Chiefs and ‘The Beast’: NFL Draft guide takeaways on top-100 potential targets (2024)

Draft season begins the moment we reach Beast Day, the annual release of The Athletic’s thorough NFL Draft guide compiled by Dane Brugler, our draft guru. With the draft two weeks away, Brugler released “The Beast” on Wednesday, his extensive scouting reports for more than 400 prospects for this year’s draft class.

The Kansas City Chiefs, the league’s reigning champions, have retained much of their stellar defensive unit from last season. Their biggest acquisition in free agency was signing receiver Marquise Brown to a one-year deal. But the Chiefs could use another strong draft class to ensure their dynasty continues to thrive. The Chiefs have seven selections in the NFL Draft — and could use one of their two 2025 third-round picks, following the trade of cornerback L’Jarius Sneed, to move up in the first or second round.

The Chiefs’ top three picks are within the first 100 selections, so this is the perfect time to use “The Beast” to get better insight on which prospects appear to be the best fit for the team’s roster.

Below are the most intriguing prospects on offense and defense who could be targeted by general manager Brett Veach and coach Andy Reid on opening night and Day 2 of the draft with Brugler’s scouting report on the player.

Left tackle

Although there are sexier positions, the biggest hole on the roster is at left tackle, the lineman responsible for protecting quarterback Patrick Mahomes’ blind side. Of course, the Chiefs could call Donovan Smith after the draft and potentially re-sign him to another one-year deal. But they could also trade up in the first round to acquire a prospect they believe can be a plug-and-play left tackle. Here appear to be their options.

Amarius Mims, OT, Georgia (No. 19 overall): He played right tackle in college, but Mims has the talent to be a starting left tackle. He is also a prospect who could be available if the Chiefs want to move up eight or 10 spots through a trade.

Brugler’s report: “He creates terrific extension with the play strength to control the point of attack. Overall, Mims isn’t as far along fundamentally (especially in the run game) as other tackles in the class, but he is a natural in pass protection with above-average length, footwork and body twitch to handle different types of edge rushers. Though there is projection involved with his draft grade, his best football is ahead of him, and he has the talent to become a long-term starter at left or right tackle.”

Kingsley Suamataia, BYU (No. 40): Near the end of the first round, Suamataia could be the best candidate to be a possible plug-and-play left tackle. He also had a pre-draft visit with the Chiefs. Suamataia, 21, is one of the youngest prospects in this year’s class, which could be another bonus factor for Veach and Reid.

Brugler’s report: “Suamataia is still very young and lacks refinement in several areas, but his blend of size, mobility and core power is the foundation of a scheme-diverse NFL starter. He will require a patient coaching staff who can ease his transition to the pro level.”

Kingsley Suamataia (#78) giving the defender a whirl pic.twitter.com/xbxiGuY7QE

— Nate Tice (@Nate_Tice) January 31, 2024

Patrick Paul, Houston (No. 59): In the second round, Paul could be a developmental prospect for the Chiefs, setting up a compelling competition against Wanya Morris for the starting role. Paul has plenty of talent but needs to polish some of his blocking techniques.

Brugler’s report: “His length becomes a detriment when he misses, and his pad level and timing are still in the developmental phase. Overall, Paul has the size and length to keep defenders occupied, but his rhythm breaks down quickly, and opponents will find success until he improves his rudimentary recovery technique and hand usage. Similar in ways to Chukwuma Okorafor, he has the tools to develop into a functional NFL starter, but he might require a redshirt year.”

Receiver

The wise move is for the Chiefs to keep investing high draft picks into the position, considering Mahomes is in his prime and tight end Travis Kelce will be 35 in October. Adding Brown in free agency was a start. But adding a dynamic rookie should help the Chiefs offense regain potency.

Brian Thomas Jr., LSU (No. 15): The Chiefs would need to trade up to get into a range to select Thomas. He’s a bona fide first-round receiver with size (listed at 6-foot-4), speed (40-yard dash in 4.33 seconds), excellent hands, strong route-running ability and the ability to make dynamic highlights.

Brugler’s report: “He consistently gets on top of coverage with his quick acceleration (his 1.78-second ‘flying 20’ was the fastest at the combine), although crisper cuts and improved leverage will help him create better separation out of breaks. Overall, Thomas plays with impressive length, fluid speed and ball-winning athleticism. If his route efficiency catches up with his natural talent, he will be a dangerous weapon in the NFL. He projects as a quality NFL starter with the upside of Tee Higgins.”

When you think you are even with @brianthomas_11, he’s leaving defenders ✌️💨

Watch the full breakdown TOMORROW on the #CutToIt✂️ YouTube page! 📺 pic.twitter.com/sFnqLeOJBr

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— Steve Smith Sr. (@SteveSmithSr89) April 4, 2024

Adonai Mitchell, Texas (No. 33): Mitchell may have the perfect blend of size (listed at 6-4) and speed (ran a 4.34-second 40-yard dash at the combine) to excel in the Chiefs offense, even as a rookie. He also has excellent hands.

Brugler’s report: “Mitchell needs to become a more detail-focused receiver to fully unlock his talent, but he has the body length, loose athleticism and catch-point skills to be a chain-moving weapon. He projects as a rangy, outside-the-numbers target with the lean, limber body type reminiscent of the late Chris Henry.”

