The Kansas City Chiefs walked away from the 2025 NFL Draft with a handful of impact players, turning limited draft capital into multiple potential contributors.
It started with a splash in the first round when they snagged offensive tackle Josh Simmons with the 32nd overall pick. Simmons, out of Ohio State, was widely projected as a top-10 talent before a season-ending patellar tendon injury sidelined him after just five games in 2024.
But those five games were enough. Simmons looked like a future All-Pro, and the Chiefs clearly believe he can return to that trajectory once fully healthy.
Kansas City tripled down on defense on Day 2. They selected defensive tackle Omarr Norman-Lott in the second round, then followed up with edge rusher Ashton Gillotte and cornerback Nohl Williams in the third. Each of the three has a real shot to break into the rotation next season, if not push for starting reps.
The Chiefs’ draft-day pickpocketing continued on Day 3.
They added wide receiver Jalen Royals out of Utah State with the 133rd overall pick. Royals was a quiet riser in this class and brings another explosive element to a wide receiver group that already features Rashee Rice, Xavier Worthy, Marquise Brown, and JuJu Smith-Schuster.
Kansas City wrapped up their draft with linebacker Jeffrey Bassa in the fifth round and running back Brashard Smith in the seventh, adding depth and athleticism to key roles on special teams and defense.
Overall, it was a balanced, calculated draft that addressed both short-term needs and long-term planning. But with new talent comes hard decisions—and these five veterans may have just lost their jobs after the draft.
1. Jerry Tillery
After a surprisingly solid 2023 campaign, Jerry Tillery reverted to form in 2024—and not in a good way. In 17 games, he failed to register a single sack and managed just 28 total tackles with one tackle for loss.
Tillery has never been known as a backfield disruptor. At 6-foot-6 and 295 pounds, his primary role is to eat space and occupy blockers. But if you’re not producing splash plays or eating double teams consistently, your leash gets short.
The Chiefs signed him to a one-year deal in March, but the former first-rounder is already on shaky ground.
Kansas City used its second-round pick on Omarr Norman-Lott, a high-motor, undersized defensive tackle who wins with quickness and effort. Norman-Lott will have every opportunity to carve out a role right away, and could push Tillery down or out of the rotation entirely.
2. / 3. Felix Anudike-Uzomah / Michael Danna
Out on the edge, Felix Anudike-Uzomah and Michael Danna both felt the heat when the Chiefs grabbed Ashton Gillotte in the third round.
George Karlaftis is locked in as a starting edge rusher, but the other spot may be up for grabs. Danna was penciled in as the second starter, and Anudike-Uzomah was expected to grow into a larger role. Then came the re-signing of Charles Omenihu and the addition of Gillotte, and suddenly that picture looks murkier.
Omenihu is coming off a down 2024 but still carries upside. Gillotte, meanwhile, brings power, energy, and long-term potential that could earn him immediate snaps. Danna and Anudike-Uzomah aren’t out of the mix—but their places in the rotation just got a lot less secure.