What Are The Odds Kansas City Chiefs Trade Up In Round 1?

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We are down to just eight days from the start of the 2023 NFL Draft. While team needs and possible prospect fits are at the top of everyone’s mind, possible trades have also been a topic of discussion for teams. That has usually included teams in the top ten of the 2023 NFL Draft, like the Arizona Cardinals for example. However, the Kansas City Chiefs are a fascinating case to monitor, on if they trade up in the first round.

That is especially true this year, given the lack of true bonafide, blue-chip talent at the top of the class. Does Kansas City look to make a splash at an offensive position with their first pick? Could the Chiefs be eyeing specific prospects that they love that they think may not last until their pick at 31 overall?

If the Kansas City Chiefs were to trade up in this year’s first round, what could be the obvious reasons for that? Plus, who are some possible trade partners within the first round? Let’s kick it off.

Why Chiefs Could Possibly Trade Up In Round One

Going back to our earlier point, the Kansas City Chiefs may be so in love with one certain name. If they do not believe that this hypothetical specific player lasts until 31 overall, will they be aggressive in getting their top guy? No matter who that may be, you would have to think that the Chiefs would be looking to trade up for a wide receiver, offensive tackle or defensive lineman.

As for wide receiver and offensive tackle, those positions may not be as deep or desirable on day two or three of the draft, compared to previous years. Whereas with defensive linemen in this year’s class, the depth appears to be fruitful. There are not a ton of major holes on the current Kansas City roster. At the same time, the Chiefs may feel like a trade up to get their guy in the first round secures them one last puzzle piece to stay loaded at a certain position group.

Finally, a trade up in round one could not only secure them one of their favorite prospects. It could also snipe other teams from getting a player that they are really excited about. For instance, the Chiefs could jump in front of other competitors that are chasing them in the AFC. Kansas City could also get in front of other teams that boast similar positions of need, to boot.

Will Kansas City Really Use All Of Their Scheduled Picks?

According to Tankathon, the Kansas City Chiefs are currently scheduled to have 10 picks in the 2023 NFL Draft. Will the Chiefs really look to add 10 rookies to this current roster? Sure, they added 10 rookies last year. Kansas City arguably had more names to replace and spots to build up last year, compared to this year. Additionally, there just might not be enough room for 10 rookies on this year’s roster.

As a result, the Chiefs could be looking to move up and down the draft board at various points. Trades for them may be likely. That could also be accentuated, due to how many day three draft picks Kansas City is scheduled for, rather than picks within the first two days of the draft.

Accordingly, the Chiefs currently have three draft picks within the first two days. This includes 31 overall, 63 overall and 95 overall. On the other hand, Kansas City currently has seven draft picks on day three of the draft, with more than half of those coming after round five. This includes 122 overall, 134 overall, 166 overall, 178 overall, 217 overall, 249 overall and 250 overall.

Possible Trade Partners In First Round

Of course, it takes two to tango for a trade to be completed. Say the Chiefs were indeed going to trade up in round one, who are some possible trade partners?

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers at 19 overall may make sense. First and foremost, this could be a spot that presents good value for wide receivers or offensive tackles. So if Kansas City is looking to go offense in round one, a prime opportunity may be there in this spot. On the flip side, Tampa Bay is scheduled for nine picks already. They may not mind adding more draft capital as they reset after Tom Brady‘s retirement.

Another spot that makes sense is one spot behind that, where the Seattle Seahawks sit at 20 overall. The Seahawks have never been shy about moving around the draft board. They will have already made a possible pick at five overall, beforehand, with their other first-round pick. Mainly, the Kansas City Chiefs could look to jump right in front of the Los Angeles Chargers (21 overall) or the Baltimore Ravens (22 overall) with this move.

Lastly, maybe those Baltimore Ravens make sense at 22 overall. Baltimore does have similar team needs, which could make this tricky. Yet, KC is scheduled for double the amount of picks than the Ravens are (five). Is Baltimore really going to sit around in the draft and only add a handful of players? While the Chiefs could entice the Ravens with more draft capital, Baltimore could gift Kansas City, by jumping in front of other teams possibly looking at adding a wide receiver. This may include the Minnesota Vikings, New York Giants, Dallas Cowboys and Buffalo Bills.

Be on the lookout for more FPC Chiefs 2023 NFL Draft articles and 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.