Troy Franklin, Oregon (No. 58): Franklin, who is listed at 6-2 and 178 pounds, can be effective in the intermediate and deep areas of the field, as he recorded eight receptions of 40-plus yards last year.

Brugler’s report: “Though he tracks the ball in flight, he has smaller hands, and his finishing focus is inconsistent — especially through contact against physical defensive backs. He will struggle early on against NFL press coverage. Overall, Franklin’s polish and catch consistency must improve, but he can be a big-play weapon (before and after the catch), because of his linear twitch and gliding acceleration. He projects as a field-stretching Z receiver, similar to D.J. Chark.”

OH MY GOODNESS… AGAIN! 😳@oregonfootball making it look EASY! pic.twitter.com/12GKvAQS3i

— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) November 12, 2023

Ja’Lynn Polk, Washington (No. 74): Polk could be the receiver version of cornerback Trent McDuffie, a fellow former Husky who is above average at almost every skill necessary for his position. Polk can work against zone coverage, make impressive receptions in one-on-one opportunities and can generate plenty of yards after the catch.

Brugler’s report: “Polk must continue developing as a route runner, but he is a natural athlete addressing the football, with three-level instincts and pro-level toughness. A potential NFL starter, his game is reminiscent of Josh Palmer’s when he was coming out of Tennessee.”

Guard

The Chiefs have just three guards on their roster: Joe Thuney (who is recovering from a pectoral injury), Trey Smith (who is entering the final year of his rookie contract) and Mike Caliendo (who has limited experience).

Christian Haynes, Connecticut (No. 47): Similar to Trey Smith, Haynes has the talent to be a potential starter as a rookie.

Brugler’s report: “Haynes doesn’t always play up to his testing numbers, but his play strength, football IQ and finishing mentality make him equipped for battle against NFL fronts. He has the floor of a high-level backup but should compete for starting reps at guard during his rookie season.”

UConn OL Christian Haynes took a rep at center and pissed off LSU DL Jordan Jefferson while he was at it lol pic.twitter.com/moUHd2HJj9

— Nick Harris (@NickHarrisDC) January 31, 2024

Dominick Puni, Kansas (No. 56): The Chiefs should have plenty of insight on Puni, who spent his entire college career, at Kansas and Central Missouri, just a short drive from Arrowhead Stadium. Puni could also have the same career as Nick Allegretti, a quality backup who could be a spot starter when necessary.

Brugler’s report: “He plays big, powerful and sends a harsh message with his hands while staying controlled through contact. He can play tackle if needed, but projects best as an NFL starting guard or center.”

Defensive end

The Chiefs have four capable players at the position in Mike Danna, George Karlaftis, Felix Anudike-Uzomah and Malik Herring. But you can always add more pass rushers, especially with the most talented player at the position, Charles Omenihu, recovering from a torn ACL in his right knee.

Marshawn Kneeland, Western Michigan (No. 32): Known for his consistent production against the run, Kneeland could develop into a quality pass rusher throughout the time of his rookie contract.

Brugler’s report: “Kneeland is still taking classes in the art of the pass rush, but he is charged up into contact and displays twitch throughout his frame, which allows him to defeat blockers in different ways. He projects as a starting base end whose best football is yet to come.”

Darius Robinson, Missouri (No. 35): He is so comparable to Karlaftis, someone who is relentless, always on the field and usually doesn’t miss when in position to make a play.

Brugler’s report: “Robinson is straight out of central casting with his frame, length and power at contact, but he needs to introduce better skill and efficiency to his game for quicker sheds versus NFL blocking. He projects as a base end in either an odd or even front who can shift inside in subpackages.”

Darius Robinson vs. Tyler Guyton 😳 pic.twitter.com/IhV9ufXv4C

— Nick Baumgardner (@nickbaumgardner) January 31, 2024

Bralen Trice, Washington (No. 82): A potential speed rusher listed at 245 pounds. On film, you can see that Trice plays with heavy hands and his tenacious playing style should help him succeed at the NFL level.

Brugler’s report: “Trice doesn’t have exceptional edge speed or length and needs to be more consistent in the run game, but his athletic urgency and violent play style will help translate his college disruption to the pros. He projects as a scheme-diverse rotational NFL end.”

Cornerback

In the aftermath of the Sneed trade, the Chiefs could be in the market to add a cornerback in the second or third round. The team has three projected starters in Trent McDuffie, Joshua Williams and Jaylen Watson. A rookie acquired in the draft could compete for the fourth spot on the depth chart.

T.J. Tampa, Iowa State (No. 55): If the Chiefs want to acquire another physical, press-man cornerback, Tampa is the prototypical prospect. He has long arms, big hands and enjoys getting into tussles with receivers.

Brugler’s report: “Tampa gets a little sticky with his footwork at the top of routes, but he doesn’t lose much separation and plays with the size, range and ball skills to be disruptive. He has the tools and potential to be a starting perimeter cornerback in various schemes.”

(Photo of BYU’s Kingsley Suamataia: Sam Hodde / Getty Images)