The Kansas City Chiefs were “Super Bowl or bust” last season, so consider last season a bust. While many teams like to talk about “reloading” instead of “rebuilding,” it’s usually a PR move in order to keep fans happy. In the case of the Chiefs, they actually are reloading this season, so the Kansas City Chiefs draft picks will be looked at closely.
Of course, the Chiefs traded away Tyreek Hill. They have used NFL Free Agency to replace some of that production, but look for them to take a wide receiver early as well.
Let’s take a look at the full list of 2022 Chiefs draft picks. We will also review the Kansas City Chiefs draft needs and do a short mock draft of the first couple of rounds to fill these needs.
2022 Chiefs Draft Picks
| ROUND | OVERALL | FROM |
| 1 | 29 | via SF through MIA |
| 1 | 30 | |
| 2 | 50 | via MIA |
| 2 | 62 | |
| 3 | 94 | |
| 3 | 103 | Compensatory |
| 4 | 121 | via MIA |
| 4 | 135 | |
| 7 | 233 | via MIN |
| 7 | 243 | via LV through NE |
| 7 | 251 | |
| 7 | 259 | Compensatory |
This is a nice group of Kansas City Chiefs draft picks. They have a first, second and fourth-round draft pick this season from the Dolphins for Tyreek Hill. Look for the Chiefs to draft a receiver early.
Kansas City Chiefs Draft Needs
Wide Receiver
Obviously, the Chiefs traded away Tyreek Hill, but they had a need at wide receiver prior to this. They went and signed JuJu Smith-Shuster and Marquez Valdes-Scantling, but this passing attack could use a couple of other threats. Look for Kansas City to find a wide receiver early in the draft.
Edge Rusher
It’s clear the Chiefs have a need for an edge rusher. With their secondary getting exposed at times last season and only getting worse so far this offseason, generating a pass rush will be important to protecting their back end. They ranked 29th in total sacks (31) last season. However, this need becomes even more extreme with the passing attacks in the AFC West improving this offseason.
Cornerback
The Chiefs’ secondary last season wasn’t overwhelmingly good. So, with them losing their top cornerback in free agency, it’s clear cornerback will be one of the top Kansas City Chiefs draft needs. They should address this need partially in free agency, though Day 2 of the draft will have some nice prospects for them as well.
Other Positions of Need: Defensive Line, Linebacker, Offensive Line
Kansas City Chiefs Mock Draft | Mel Kiper Mock Draft
Mel Kiper’s most recent mock draft came out prior to the Hill trade. So, he only has the 30th overall pick projected. So, we will keep his No. 30 pick, while No. 29 is coming from me.
Round 1, Pick 29: Treylon Burks, WR, Arkansas
Treylon Burks is a big, athletic wide receiver that gives this Chiefs offense something it lacks. While his route-running could use some work, his ability to make plays after the catch will be utilized. He will play that Sammy Watkins role, but hopefully be healthier and more reliable. His presence in the red zone would be especially dangerous alongside Travis Kelce.
Round 1, Pick 30: George Karlaftis, DE, Purdue
George Karlaftis is a well-rounded defensive end that can clearly get after the passer, but he would also improve the Chiefs’ run defense. Playing alongside other talented players will open things up for him. Don’t be scared away by his numbers at Purdue.
