2022 FPC Chiefs Mock Draft: 3.0

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With it being Monday, it is time for our next FPC Chiefs mock draft, version 3.0. To read version 1.0 or version 2.0, click here and here. Our final of four mock drafts will be released two weeks from today, the final Monday before the 2022 NFL Draft officially gets underway.

The April calendar continues to unwind rapidly. We are getting down to the nitty-gritty of the pre-draft process for the 2022 NFL Draft. Player rankings are becoming more concrete. Meanwhile, we are set to round out our final FPC Chiefs draft prospect profiles over the course of the next couple of weeks.

This version includes a few spots where we got aggressive to fill certain needs. With rumors swirling of many first-round trade possibilities, there were a few picks of Kansas City’s that we used to swap with other teams. Moving up and down the draft board was a major emphasis in this mock draft. As always, this exercise was completed by using the mock draft machine on The Draft Network. Let’s kick it off.

1st Round, 18th Overall

Chris Olave- Wide Receiver, Ohio State

TRADE!

Chiefs Receive: first-round pick (18 overall), fifth-round pick (162 overall)

Eagles Receive: first-round pick (29 overall), second-round pick (62 overall), fourth-round pick (121 overall), seventh-round pick (260 overall)

Similar to our first FPC Chiefs mock draft, Ohio State’s Chris Olave was the first selection of this haul. There was obviously a much different process to this particular pick, however. Last time we sat in our original slot at the end of round one. This time, a major trade up was necessary to secure one of the top four wide receivers. It did cost plenty of draft capital. Though, that seems like a very realistic route for Kansas City at this point in time.

The hope was to get Jameson Williams, if possible. He went a couple of picks prior. With he, Drake London and Garrett Wilson off the board, going up to get Olave felt extremely necessary. That is especially true when you consider that the Chiefs also had to get up and ahead of other wide receiver needy teams in the back half of round one (i.e. the Packers, Cowboys or Titans).

Olave is arguably the most polished receiver of those top four names. He can separate quickly and run crisp routes. Any team would take that, but especially Kansas City, given their lack of consistent development at the position in recent years. Furthermore, Olave is a threat to all three levels, and he can stack defensive backs accordingly. This pass catcher is a true explosive play threat and someone who excels when asked to win vertically.

1st Round, 30th Overall

Arnold Ebiketie- Defensive End, Penn State

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With the other first-round pick, the other top need for Kansas City’s roster was addressed. Arnold Ebiketie may still be a bit raw as a pass rusher. But overall, it is hard to ignore the top traits that he wins with. A former Temple Owl, Ebiketie transferred to Penn State and quickly jumped off the screen. He combines tantalizing speed with flexibility and bend as a dominant pass rusher. Penn State also allowed him to rush from multiple angles and tracks when running after the quarterback. The run defense may still need some fine-tuning. Yet, there is no doubting that Ebiketie would allow the Chiefs pass rush to become more athletic, faster and more instinctual.

2nd Round, 50th Overall

Jalen Pitre- Defensive Back, Baylor

While he is listed as a safety, Baylor’s Jalen Pitre could play more of a slot cornerback role or as a robber within an NFL team’s secondary. The instincts speak for themselves, as he can affect both the run and the pass in a variety of ways. Pitre can cover routes in the deep areas of the field, jump throwing lanes while moving laterally, rush the passer, or chase and run close to the line of scrimmage as a run defender.

Elsewhere, the athleticism and lateral quickness would add to the seemingly growing change in philosophy for the Kansas City defense. Most of all, Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo could be heavily drawn to his physicality and toughness. Pitre does everything with tenacity and attitude. When he wants to pack a punch and blow a play up, he can. He is a defensive back who works hard, can set a tone on defense and is made perfectly for today’s style of NFL play.

3rd Round, 82nd Overall

Drake Jackson- Defensive End, USC

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TRADE!

Chiefs Receive: third-round pick (82 overall)

Falcons Receive: third-round pick (94 overall), fourth-round pick (135 overall)

Another trade here, as once again, we moved up the draft board to get a top pass rusher at this point in the draft. USC’s Drake Jackson was one of a few names that we kept an eye on in this spot. Once a couple were taken, it allowed Kansas City to go up 12 spots in the third round. The main objective was to add another pass rusher who wins with speed and athleticism.

Not only can Jackson provide that for the Chiefs defense. Additionally, he may be a bit more refined with his pass rush hand counter moves, compared to that of Ebiketie, who holds a higher ceiling. Jackson is extremely reactive in switching up his pass rush moves, depending on what he sees from opposing blockers. He can get low and bend around the corner. He can add immediate power at the point of attack and then slice inside of the opponent’s inside shoulder. Or, Jackson will play an occasional finesse style to best blockers upfront. The length is also a bonus, as he continues to get stronger and more consistent as a pass rusher.

3rd Round, 103rd Overall

Alec Pierce- Wide Receiver, Cincinnati

Admittedly, Alec Pierce could very well go much earlier than this spot at the end of round three. It was too good to pass up on adding another wide receiver in this draft. To boot, a few cornerbacks were also of interest here. Cincinnati’s Pierce was the selection in the end, however.

There are many items that make him a fascinating kind of pass catcher within an offense like the Chiefs. For one, he does everything at 100 miles per hour. That goes from his release package to his route running, and even concludes with his run after catch ability. Pierce is still highly smart and efficient, at the same time. Moreover, he can create explosive plays, due to his elite ball skills and smooth hands. He can win vertically like Olave can. But, his size is an asset that he uses to his advantage. The Ohio State wide receiver does not quite have that same benefit at his disposal.

5th Round, 162nd Overall

Eyioma Uwazurike- Defensive Tackle, Iowa State

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Iowa State’s Eyioma Uwazurike is a bit of an under the radar type of prospect right now. This defensive tackle could infuse a well-rounded skillset into the Chiefs defense. As his college career grew, Uwazurike was able to enforce a powerful brand of football. It is rare to see how much movement he is able to create upfront on the defensive line. With his massive size, Uwazurike is gifted with both hand power and a sturdy anchor in his lower half. Do not discredit his quickness or ability to control gaps as well.

7th Round, 234th Overall

Jalyn Armour-Davis- Cornerback, Alabama

Seventh-round picks are largely all about finding traits that fit your team’s play style. Cornerback Jalyn Armour-Davis could present a few different appealing qualities that Kansas City has previously been drawn to at the position. Starting off with his length and size, he has certainly been able to disrupt pass catchers by being physical. Armour-Davis is largely comfortable with man coverage responsibilities as well. Because of the heavy amount of man coverage that the Chiefs run defensively, the Alabama product could find a soft landing spot in Kansas City.

7th Round, 244th Overall

Jeremiah Gemmel- Linebacker, North Carolina

This could very well be way later than the Chiefs realistically think about adding a linebacker. But with other opportunities earlier, this is the path that we took. Kansas City could have interest in Jeremiah Gemmel for a couple of reasons too. He is another defender who thrives off of instincts and read and react ability to chase down opponents. On the other hand, Gemmel could add toughness as a tackler and special teams ability.

7th Round, 252nd Overall

Brant Kuithe- Tight End, Utah

Tight end is not something that we have consistently mocked to the Chiefs this year. Nevertheless, it is entirely possible that Kansas City feels the urge to add more depth behind Travis Kelce. Utah’s Brant Kuithe provides a bit of versatility within his alignment. He is also a rather smooth and explosive athlete. There could be some improvements and growth to be had for Kuithe at the catch point. Though, the tools are there to use him in numerous ways.

Be on the lookout for more FPC Chiefs 2022 NFL Draft analysis 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.