, EDGE, Kentucky
Personally, I would prefer to take an EDGE earlier in the draft. However, with so many going off the board before Pick 29, waiting until Pick 62 is likely better. Paschal was the best available DE at this pick. During his career with the Wildcats, Paschal recorded 13 sacks and 3 forced fumbles. He’s no Aidan Hutchinson, but I believe that he will get the job done with the Chiefs.
KC Chiefs mock draft: Round 3, Pick 94
Jalen Tolbert, WR, South Alabama
With all the receiver talent the Chiefs have picked up in free agency, many believe WR is a high position of need for the Chiefs right now. That it is imperative. However, with Mecole Hardman listed as the Chiefs’ current return specialist, I believe wide receiver is important, but that return specialist is what’s imperative. Hardman is set to be the Chiefs’ No. 1 wide receiver this upcoming season, and I don’t want to risk him getting hurt on returns.
That’s where Jalen Tolbert comes in. He’s quick and runs routes very well. He averaged 18 yards per reception and scored 8 touchdowns in 2021. Against other member schools of the Sun Belt Conference and other Group of 5 Conferences, Tolbert was an elite wide receiver. However, he has not played a Power 5 school since 2019. That, alongside the fact he will be 23 on draft day, is the only negative to Jalen Tolbert.
KC Chiefs mock draft: Round 3, Pick 103
Phidarian Mathis, DI, Alabama
Mathis’ draft stock slid quite a bit in the 2021 season, going from a late first-round pick to a mid-fourth, according to PFF’s Big Board. It doesn’t necessarily make much sense to me, considering he recorded 7 sacks, 6 hits, 12 hurries, and 2 batted passes on 547 snaps.
He played well in 2021 and has played well for his entire college career. He’s a very physical player and was named a permanent captain for Alabama in 2021. I believe he will end up being a starting defensive tackle at some point in his career.
KC Chiefs mock draft: Round 4, Pick 121
DeAngelo Malone, EDGE, Western Kentucky
This pick is courtesy of another KC Kingdom contributor, Matthew Smith. Smith wrote a piece on DeAngelo Malone two months ago.
Malone is a very solid edge rusher. He has room for improvement, but in time, I believe he will make an impact for the Chiefs defense.
KC Chiefs mock draft: Round 4, Pick 135
Matt Waletzko, OT, North Dakota
This pick is very similar to my Phidarian Mathis pick. I don’t believe Waletzko will be a day-one starter, but rather a depth guy. Right now, I think the Chiefs’ offensive line is fine. But we could use some more depth at OT.
KC Chiefs mock draft: Round 7, Pick 233
Esezi Otomewo EDGE, Minnesota
At this point in the draft, the pickings are slim. In fact, it wouldn’t be too much of a surprise to me if the team were to trade this and the following picks away to move up earlier. This and the following three picks are simply best available at a position of need.