[RunKC]

Nate Taylor’s (final?) mock. Feels like everybody would be more than happy with this one. Only thing I don’t like is that he only picked one weapon early. I think we’re picking another weapon in the 4th or 5th rd latest

Round 1, Pick No. 22: Brian Thomas Jr., WR, LSU

Trade: The Chiefs traded their first-round pick (No. 32), a 2025 third-round pick (via the Titans) and their 2025 sixth-round pick to the Eagles for No. 22.

The sounds you would hear in the Chiefs’ draft room if this selection occurred is one of cheers, high-fives and grown men screaming, “Yeah!” over and over again.

We’ve arrived at a dream scenario for the Chiefs, who need to add a dynamic receiver to pair with quarterback Patrick Mahomes, the league’s best quarterback who is in his prime. Thomas possesses size (6-foot-4), excellent hands and a strong route-running ability. In 2023, Thomas produced an FBS-best 17 touchdown receptions, the most by a Power 5 receiver since DeVonta Smith (23) in 2020.

Round 3, Pick No. 74: Patrick Paul, OT, Houston

Trade: The Chiefs traded a second-round pick (No. 64) and a fourth-rounder (131) to the Falcons for No. 74, a fourth-round pick (109) and a 2025 fourth-round pick.

After trading up in the first round, you pretty much have to stay put in the second round, which can be excruciating. This was the case in this mock. The last four picks before the Chiefs’ turn proved to be difficult to watch, as prospects who fit the team’s scheme and roster needs — Western Michigan defensive end Marshawn Kneeland, Connecticut guard Christian Haynes and tackles Kiran Amegadjie (Yale) and Kingsley Suamataia (BYU) — were selected.

Trading down then became more attractive and practical. The Chiefs moved down 10 spots in this deal with the Falcons, ensuring they’ll have at least seven picks in next year’s draft. Once again, PFF’s mock draft simulator estimated that the Chiefs’ trade offer had an 83 percent chance of being accepted.

Another reason to consider trading down was the run on offensive linemen in the first round, setting up the potential for Paul to still be available with the 74th selection. Known as a developmental prospect for the Chiefs, acquiring Paul creates quite a compelling competition against second-year player Wanya Morris for the starting left tackle job. Paul has plenty of talent, but he needs to polish his blocking techniques.

“Paul has the size and length to keep defenders occupied, but his rhythm breaks down quickly, and opponents will find success until he improves his rudimentary recovery technique and hand usage,” Brugler wrote of Paul, whom he graded as the 59th-best prospect. “Similar in ways to Chukwuma Okorafor, he has the tools to develop into a functional NFL starter, but he might require a redshirt year.

Other notable prospects potentially available: wide receiver Malachi Corley (Western Kentucky), defensive end Bralen Trice (Washington), offensive tackle Blake Fisher (Notre Dame) and running back Jaylen Wright (Tennessee).

Round 3, Pick No. 95: Christian Mahogany, G, Boston College

This selection is an endorsement of Brugler, who projected the Chiefs to select Mahogany with this exact pick last week in his seven-round mock. The Chiefs have just three guards on their roster: Joe Thuney (who is recovering from a pectoral injury), Trey Smith (who is entering the final year of his rookie contract) and Mike Caliendo (who has limited experience). The bonus is that Mahogany’s play style includes plenty of intensity and passion.

“He plays like a bouncer outside of a club, looking to bash heads with power and forceful hands,” Brugler wrote. “He projects as a guard-versatile NFL starter, ideally suited for a downhill run team.”

Other notable prospects potentially available: linebacker Tommy Eichenberg (Ohio State), tight end Ben Sinnott (Kansas State), offensive tackle Dominick Puni (Kansas) and wide receiver Brenden Rice (USC).

Round 4, Pick No. 109: T’Vondre Sweat, DT, Texas

Acquired via trade with the Falcons.

My initial thought was to select Sinnott, a talented all-around tight end who could learn from Travis Kelce and Noah Gray. But do you know how many defensive tackles are projected to be on the roster in 2025? The answer, according to Over the Cap, is two: Chris Jones and Neil Farrell Jr.

Sweat is the ideal prospect to help the Chiefs stuff the run. Listed at 6-5 and 366 pounds, Sweat is a freakish athlete who projects to be an ascending player. Can you imagine him and Jones together, destroying the interior of an opponent’s offensive line?

“Sweat must continue turning the brilliant flashes into more consistency, but he is a rare athlete for his size, with the power and ingredients to be a dominant force against the run,” Brugler wrote. “Though he has the traits to become an impactful NFL starter, he needs to stay conditioned and locked in to reach his potential.”

Round 5, Pick No. 159: Cedric Gray, LB, North Carolina

Round 5, Pick No. 173 (compensatory): Kalen King, CB, Penn State

Round 7, Pick No. 221: Tanner McLachlan, TE, Arizona

Gray has the talent to make the Chiefs’ initial roster if he does well in training camp and the preseason. He could be a strong contributor on special teams. King and McLachlan could learn on the practice squad as part of their development process.