2022 FPC Chiefs Mock Draft: 4.0

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2022 NFL Draft week is officially here! With one of the more unpredictable classes to sort out in a while, it is time to check one more thing off of our list. That is to conduct our final FPC Chiefs mock draft, of course. This will be version 4.0 of our mock drafts for Kansas City. You can check out our first three versions here: 1.0, 2.0, 3.0.

We did keep in mind certain schematic fits and size or length requirements that the Chiefs have clung to in previous mock drafts. But for this final version, we made each pick as close to what we thought Kansas City would do in each spot. So keep in mind, this is not entirely what we would have chosen personally, from top to bottom. The Chiefs appear set to want to fully build through the draft this year. As a result, that was at the forefront as well. This exercise was completed by using the mock draft machine on The Draft Network. Let’s kick it off.

1st Round, 29th Overall

George Pickens- Wide Receiver, Georgia

As we near the official start of the 2022 NFL Draft, the expectation is that we see at least six wide receivers selected in the first round. A player who appears to be receiving differing opinions may just be the first selection of the Chiefs. George Pickens appears to be thought of as a top three wide receiver in this class, at least by some. If not for a recent injury or possible maturity questions, it would be easier to see why.

Kansas City has already made a couple of additions to the wide receiver room. Yet, they need a fresh, young face to join the room. Pickens possesses many items that the Chiefs may be heavily interested in. His ability to win as a X-receiver is important for this current offensive makeup. Plus, Pickens pairs elite ball skills and hands with deceptive speed and violent, yet sudden route running. He is an explosive play threat. At the same time, the Georgia product can create plenty of yards for himself after making a short catch. His physicality and tenacious attitude may just be the cherry on top for Kansas City at the end of round one.

2nd Round, 40th Overall

Kyler Gordon- Cornerback, Washington

TRADE!

Chiefs Receive: second-round pick (40 overall), fourth-round pick (109 overall), fifth-round pick (153 overall)

Seahawks Receive: first-round pick (30 overall), third-round pick (103 overall), seventh-round pick (234 overall)

Despite a possible trade up in the first round, the Chiefs may be just as likely to make one first-round pick before trading out of round one. In this scenario, the Seattle Seahawks trade back into the back end of round one, while grabbing a new quarterback. In turn, Kansas City would now have three second-round picks and they flip flop with Seattle by a few spots just after pick 100.

For years, the Chiefs have not grabbed a cornerback relatively early under this current regime. This may just be the year where that changes. First off, the loss of Charvarius Ward leaves a greater hole than most may realize in a secondary that also lost Tyrann Mathieu. Washington’s Kyler Gordon provides versatility, instincts and ball skills that Kansas City needs to add to the defense. In addition, the former Husky defender brings a certain confidence and patience in coverage, similar to that of L’Jarius Sneed.

2nd Round, 50th Overall

Logan Hall- Defensive Lineman, Houston

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The Kansas City Chiefs have not been opposed to defensive linemen who can move around the formation. Especially in recent years, names like Chris Jones and Tershawn Wharton have been given that freedom more extensively. Houston’s Logan Hall could be a similar type of fit. Play him at defensive end or reduce him down inside at defensive tackle, and Kansas City could have plenty of options with a powerful and explosive defender. At Houston, Hall was able to collapse the pocket efficiently with long strides. His strength and length at the point of attack noticeably wore down opposing offensive linemen quickly, to boot.

2nd Round, 62nd Overall

Cameron Thomas- Defensive End, San Diego State

Back-to-back defensive line picks for the Chiefs in round two. San Diego State’s Cameron Thomas may be one of the more refined pass rushers who could go on day two of this draft. Simply put, he has a wide array of pass rush moves in his arsenal. His swim move, club and rip move and bull rush are all quite polished as he enters the NFL. Thomas also executes those moves with force and adequate hand placement. Of course, Steve Spagnuolo would also gravitate towards this player’s heavy hands, power at the point of attack and length like he has with other Kansas City defensive linemen. Thomas’ production is something that the Chiefs need.

3rd Round, 94th Overall

Bryan Cook- Safety, Cincinnati

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We already mentioned the loss of Mathieu earlier. And even with the Justin Reid signing, the Chiefs are still largely bare at safety. Daniel Sorensen left in free agency. Meanwhile, Juan Thornhill is entering the final year of his rookie contract. Perhaps, Cincinnati’s Bryan Cook could be a technically sound safety that Kansas City has their eyes on.

