Chiefs 7-Round Mock Draft: KC Gets Aggressive with Two Trades

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Nov 26, 2022; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Hurricanes tight end Will Mallory (85) reacts after making a catch against the Pittsburgh Panthers during the first half at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /

Round 6, No. 178 (via MIA): Will Mallory, TE, Miami

Will Mallory put himself on the map with an impressive week at the NFL Combine. He graded out with the 63rd highest RAS (for tight ends) out of the 1,020 currently in the RAS database (since 1987). Long story short, Mallory is an exceptional athlete for the position.

Travis Kelce is still at the peak of his powers, but he will turn 34 in October, and as we all know, Father Time stops for no man (okay, maybe for Tom Brady). Mallory can learn under the guidance of the best tight end in NFL history, giving Patrick Mahomes a potential long-term replacement at tight end.

Round 6, No. 217: BJ Thompson, EDGE, Stephen F. Austin

The Chiefs have some high-quality youngsters on the defense, and after adding Gervon Dexter earlier in the mock draft, the defensive line looks strong for 2023. This gives Kansas City the freedom to take a raw prospect like BJ Thompson at No. 217. Thompson boasts a spectacular spin move, but his lanky frame needs to fill out more. He is a developmental piece with starter upside down the line.

Round 7, No. 249: Benny Sapp III, DB, Northern Iowa

The Chiefs love to play two-high safeties, and even with Justin Reid, Bryan Cook, and Mike Edwards, the roster could use more depth behind them. Benny Sapp III is a potential diamond in the rough this late in the mock draft. The Northern Iowa star exhibits elite ball skills and plays with the physicality necessary to hold up in the box. Sapp presents competition in practice for those above him on the depth chart.

Round 7, No. 250: Khalan Laborn, RB, Marshall

The Chiefs found something special in the seventh round last year with Isiah Pacheco. The former Rutgers running back took over the RB1 role down the stretch and provided steady play behind Patrick Mahomes. Kansas City looks to do the same with Marshall’s Khalan Laborn.

Laborn, like Pacheco, is an older prospect, but his upside is similar. Once a four-star recruit, the gifted ball carrier possesses NFL talent in droves but has a track record of off-the-field issues. He’s matured exponentially over the years, and with a special competitive edge, and supreme athleticism, Laborn can compete for a roster spot as a rookie.

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