What would a redshirt draft for the Chiefs look like?

Leading into the NFL Draft, we’ll develop different mock draft scenarios and what the Kansas City Chiefs should do in response to those situations. These aren’t predictions on what we think will happen, but what would be the right course of action should the specific circumstance play out.

Mock drafts are often based on each team’s current needs for the coming season. But we rarely think about what happens beyond a player’s rookie season — and we should. After all, a draft selection represents a four or five-year core investment. Sometimes a team doesn’t expect much from a drafted player during their rookie season, but is anticipating greater production during the rest of their rookie contract.

So let’s consider four prospects who might not give the Chiefs much help in 2025 — but with a redshirt year to grow and develop, could become valuable contributors in 2026 and beyond.

Round 1 (31): CB Trey Amos, Mississippi

The Chiefs should feel good about their starting cornerbacks, but there are some questions beyond the coming season. It’s very likely Trent McDuffie will be given a contract extension, but Jaylen Watson will probably become a free agent — and given his injury history, Kristian Fulton could easily be released to save $5 million in cap space. Drafting Amos could give the team some insurance for 2026.

As an older prospect, the 23-year-old might play immediately — and to his credit, I think he could. Among the cornerbacks likely to be available at 31, he’s my favorite. The others are Benjamin Morrison of Notre Dame and Shavon Revel Jr. of East Carolina. Revel just turned 24 and is coming off an ACL injury. The 21-year-old Morrison is the better bet in terms of age, but has had multiple hip injuries; there are questions about how he recovers athletically.

Amos is best in in zone coverage, where his speed, ball skills and instincts to sink on routes are big advantages — but he can also thrive in man coverage. While he isn’t super long or physical, he does have quick, fluid feet to match releases and routes.

In 2024, Kansas City played more quarters coverages — where Amos would be great — but since he can also play in man coverages, he’s a great scheme fit for any defense. That’s especially true for defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo’s versatile scheme.

Round 2 (63): TE Mason Taylor, LSU

It usually takes years to develop an NFL tight end, so it’s important to acquire one before Travis Kelce retires. I think it’s better to get with elite receiving traits — a harder-to-find skillset — but who still needs more strength development. Taylor fits that bill.

A smooth athlete who can use his agility to create separation from defenders, Taylor doesn’t lose speed on his cuts. While he isn’t a very explosive route runner, he can still win on any route over the middle of the field. Taylor has the instincts to find holes in zone coverage and open space on scramble drills — and can beat man coverage, too.

The problem is that Taylor needs plenty of work as a blocker. LSU did its best to keep him out of their running game — because when he was asked to block, it rarely went well. If Taylor never had to block, he’d be a top-50 prospect.

But this doesn’t mean he’ll never be able to do it. He might just need a few years to improve his blocking. Taylor has just turned 21 — and at 6 feet 5 and 250 pounds, he has the frame to get stronger. He could use a redshirt rookie season to mold his body into what he will need in the NFL.

Round 3 (66): S Andrew Mukaba, Texas

In 2026, Bryan Cook will be a free agent — and I would love Mukaba as his replacement.

He isn’t a Cook clone. Instead, he is a quarters safety who is elite in the box and triggering downhill on runs. A great tackler and run-support player, he does have some limitations in coverage — but as the Chiefs transition to a quarters defense, Mukaba would fit right in.

With Mukaba alongside Jaden Hicks, Kansas City would have two huge, athletic, explosive safeties who can tackle in space and blow up runs. I would love watching that.

Round 3 (95): DT Joshua Farmer, Florida State

While the Chiefs need defensive tackles in 2025, I selected a project player who needs development for this exercise.

In 2024, Florida State was a mess, going 2-10. The team’s players weren’t well-developed (and the vibe was poor from the start), so it’s hard to glean too much from the tape.

Still, Farmer showed high-level traits. He has elite length, decent size and a dynamic first step that lets him get into the backfield. While he has some pass-rushing juice, he can also defend against the run.

Before he can become an NFL starter, though, Farmer needs better pad level and more tools in his pass-rushing bag — but he has the traits to become a high-impact defender. He just needs time to develop.