Brett Veach has a bit of a reputation. If you've followed the Kansas City Chiefs for any length of time, you know the guy doesn't just sit on his hands when the draft clock is ticking. This year was no different. Everyone thought they knew exactly what was coming. "They need a tackle," they said. "The defensive line is thin," they cried.
Well, they were right. But the way it went down? That's where the story gets interesting.
The Chiefs 2025 draft picks weren't just about filling holes on a roster that nearly pulled off a three-peat. It was about finding guys who actually fit the "Chiefs Way"—which basically means you have to be versatile, a bit of a dog, and smart enough to handle Steve Spagnuolo’s defensive playbook, which I’m pretty sure is written in ancient hieroglyphics.
The Big Swing at Pick 32
The night started with a classic Veach move. He traded down one spot with the Eagles, snagging an extra fifth-round pick in the process, and still landed the guy he wanted: Josh Simmons, the massive offensive tackle from Ohio State.
It was a gamble.
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Simmons tore his patellar tendon back in October, which is a nasty injury for anyone, let alone a 300-plus pound lineman. But Andy Reid was blunt about it. He said the team felt Simmons was a "true left tackle." If he’s healthy? Patrick Mahomes has a blindside protector for the next decade. If the rehab stalls? Then things get a little dicey in the trenches. Honestly, it’s the kind of high-reward pick that makes or breaks a GM's summer.
The Defensive Reinforcements
Friday night was all about the "Spags" identity. The Chiefs doubled down on the defensive side of the ball with three straight picks.
- Omarr Norman-Lott (DT, Tennessee): This was a value grab. PFF had him as the number four defensive tackle on their board. He's got a pass-rush win rate that leads the nation, which is exactly what you want next to Chris Jones. Jones gets the triple teams, and Norman-Lott gets the glory.
- Ashton Gillotte (EDGE, Louisville): People were a little confused by this one because the edge room is already pretty crowded. But Gillotte has been training with George Karlaftis already. That connection matters. He’s 264 pounds of pure effort.
- Nohl Williams (CB, California): This is the "pesky" man-to-man corner that Spagnuolo adores. He had seven interceptions last year. Seven! He’s not the fastest guy on the field, but he’s always where the ball is.
The Saturday Steal
By the time Saturday rolled around, most fans were just waiting for the running back pick. But then Jalen Royals fell into their lap at pick 133.
Talk about a gift.
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Royals is a wide receiver from Utah State who plays a lot like Rashee Rice. He’s incredible after the catch and scored 21 touchdowns over his last two college seasons. Getting him in the fourth round? That’s highway robbery. Mel Kiper Jr. had him ranked way higher, and you could practically hear the collective sigh of relief from the Chiefs’ front office when they turned in the card.
The draft wrapped up with a couple of flyers that could turn into something special. Jeffrey Bassa, a former safety who turned into a linebacker at Oregon, brings that sideline-to-sideline speed the Chiefs love. Then there's Brashard Smith, the SMU running back. He’s a converted receiver with 4.39 speed. He’s raw, sure, but in Andy Reid’s offense? He’s a gadget-play nightmare waiting to happen.
Why This Class Matters
The Chiefs are in a weird spot. They’ve won two of the last three Super Bowls, but they lost the big one last year to the Eagles. The "downfall" narrative is always lurking. This draft was designed to kill that narrative.
They addressed the offensive line. They got younger on the defensive interior. They found a vertical threat for Mahomes.
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It’s not a perfect class—waiting until the seventh round for a running back felt a little risky given Isiah Pacheco’s injury history—but it’s a class built for longevity. They didn't just draft for 2025; they drafted for 2027 and beyond.
Actionable Insights for Fans
If you're looking to keep an eye on how these Chiefs 2025 draft picks develop, here is what you should watch for during training camp:
- The Simmons Watch: Check the injury reports daily. If Simmons is participating in 11-on-11 drills by early August, the gamble paid off.
- Sub-Package Rotations: Watch how many snaps Omarr Norman-Lott gets with the first team during preseason. If he's rotating in on third downs, he's going to be a factor early.
- Special Teams Impact: Brashard Smith and Nohl Williams are both prime candidates for the new kickoff return rules. Their value might show up there before it does on offense or defense.
Keep an eye on the waiver wire too. With this many talented rookies coming in, some veterans who have been around for a while might find themselves on the bubble. The roster competition in St. Joseph is going to be brutal this year.