Cook makes plays all over the defensive formation. He can trigger downhill and make loud, popping tackles. He can cover deep down the field. And most of all, Cook can add superb instincts as a single-high safety or as a nickel cornerback on third down. This is a player who plays violent, but also under control. There is no denying his mix of size, short area burst and physicality.

4th Round, 109th Overall

Tyquan Thornton- Wide Receiver, Baylor

To open day three of the 2022 NFL Draft, we have the Chiefs doubling up at the wide receiver position. Baylor’s Tyquan Thornton may not wow you on every single play or catch. Nevertheless, he provides a skillset that is dependable, while still being a threat to all three levels. Though not an exact replica, it is easy to see the same style in Thornton, to that of new Kansas City wide receivers, in JuJu Smith-Schuster and Marquez Valdes-Scantling. He has size, blazing long speed and is extremely elusive after the catch. Overall, the Chiefs could fall in love with his ability to win vertically.

4th Round, 121st Overall

Darrian Beavers- Linebacker, Cincinnati

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For the second time in a span of three selections, Kansas City adds a Cincinnati Bearcats defender. Darrian Beavers still needs more time to develop. However, his future appears to be set as a MIKE or SAM linebacker. Beavers is someone who the Chiefs could count on from an instinctual and processing perspective. This is exemplified in run fits and in zone coverage against the pass. While Kansas City mainly relies on Nick Bolton and Willie Gay in 2022, Beavers could eventually infuse more power and a tone-setting presence on the second level of the defense.

4th Round, 135th Overall

Dameon Pierce- Running Back, Florida

The depth of this running back class is quite full. Chiefs’ general manager Brett Veach even said last week that there could be some gems found well into day three this year. Moreover, the likelihood is quite high that Kansas City adds more competition at running back. Clyde Edwards-Helaire has yet to fully control the starting spot. Veteran Ronald Jones was also brought in during free agency. In the end, Florida’s Dameon Pierce felt like an Andy Reid type of running back here on day three. He pairs toughness and power with secure vision and contact balance. Mainly, Pierce is just scratching the surface as a complete running back.

5th Round, 153rd Overall

Zyon McCollum- Cornerback, Sam Houston State

The Chiefs double up at cornerback here in round five. Similar to the aforementioned Ward, or even Rashad Fenton, Zyon McCollum feels like a project that Kansas City would be heavily interested in at the position. First off, his confidence and comfort in man coverage would fit the heavy dosage of coverage that the Chiefs usually run. He can handle press man coverage reps throughout the entirety of the game as well. On the other hand, McCollum brings a sense of calmness and control at the catch point, with a stout nose for the football.

7th Round, 244th Overall

Connor Heyward- Tight End, Michigan State

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A former running back, Michigan State’s Connor Heyward made the transition to tight end last season. With Coach Reid’s creativity, Heyward could be used in a role that combines those two positions into one. He is still rough around the edges as a pass catcher. However, Heyward can win in shallow and dirty areas. He is also able to break tackles and gain extra yards after making the catch. Kansas City could find a niche role for him behind Travis Kelce, Noah Gray and Jody Fortson.

7th Round, 252nd Overall

Andrew Stueber- Offensive Tackle, Michigan

There is a question of where Andrew Stueber will play on the offensive line at the NFL level. Is he an offensive tackle or an interior offensive lineman? With the Chiefs possibly looking for more depth upfront, Stueber could bring a similar power, length and tenacity that Kansas City has added to the offensive line. The need to grow in his pass sets is definitely there, however.

7th Round, 260th Overall

Marquan McCall- Defensive Tackle, Kentucky

The production is not something to consistently expect from Kentucky’s Marquan McCall. In the end, he could play a comparable role to that of Derrick Nnadi at defensive tackle. The Chiefs could look towards his mix of mass and gap control ability when building up the defensive line. He is far from perfect. But, McCall can diagnose blocking schemes and run plays and is difficult to move in the trenches.

Be on the lookout for more 2022 NFL Draft analysis here at Full Press Coverage throughout this week.

– 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.