Kansas City Chiefs last five first round draft picks include three-time Super Bowl MVP and 2020 First-Team All-Pro

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The NFL Draft is only three days away and the Chiefs are scheduled to have the last pick of the first round.

Kansas City has traded away four first-round picks in the last eight years.

This has significantly helped their overall roster building and allowed Brett Veach to demonstrate his drafting intelligence.

2017: Patrick Mahomes selected to be Alex Smith’s successor

The Chiefs first-round pick in 2017 needs no introduction. Patrick Mahomes has taken the NFL by storm and has been the engine of this rampant Chiefs offense for six seasons.

During his three Super Bowl wins, Mahomes was awarded the MVP in all finals. Throw in two regular season MVP awards, he has already cemented himself as one of the greatest quarterbacks to have played the game. In addition, his only loss in a Super Bowl was at the hands of the G.O.A.T Tom Brady – no shame in that.

Ironically, Mahomes was the third quarterback taken in the 2017 NFL Draft. At 28, he has no ceiling and will try to catch Tom Brady who sits at the head of the NFL table.

The Chiefs decided to trade their next two first-rounders to the Buffalo Bills and Seattle Seahawks in 2018 and 2019.

2020: Edwards-Helaire is hopeful to be the answer at running back

In 2020, Chiefs Kingdom selected LSU prospect Clyde Edwards-Helaire. The running back would become the starter in an explosive rookie season, logging 803 yards off 13 games.

Sadly, his sophomore season was severely affected by a knee injury and he managed to play 10 games.

The emergence of Isiah Pacheco, lack of production, and a struggle to stay healthy, saw Edward-Helaire become the backup rusher.

Ultimately, he hit free agency in 2024 but was re-signed to the Chiefs roster.

2022: Defensive pieces McDuffie and Kalaftis arrive on the scene

Kansas City had to wait until 2022 for their next first-round pick after trading with the Baltimore Ravens the year before.

Steve Spagnuolo was gifted the services of cornerback Trent McDuffie. The sophomore had a breakout season in 2023 recording excellent statistics: Three sacks, 80 total tackles, seven passes defended, and five forced fumbles.

Furthermore, McDuffie’s stellar season was rewarded with a First-Team All-Pro selection. L’Jarius Sneed’s trade to the Tennessee Titans means the 23-year-old could be promoted to CB1 in 2024.

In addition to McDuffie, the Chiefs secured another first-round pick that year in the form of Greek defensive end George Karlaftis.

Kalaftis dominates offensive lines in a brilliant 2023 campaign

The rookie of Purdue had a productive campaign in 2022, with 33 tackles, six sacks, and two fumble recoveries. Karlaftis built upon his first season with an outstanding sophomore breakthrough. Whilst winning his second Super Bowl, he recorded: 47 tackles and 10.5 sacks.

Moreover, the Greek edge rusher has a natural ability to read the quarterback’s intentions with the ball. Therefore, he has notched up 10 passes defended as a D-Lineman.

McDuffie and Karlaftis are set on winning their third Super Bowl in as many NFL seasons.

2023: Defensive edge Anudike-Uzomah joins out of Kansas

In 2023, despite winning Super Bowl LXII, the Chiefs picked at #31 due to the Miami Dolphins being stripped of an opening selection. Chiefs Kingdom welcomed defensive edge Anudike-Uzomah.

The local prospect out of Kansas had a limited role in his rookie season, logging just 218 snaps. Overall he recorded 14 tackles, 0.5 sacks, and a fumble recovery. Chiefs fans should expect to see more activity from their first-round pick as he enters his second year.

Kansas City is expected to draft a wide receiver or left tackle with their first choice on Thursday.

Brett Veach and Andy Reid will put their brains together to choose the most suitable player at pick #32.