There are many different ways that teams can go about their NFL Draft hauls. Some teams may look to rebuild one side of the ball at a heavy clip. Others may be looking to round out one specific position group to help push their quarterback further. And for more teams, just simply going with the best player available when their selection comes on the clock is a fine strategy as well.
The Kansas City Chiefs have a few different needs still worth addressing in a couple of weeks. Yet, what if the front office simply went with a more fan-favorite pattern with their selections? There will be plenty of local prospects in this year's draft class. That includes players from nearby schools, along with prospects who are Kansas City area natives.
While the Chiefs may not entirely go with a crop of local products, we are going to have some fun with the approach for this specific mock draft. How could a Kansas City draft end up by going with local pieces? Here is a potential haul with that particular process.
Round 1, Pick 31- Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri
Luther Burden III played his home college games roughly a couple of hours east of Arrowhead Stadium. The wide receiver had a dominant 2023 season, registering 1,212 receiving yards. His production took a bit of a dip in 2024, though Burden III was still a dynamic weapon in space with the ball in his hands. His ability after the catch and his versatility would be a nice addition to the Chiefs' offense.
Andy Reid's offense once had success with a Missouri wide receiver, in both Philadelphia and Kansas City, with Jeremy Maclin. Some people may scoff at the Chiefs adding yet another young wide receiver in the draft. Xavier Worthy, Rashee Rice, and Burden III would offer an exciting young trio for Patrick Mahomes to work with. Travis Kelce and Hollywood Brown are only going to be around for so long. This local product would offer the Chiefs a smooth transition at pass catcher after those older pieces move on.
Round 2, Pick 63- Aireontae Ersery, OL, Minnesota
Aireontae Ersery played his college career up north in the Big Ten with Minnesota. However, he is a Kansas City area native who could offer a fit for the Chiefs by coming back home. Ersery played his high school football at Ruskin in the southern portion of the city.
Ersery is a massive player. He started at left tackle the last three seasons. Overall, the Chiefs have Jaylon Moore and Jawaan Taylor set to play offensive tackle in 2025. But those two should not stop them from adding another offensive tackle in the draft. In fact, K.C. could save $20 million by moving on from Taylor next offseason, per Over The Cap. Ersery could develop into an offensive tackle starter for them. If not, guard is always a fallback option.
Round 3, Pick 66- Jacob Parrish, CB, Kansas State
Jacob Parrish played high school football at Olathe North High School, just west of Kansas City. Since then, he has starred as one of the top defenders for the Kansas State Wildcats. Parrish may not be the largest cornerback in this year's draft class, but there are many parts of his game that could make him a fit in the Steve Spagnuolo defense.
Parrish is incredibly quick and smooth with his transitions. He has had some success as a man-coverage cornerback. Meanwhile, Parrish appears to offer some versatility with his potential usage. This is a piece that may be a solid complement for someone like Trent McDuffie.
Round 3, Pick 95- Devin Neal, RB, Kansas
After playing at Lawrence High School, Devin Neal stayed in Lawrence to help lead the Kansas Jayhawks. Neal has become a fan favorite in the draft for some Chiefs fans. Part of that is due to his success as a local product on the college stage. But also, Neal is a natural fit within the Kansas City offense.
He has an intriguing mix of power, broken-tackle ability, and short-area quickness. His vision has also helped him create plenty of explosive plays while at Kansas. Neal can offer a change of pace, an upside as a pass-catcher, and a nice offset to what the Chiefs already have at running back.
Round 4, Pick 133- Ty Robinson, DL, Nebraska
Ty Robinson is a burly player along the defensive line. At a nearby school in Nebraska, he was a key leader for the Cornhuskers' defense. Robinson can add impressive movement skills. He is also a smart player, being able to rely on his read-and-react ability.
The Chiefs still have to find a way to get younger at defensive tackle next to Chris Jones. Robinson may be a developmental piece, compared to a more well-rounded prospect, though he found ways to impact both the run and pass game while at Nebraska.
Round 7, Pick 226- Logan Brown, OL, Kansas
In this spot, we went back to the well of the Kansas Jayhawks. Logan Brown started most of last season at offensive tackle. His run blocking likely stood as more of a positive for him. The Chiefs will generally be fine with adding more insurance at the trenches.
Round 7, Pick 251- Marques Sigle, SAF, Kansas State
Going back to the Kansas State options, Marques Sigle is yet another Wildcats defensive back who may spark interest. Kansas City would be adding two of the fastest defensive backs from this year's NFL Scouting Combine if they were to keep Parrish and Sigle together.
The Chiefs lost Justin Reid in free agency. As a result, adding more safety depth may not hurt for 2025 and beyond. Sigle can blow up plans for running backs as a run defender. His physical upside may allow him to rotate to different spots within the defensive formation.
Round 7, Pick 256- Graham Mertz, QB, Florida
Graham Mertz was a quarterback at Blue Valley North High School in Overland Park, Kansas, just southwest of Kansas City. Before committing to Wisconsin, ESPN rated Mertz as a four-star recruit. He would eventually transfer to Florida to join the Gators. Mertz dealt with up-and-down play and injuries during his college career. Nonetheless, there were still moments of growth.
The Chiefs have rotated to a few different backup quarterbacks in recent years behind Patrick Mahomes. Mertz may be an experienced option in the draft to close out their selections here. He is more of a pocket passer. Even still, it would be easy to envision him as a backup quarterback in an Andy Reid system.