The Kansas City Chiefs’ signature move this offseason seems designed to take pressure off Patrick Mahomes, and the franchise could use its first-round pick in the upcoming NFL Draft to keep pressure from opposing quarterbacks off the three-time Super Bowl MVP winning quarterback, as well.
By signing Super Bowl MVP running back Kenneth Walker, the Chiefs invested in a legitimate and significant upgrade in a running game that was in desperate need of one, and could look to the NFL Draft to bolster the offensive line in front of Mahomes both to keep the quarterback upright and open up running lanes for their new workhorse back.
NFL Draft: Kansas City Chiefs could take one of the top offensive tackles
NFL Draft
Dec 31, 2025; Arlington, TX, USA; Miami Hurricanes offensive lineman Francis Mauigoa (61) blocks Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Arvell Reese (8) during the 2025 Cotton Bowl and quarterfinal game of the College Football Playoff at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
In CBS Sports NFL analyst Pete Prisco’s latest mock draft, the Chiefs make a major investment along the offensive line, selecting tackle Francis Mauigoa, out of Miami, with the No. 9 overll selection.
“They have a need at right tackle,” Prisco points out, for CBS. “Although Jaylon Moore can play there — and Mauigoa can be a starter right away. Down the line, he could also be a guard, which is what some scouts think he will be.”
By investing a high-end pick in a “brick wall” like Mauigoa, the Chiefs would be ensuring that Kenneth Walker’s arrival isn’t wasted behind a patchwork front.
Mauigoa’s ability to anchor the right side as a day-one starter provides the exact kind of high-floor protection Patrick Mahomes needs to stay clean while transitioning the offense into its most balanced and dangerous version we’ve seen in the Andy Reid era.
NFL Draft
Dec 21, 2025; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid during the second half against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images