2022 FPC Chiefs Mock Draft: 1.0

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We are just over six weeks away from the 2022 NFL Draft. So far, we have completed roughly 20 FPC Chiefs draft prospect profiles for this year’s draft. And there are definitely more yet to come. But now, it is time for something a bit different.

It is time to conduct our first 2022 FPC Chiefs mock draft. This will be one of four total that we will be completing before the real selections get underway. Additionally, our mock drafts will be published every two weeks on Monday, starting today.

The immediate or primary needs for Kansas City could slightly shift, depending on what happens when NFL free agency officially opens later this week. We did focus on some of those needs. At the same time, there were a couple of moments where we just had to take the best value available. Keep in mind, there were no trades completed within this mock draft. The exercise was completed by using the mock draft machine on The Draft Network. Let’s kick it off.

1st Round, 30th Overall

Chris Olave- Wide Receiver, Ohio State

Back in the fall, it would have sounded downright hilarious to hear Chris Olave as a player who would still be available near the end of the first round. He often felt destined to be the first or second wide receiver off the board. However, the closer and closer we get to April, the more likely that this becomes a real possibility for the Chiefs in round one.

Adding more weapons and stocking the cupboard for Patrick Mahomes is paramount for Kansas City. Given where they are at within their winning cycle, the offense cannot solely rely on Travis Kelce or Tyreek Hill anymore. Plus, the Chiefs have gone quite a while without developing many young wide receivers.

Olave is known for being a technician in everything he does. He is smooth as a route runner, precise at the catch point and savvy with the ball in his hands after the catch. His ability to win vertically would be highly welcomed in Kansas City’s offense.

2nd Round, 62nd Overall

Jalen Pitre- Safety, Baylor

This was a pick where a Chiefs need met tremendous value. Despite being listed as a safety, Jalen Pitre is no stranger to moving around the defensive formation. We highlighted that in a recent FPC Chiefs draft profile of the Baylor product, which you can read here.

More importantly, Pitre feels like a perfect schematic fit within Steve Spagnuolo‘s defense. He has a toughness that is unmatched. But, the defender still plays under control, while also providing a tone setting mentality and leadership.

Pitre can make plays in space, cover from different spots and is a natural playmaker on the football. The Chiefs could use just that if Tyrann Mathieu does not return in free agency. On top of that, Pitre’s style of play is much more valuable in today’s pass happy NFL style.

3rd Round, 94th Overall

Cam Taylor-Britt- Cornerback, Nebraska

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Nebraska’s Cam Taylor-Britt is continuing to gain steam as the draft nears. Honestly, it could be a bit of a stretch to see him last this long, but I’ll gladly snatch him up in this situation. If you have been following us on the FPC Chiefs Podcast, you have heard us ask why Brett Veach does not invest more heavily in the cornerback position. We got a greater understanding of that during the GM’s press conference at the end of the 2021 season.

Taylor-Britt provides certain traits that the Chiefs have clung to in recent years. His length and instincts may be his greatest calling cards. However, do not discount his athleticism and ball skills. Taylor-Britt brings a stoutly built frame into the fold. Finally, the cornerback can handle any scheme and does better when a lot his put on his plate, so to speak. That would suit Spagnuolo well.

3rd Round, 102nd Overall

Isaiah Thomas- EDGE Defender, Oklahoma

This may have been a bit of a reach for this player. However, the need at defensive end/edge defender exists heavily for the Chiefs. Why not add a player of this caliber at the end of round three?

Isaiah Thomas is someone who mostly wins with a hot motor and heavy effort right now. He is actually a tremendous athlete for his size. Moreover, Thomas possesses a solid first step at the snap. He could possibly move along the defensive line as well. For example, playing either five technique or from a wider alignment is not out of the question. There is still more development needed. Nonetheless, there is tools to build off of with Thomas.

4th Round, 133rd Overall

Jack Sanborn- Linebacker, Wisconsin

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Jack Sanborn may be a prototypical replacement for the recently released Anthony Hitchens. Stylistically, he patrolled the middle of the field at Wisconsin. Sanborn is not going to consistently overpower pass catchers in coverage. Though, his situational awareness and instincts could pair well with the flashiness and routine playmaking ability of Nick Bolton and Willie Gay.

Using him as the MIKE linebacker may suit Sanborn best. He can read and react and go chase the ball better than any other potential option or usage for him while transitioning into the NFL. Elsewhere, Sanborn could occasionally see snaps at WILL linebacker, especially during early downs.

6th Round, 189th Overall

Vederian Lowe- Offensive Tackle, Illinois

The Kansas City Chiefs met with Vederian Lowe at the 2022 NFL Scouting Combine. So, the interest is definitely there. Lowe will likely go in about this range in April’s draft. However, it seems like he is fairly well-rounded when watching him on tape.

For example, the mix of balance and lateral mobility that he has is quite impressive for his bulkier size. Lowe will not shy away from punishing an opposing defender if he gets the chance too. With his length, functional movement in pass sets and natural football IQ, he can certainly hang as starting right tackle in the NFL.

In Kansas City, Lowe would fit the recent mold of the Chiefs powerful and nasty blockers. Right tackle is not currently secure either. Andrew Wylie is due for free agency and Lucas Niang has yet to show any level of consistency. Lowe could step in and continue to develop a more refined technique.

7th Round, 230th Overall

Christopher Hinton- Defensive Tackle, Michigan

Son of a former Indianapolis Colts standout, Christopher Hinton has a chance to have a similar lengthy role within the NFL. He is quite dense, but also adequate as a mover in space. There is definitely a great level of power and physicality that he gravitates toward within his play style. Hinton will not always pop on the screen. Yet, he does the dirty work rep after rep.

Kansas City is quietly set to lose top notch run defender Derrick Nnadi to free agency. Jarran Reed appears to be gone as well when the open market heats up. As a result, Hinton could provide a secondary presence at defensive tackle, while being able to produce against both the run and the pass.

7th Round, 240th Overall

Trajan Jeffcoat- Defensive End, Missouri

Veach hinted at needing to fortify the trenches each season. Once again, we add to the defensive line here with a local Missouri product. Trajan Jeffcoat still has quite a way to go in refining his technique. Overall, there is just not a deep enough repertoire when it comes to his hand counters or pass rush moves.

Jeffcoat could focus on making stops in a backup capacity. He will not provide a large impact early on. However, Jeffcoat can provide gap control capability and run defending prowess.

7th Round, 248th Overall

Ty Chandler- Running Back, North Carolina

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Ty Chandler is an extremely experienced running back. After 45 games and 2,015 rushing yards at Tennessee, he joined North Carolina for 2021 as a graduate transfer. Chandler stepped right in as the starting running back for all 13 games. Most of all, his top traits include solid vision and smooth footwork. Chandler is no slouch when it comes to taking on contact and breaking tackles too.

As of now, the Chiefs are set to lose both Jerick McKinnon and Darrel Williams to free agency. Maybe one of those are back. But if both are not back, Kansas City will need to add more competition to the running back position entering 2022.

Be on the lookout for more FPC Chiefs articles throughout this week. For more great sports and NFL content, stay tuned to Full Press Coverage.

– Braden Holecek is the Kansas City Chiefs managing editor for Full Press Coverage. He covers the NFL. Like and follow on Follow @ebearcat9//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js Follow @FPC_Chiefs//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js and Facebook.