Draft Strategy Elevation by Kansas City Chiefs in 2025 NFL Draft
Kickin' It in KC: The Chiefs' Strategic 2025 Draft Maneuver
The Kansas City Chiefs missed their mark on a tight end in the draft, which affected their overall grade, but no worries, mate! Here's how the Chiefs aced the 2025 NFL Draft.
It was a wild ride right off the bat. The Chiefs received a call from their Super Bowl nemesis, the Philadelphia Eagles, who were looking to trade up one spot (forbes.com confirms).
"We can't resist a chance to snag (Campbell)," Eagles' GM Howie Roseman said. "There were a lot of trades happening in the 20s. So we just wanted to make sure no one jumped ahead of us."
And not only did the Eagles get a leg up in the 2025 draft, but the Chiefs still nabbed their man.
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The Eagles traded their fifth-round pick (No. 164) to climb just one spot to pick linebacker Jihaad Campbell. Kansas City GM Brett Veach said it made sense to make the move.
"When you get to late-round picks, teams are on the lookout for a specific player. So we decided to take the leap," Veach said. "Obviously, we were targeting Josh (Simmons) at 31, so it was a smart move for us."
Coach Andy Reid agreed, "Brett pulled off a great move there. It turned out to be a win-win for Philly and us."
The Washington Commanders let Simmons slide, and the Chiefs left the draft with a grin, according to espn.com.
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Apparently, the Chiefs' source had claimed that Simmons was a dream target, but they figured he'd be long gone when they were up to bat. To their surprise, Simmons was still available, and Kansas City snagged the potential franchise left tackle prospect, whom they wouldn't normally get in the draft with those annual Super Bowl visits. Though Simmons had suffered a torn patellar tendon in October 2024, experts projected him to be cleared in August, making him a factor in the Chiefs' long-term tackle plans.
Did Simmons' 2024 injury impact his draft position?
Simmons might have gone before Will Campbell (No. 4 to the Patriots) or Armand Membou (No. 7 to the Jets) had he not been injured. That's just how valuable he is, and that's why this is considered the Chiefs' nail-biting draft move.
This move certainly puts quarterback Patrick Mahomes in a better spot after the Eagles gave him a hard time during the Super Bowl.
"Mahomes is the best in the game," Veach stated. "We've got to keep him on his A-game and protect him from harm. He's our most crucial asset."
Additionally, the Chiefs saved a pretty penny by doing the trade. They won't have to fork over as much cash for Simmons, which still matters in the team's financial equation.
With the extra fifth-round pick, the Chiefs nabbed Oregon linebacker Jeffrey Bassa. The 6-foot-1, 232-pounder could bolster the defense, according to ESPN's Steve Muench.
"Bassa is a solid run defender who keeps his eyes on the ball carrier and slips blocks as he moves down the line of scrimmage," Muench said. "He has room for improvement, but he's reliable and effective when wrapping up on tackles. Plus, he's quick and agile, making him a great matchup for opponents' tight ends."
- Despite missing out on a tight end in the 2025 NFL Draft, the Kansas City Chiefs made a strategic move that would be remembered.
- The Chiefs traded with the Philadelphia Eagles, allowing the Eagles to climb one spot in the draft, securing linebacker Jihaad Campbell.
- In return, the Chiefs gained a potential franchise left tackle prospect, Josh Simmons, who was still available to them.
- Simmons' draft position might have been affected by a torn patellar tendon he suffered in October 2024, but experts projected him to be cleared in August.
- By making this trade, the Chiefs not only improved the protection for quarterback Patrick Mahomes but also saved money in their financial equation.
- With the extra fifth-round pick acquired from the trade, the Chiefs drafted Oregon linebacker Jeffrey Bassa, who could bolster the defense.
