Chiefs Secure Donovan Smith Replacement in Round 2 of Mel Kiper's Latest Mock Draft

For a while, it was looking like the Chiefs could secure Xavier Legette in the second round of the NFL Draft, but with Rashee Rice's issues clouding the wide receiver situation for 2024 and Legette's draft stock soaring, they're going to have to be proactive in addressing the position in Round 1.

Mel Kiper has them doing exactly that, selecting Legette at No. 32 overall to close out the first round. But that doesn't mean they're finished addressing major needs.

Replacing Donovan Smith at left tackle remains a top priority, and Kiper has the perfect option falling into KC's lap with their second-round pick.

Chiefs Draft Rumors: Kiper Projects Kingsley Suamataia in Round 2

Kiper has the Chiefs selecting BYU tackle Kingsley Suamataia with the final pick of Round 2 in his latest NFL mock draft.

Suamataia's combine measurements confirmed his pro-ready size, standing 6-foot-5 and 326 pounds with 34 1/4-inch arms. He also measured out even more athletically than many expected (5.04-second 40-yard dash, 31 bench press reps) and he projects to be capable of holding down either tackle spot in the pros.

Kiper likes his blend of strength and quickness (who doesn't?) and his ability to get to the second level against linebackers in the run game. That's especially valuable in the Chiefs' offense where he'd be asked to block in space on screens and get to the second level quickly against light boxes in the run game.

He would also be a total steal at No. 64. Pro Football Focus graded him out terrifically at left tackle in his final collegiate season, and he's their No. 48-ranked overall prospect.

It doesn't necessarily feel great to protect Patrick Mahomes' blindside with a second-round rookie, especially when you're looking to make another Super Bowl run, but Suamataia absolutely has a pro-ready game and should be able to step in as a capable starter from Day 1.

And if we take a more long-term view, this would be a great roster-building pick. Adding a strong veteran left tackle is incredibly expensive. Getting four years out of a high-upside guy at the position on a cheap rookie deal is almost a must with KC's current cap situation. This is the only way they'll be able to get a player with this much upside on a cheap deal.

Regardless of what the Chiefs do at the draft, they will begin the 2024 season as one of the favorites to win the Super Bowl. In fact, they are currently only behind the 49ers for the best odds to win it all with +650 on FanDuel Sportsbook.

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