The Kansas City Chiefs are set to make two selections in the 2023 NFL draft on Day 2.
The team currently has pick No. 63 in the second round and pick No. 95 in the third round. There is always a possibility the team moves up or down at some point during Day 2, which could add or subtract from that pool of picks.
There are a number of ways that the draft could unfold for Kansas City. Below you’ll find some predictions from a few of our writers on how it could turn out for the Chiefs:
Charles Goldman's prediction:
I think the Chiefs will opt to continue bolstering the trenches on Day 2 of the draft and I think they’ll make an investment on the offensive side sooner than later. Offensive tackles were flying off the draft board during Day 1 of the 2023 NFL draft and I suspect that there will be a similar run on the next tier of players during Round 2 and Round 3. Some names that make sense to me are Alabama OT Tyler Steen, Old Dominion OT Nick Saldiveri, Pitt OT Carter Warren and Utah OT Braeden Daniels.
Defensive tackle is still a position that Kansas City needs to add some young depth on rookie contracts and there are a few players who stand out right now. Those players are Wisconsin DT Keeanu Benton, Florida DT Gervon Dexter, South Carolina DT Zacch Pickens and Baylor DT Siaki Ika.
At this point, I suspect that moving up for one of the best remaining pass-catchers is probably something they’ll explore. I’m just not sure they won’t be met with similar results as their trade-up exploration on Thursday. Players like Ole Miss WR Jonathan Mingo, Tennessee WR Cedric Tillman or Cincinnati WR Tyler Scott are intriguing. I could also see the Chiefs taking an interest in Iowa TE Sam LaPorta.
Wesley Roesch's prediction:
The Chiefs got their edge rusher pick out of the way on Day 1, which means Day 2 can be reserved for two of the following: receiver, tight end, offensive tackle or defensive tackle. Of course, it’ll all depend on who sits at the top of Brett Veach’s big board.
My guess is Veach trades up at some point. In round two, Veach might move up to the 50s, or in round three he could jump up to the 80-85 range. Veach stood pat in round one but being the chaser that he is, I don’t expect him to just wait around for good players like he ended up doing with pick No. 31.
If I were to guess the players and positions, I’d say the Chiefs will grab a receiver in round two — someone like Cedric Tillman, Jonathan Mingo, Rashee Rice or A.T. Perry. Maybe even Jalin Hyatt if he somehow falls, but I doubt he does. Tillman is my preferred pick, but I’m uncertain if the Chiefs like big-bodied receivers as much as I do.
The third round seems a little more wide-open. An interior defensive lineman would make sense — someone like Keeanu Benton or Zacch Pickens, depending on who’s available.
Nick Roesch's prediction:
The Chiefs didn’t trade up in the first round, so there’s a decent chance they do so in the second. If there’s a guy K.C. really likes, it has the ammo to make a trade and go get him. With DE now pretty well set, my attention turns to OT and WR. There are still quality players left at both positions.
Dawand Jones, Jaelyn Duncan and Tyler Steen are a few tackles who I think could immediately compete for the starting right tackle spot for the Chiefs. Keeping Mahomes upright and healthy has to remain a top priority. Cedric Tillman and Jalin Hyatt are a couple of receivers who I like, each of whom the Chiefs would likely have to trade up to get.
I’d be satisfied with any of the players I listed above, but I’ll go out on a limb and say they take Tillman. The need for a big, physical receiver is too obvious. Tillman would contribute immediately as a rookie and is a natural replacement for JuJu Smith-Schuster. I wouldn’t completely dismiss the possibility of K.C. selecting a TE, but I’d prefer they wait until Day 3.
