Drafting Missteps by the Kansas City Chiefs: Breaking Down Their 2025 NFL Draft Mishaps
Embracing the Faults in the Chiefs' Strategic Choices
NFL's Kansas City Chiefscommit three significant blunders during the 2025 Draft
We all know the Kansas City Chiefs aced their first-round pick with Josh Simmons, a promising offensive tackle prospect. But their other decisions? Not so much. Here are the three major blunders the Chiefs made during the 2025 NFL Draft.
Mistake No. 1 - Taking Omar Norman-Lott in the Second Round
First off, let's clarify that Omar Norman-Lott could possibly become a solid player with prospective starter potential. However, some NFL experts believe that General Manager Brett Veach missed the mark with this pick at No. 63. According to ESPN, our group of analysts weren't particularly high on Norman-Lott[1].
Why the fuss? It's all about value. Other players with higher rankings and potential, such as Darius Alexander, should have been on the Chiefs' radar[2]. Alexander has the potential to shine as a standout player, making Norman-Lott's selection seem a little questionable.
One cannot help but question the logic when Chiefs' draft decisions seemingly undervalue certain players who would be better fits for their roster.
Mistake No. 2: Neglecting the CB Position
Not just picking Omar Norman-Lott over a cornerback candidate, but also waiting until the third round to address the CB position. That was a crucial error[2]. Instead of drafting Ashton Gillotte out of Louisville, the Chiefs could have nabbed players like Darien Porter, Azaerey'h Thomas, or Shavon Revel Jr. Who do you think the Raiders were thrilled about[1]? You guessed it — not having the Chiefs snap up Porter from them.
In an ideal world, the Chiefs would have made a better choice by opting for Azareye'h Thomas, a player who fit nicely into Steve Spagnuolo's aggressive defensive approach[2]. The fact that Thomas was available in the third round and the Chiefs didn't pounce is difficult to grasp.
Mistake No. 3: Failing to Fortify the Wide Receiver Position
The Chiefs stumbled again with their selection of Nohl Williams at pick No. 85, missing an opportunity to bolster their wide receiver corps. While Williams' press coverage prowess will reinforce the defensive unit, filling this gap was an essential need for Patrick Mahomes and the offense.
The Chiefs let too many talented players slip through their fingers after Williams, especially Chimere Dike, a massive receiver with impressive speed. Dike went to the Titans, while Dont'e Thornton Jr., another sizeable receiver, joined the Chiefs' division rival Raiders.
Though the Chiefs managed a relatively successful draft, strengthening the WR position could have significantly bolstered the team's potential for success during the 2025 season.
Sources:
- The Kansas City Chiefs drafted a defensive tackle in Round 2. Was it a value pick?
- NFL Draft Grades 2025: Wisconsin GM Brett Veach misses out on CB prospect
- Why the Kansas City Chiefs whiffed big in the 2025 NFL Draft
Additional Insights:
The NFL Draft is a critical moment for every team, with unearthed gems potentially catapulting their fortunes. However, draft missteps can hinder their success and leave fans questioning the tactical wisdom of some coaching staffs. Here are some fun facts about the 2025 NFL Draft:
- In the first ten rounds of the draft, 253 players were chosen. More than half of those players come from NCAA Division I football programs, with others coming from smaller Division II and Division III schools, as well as independent or Canadian universities.
- Draft order is determined by a team's record from the previous season and a complex system of tiebreakers. Teams with a worse record have a higher pick in the draft, creating incentives for struggling teams to underperform in the last few weeks of the season.
- The NFL Draft is a three-day event, with the first round taking place on Thursday night, followed by Rounds 2 and 3 on Friday, and Rounds 4 through 7 on Saturday. The event attracts millions of viewers, generates revenue for host cities, and showcases the future of American football.
- Players chosen in the NFL Draft often experience a rollercoaster of emotions. Everything from excitement to nervousness to disbelief floods their systems as their dreams of playing professional football become more tangible. It's a moment that shapes their lives and the course of their careers.
- The Kansas City Chiefs' draft strategy in 2025 was questionable, as seen in their selection of Omar Norman-Lott over Darius Alexander, a player with higher rankings and potential.
- The Chiefs missed an opportunity to draft Azareye'h Thomas, a cornerback who fit Steve Spagnuolo's aggressive defensive approach, in the third round.
- In the 2025 NFL Draft, the Chiefs failed to address the wide receiver position, passing on opportunities to draft players like Chimere Dike, whose selection by the Titans left a void in their roster.
- The physicality and average size of the 2025 NFL Draft were noteworthy, with 253 players from Division I, II, III, independent, and Canadian universities being chosen over three days.
