KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- The 2025 NFL draft kicked off in Green Bay, Wisconsin, on Thursday. The Kansas City Chiefs made seven of the draft's 257 picks, beginning with the No. 31 selection of the first round where they took offensive tackle Josh Simmons. Here's a deeper look at how each of their picks could fit onto the roster.
Analysis of every pick | Updated depth chart
Kansas City Chiefs 2025 draft picks
Round 1, No. 31: Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State
My take: Simmons could be the long-term left tackle the Chiefs have been searching for for the past several seasons. The torn patella that prematurely ended his 2024 season at Ohio State is a concern, but the Chiefs did extensive research on his injury and concluded it won't be a problem going forward. Coach Andy Reid said Simmons would be ready to participate when training camp begins in July.
Will he start as a rookie? The Chiefs signed veteran Jaylon Moore in free agency, setting up a potential position battle with Simmons for the starting spot at left tackle. But the Chiefs didn't spend a first-round pick on Simmons with the expectation he would be a backup his entire rookie season. He'll be the starter at some point in 2025 if not immediately.
What we're hearing about Simmons: "When he's healthy with the tape he had early on last year before the injury, it puts him up there [as] a future starter and difference maker at left tackle.'' -- Chiefs general manager Brett Veach
What's next: The Chiefs can cover some ground with one pick in the second round and two in the third. They could use some help on the defensive line and particularly at tackle, where Tershawn Wharton and Derrick Nnadi left through free agency. Kansas City would also like to add at cornerback, even after signing Kristian Fulton in free agency.
Round 2, No. 63: Omarr Norman-Lott, DT, Tennessee
My take: The Chiefs needed to replenish the middle of their defensive line. Chris Jones is turning 31 in July and two of last season's regulars, Tershawn Wharton and Derrick Nnadi, departed through free agency. Playing time will be available for Norman-Lott right away.
Will he start as a rookie? In addition to Jones, the Chiefs have veterans Mike Pennel Jr. and Jerry Tillery on the interior of their defensive line, so Norman-Lott is more likely to begin the season as a rotational player. He could earn a bigger role as the season goes along.
Round 3, No. 66 (via Tennessee): Ashton Gillotte, DE, Louisville
My take: The Chiefs have depth on the edge but not so much that Gillotte can't earn some playing time, particularly on passing downs. The Chiefs were 19th in the league last season in sacks with 39, so there will be an opportunity for Gillotte to get on the field as a rookie.
Key stat: George Karlaftis led the Chiefs with eight sacks in 2024 but he was their only defensive end who was productive as a pass rusher. Their other main edge players -- Mike Danna, Felix Anudike-Uzomah and Charles Omenihu -- had only seven sacks between them and all are back for the 2025 season.
Round 3, No. 85: Nohl Williams, CB, Cal
My take: The Chiefs have Trent McDuffie at cornerback and signed Kristian Fulton in free agency to join him in the starting lineup. But they can still use the depth that Williams provides. Williams could serve as the third or fourth cornerback as a rookie, depending on whether he can beat out veteran Jaylen Watson for playing time. Either way, the Chiefs will count on him for help as a special teams player.
What we're hearing about Nohl Williams: "He can come in and contribute right away. We have a lot of good players in the room. I think his special teams, the value there is obviously where he can probably make an impact early. I think just with his experience, his résumé, I think he's probably more ready than a lot of corners you might take in that range.'' -- Mike Bradway, Chiefs director of player personnel
Round 4, No. 133: Jalen Royals, WR, Utah State
My take: The Chiefs already have Xavier Worthy, Rashee Rice, Hollywood Brown and JuJu Smith-Schuster as their top four wide receivers, so Royals likely won't get much playing time as a rookie. His biggest impact in 2025 could come on special teams, where he might get a chance to return kicks.
Round 5, No. 156: Jeffrey Bassa LB Oregon
My take: The Chiefs have a veteran linebacker group with Nick Bolton, Drue Tranquill and Leo Chenal. There won't be much if any playing time for Bassa as a rookie unless he can help on special teams.
Round 7, No. 228: Brashard Smith, RB, SMU
My take: The Chiefs wanted to add more speed to their backfield and did it with the addition of Smith, who was a productive player in his one season at SMU and gives the Chiefs yet another option as a kick return specialist.