With less than two months until the NFL’s annual selection event, this Kansas City Chiefs 2022 7-Round NFL Mock Draft looks at the options available to return Patrick Mahomes and Co. to the Super Bowl after falling short at the AFC Championship Game last time around. Here’s who the Chiefs could potentially land in the 2022 NFL Draft.

Kansas City Chiefs 2022 7-Round Mock Draft

For the purposes of this Chiefs 2022 NFL Mock Draft, we’ve used PFN’s free Mock Draft Simulator with trades (equipped with the latest NFL Draft order). However, the selections were hand-picked based on the projected needs for the Chiefs in the 2022 NFL Draft, where they currently have 12 picks following the Tyreek Hill trade with the Miami Dolphins. Let’s break down how this haul improves Kansas City’s future fortunes.

Round 1, Pick 29: Jameson Williams, WR, Alabama

Following the Hill trade, the Chiefs now have two consecutive first-round picks that could drastically alter their fortunes on both sides of the ball. With the pick acquired from the Dolphins, the obvious best-case scenario is that they land a wide receiver replacement. They’ll add further reinforcements, but they need to hit the nail on the head at No. 29 to ensure Patrick Mahomes has a game-changing weapon.

In this Chiefs 7-Round NFL Mock Draft, they’re in position to snag an impressive speed merchant as a ready-made replacement. While it remains to be seen how Jameson Williams recovers from his ACL tear in the National Championship, the Alabama man is a dangerous vertical threat with next-level rockets. His in-route throttle control is impressive, and his ability to take a short pass the distance is eerily reminiscent of the outgoing Hill.

Round 1, Pick 30: Boye Mafe, EDGE, Minnesota

Although the Chiefs were one of the best teams at creating pressure last season, turning that pressure into production proved an issue. Their 31 sacks equated to a sack on just 4.8% of opposition pass attempts. Their midseason signing of Melvin Ingram showcased their need — and desire — to update their pass-rush ranks.

Both Ingram and Alex Okafor are out of contract. As a result, the Chiefs are considered a prime landing spot for a pass-rush prospect in April. In this Kansas City 7-Round NFL Mock Draft, they land Minnesota’s ascending defensive end, Boye Mafe.

Following the most productive campaign of his college career, Mafe wowed NFL teams with his athleticism at the Senior Bowl and NFL Combine. He’s explosive, powerful, bendy, and already possesses some pass-rush tools of the trade. Terrifying news for opposing offensive linemen — his best football is likely ahead of him.

Round 2, Pick 50: Cameron Thomas, EDGE, San Diego State

Doubling up at the edge person early might feel like an overreaction for Chiefs fans. However, there’s a serious need to address their pass-rush problems. Adding Cameron Thomas as well as Mafe gives the Chiefs bookends of their defensive line that could become one of the most feared pass-rush duos in the country within the lifetime of their first contract.

The San Diego State DE makes everything look easy. He’s explosive, athletic, powerful, big, long, and technically savvy. He’s coming off the back of an exceptionally productive season where he earned comparison to Wisconsin-era J.J. Watt and was dubbed the “Aidan Hutchinson of the Mountain West.” A minor injury prevented him from enhancing his reputation at the Senior Bowl and NFL Combine, but Thomas is the real deal.

Round 2, Pick 62: Phidarian Mathis, DT, Alabama

In addition to their struggles in getting to the passer, the Chiefs also allowed the 12th-most rushing yards in the NFL last season. While that doesn’t sound all that terrible, they also gave up the second-most yards per carry in the league. Although stopping the ground game isn’t as simple as plugging a hole in the middle, adding a run-stopping presence alongside Chris Jones should be a priority through free agency or the draft.

What better way to upgrade your defensive line against the run than to add the heartbeat of a DL that was one of the stingiest against the run in college football last season? The addition of Phidarian Mathis in this Kansas City mock draft gives the Chiefs a stout, athletic, versatile interior defensive lineman who plays with a hot motor and excellent play strength. In addition to his run-stopping capability, Mathis developed as a potent pass-rush force this last season.

Round 3, Pick 94: Cam Taylor-Britt, CB, Nebraska

The defensive overhaul continues in this Kansas City 2022 7-Round NFL Mock Draft. Upgrading the secondary should be a major focus over the next six weeks, with several potential departures from the defensive back room. Even without the potential exit of Mike Hughes and Charvarius Ward, adding reinforcements to a defense that gave up the sixth-most passing yards in the NFL last year is a must.

The Chiefs already have one Nebraska cornerback on their roster in DiCaprio Bootle. However, Cam Taylor-Britt has the potential to be the highest-drafted Cornhuskers defensive back since Stanley Jean-Baptiste in 2014. An athletic and physical playmaker, Taylor-Britt possesses impressive ball skills while being an absolute force in the ground game.

Round 3, Pick 103: Nick Cross, S, Maryland

With Tyrann Mathieu’s impending departure, safety figures to be a key need for the Chiefs in April. While their loss would be far less catastrophic than Mathieu’s — with all due respect — Daniel Sorensen and Armani Watts are also out of contract.

After setting a sensational 40-yard dash time at the NFL Combine, Maryland safety Nick Cross is a name that is gaining traction in NFL Draft circles. He has the size, speed, and length to be productive in coverage. Meanwhile, he boasts impressive physicality in all three phases of defense. Cross also provides special-teams experience.

The Chiefs will receive a fourth round pick from the Dolphins. At the time of writing, that pick was unknown.

Round 4, Pick 135: Tyquan Thornton, WR, Baylor

Having reshaped the defense and added a replacement for Hill with the opening six picks of this Kansas City 2022 7-Round NFL Mock Draft, attention turns back to the offense. Adding some pass-catching talent around Mahomes figures to be one of their main objectives over the coming weeks. Tyquan Thornton’s sensational NFL Combine performance has scouts clamoring for his Baylor tape.

What they’ll discover is a pass catcher who offers versatility as a deep threat and after-the-catch monster. Although he’s slender on his 6’3″ frame, Thornton also plays with physicality to win in contested-catch situations. Trying to cover newly acquired Williams and Thornton on the same field would be a near impossibility.

Round 7, Pick 231: Ty Chandler, RB, North Carolina

After years of middling production in a turgid Tennessee offense, Ty Chandler exploded this season with the first 1,000-yard campaign of his career. The North Carolina running back has aced the process with impressive all-star game and NFL Combine performances. He could make a nice change-of-pace back for an RB room that is a little thin behind Clyde Edwards-Helaire.

Round 7, Pick 241: D’Marco Jackson, LB, Appalachian State

While Willie Gay and Nick Bolton make an impactful linebacker duo, the depth behind them could use a boost. Both Ben Niemann and Dorian O’Daniel are free agents. While he may be considered undersized by the NFL, D’Marco Jackson is a speedy linebacker prospect who thrives in the opposition backfield. He’s coming off the back of a campaign where he logged 119 tackles and 20 tackles for loss.

Round 7, Pick 249: Decobie Durant, CB, South Carolina State

The final two picks of this Kansas City 2022 7-Round NFL Mock Draft focus on doubling up at positions of need. With Taylor-Britt already secured, the Chiefs add South Carolina State’s Decobie Durant. The HBCU standout flashes excellent ball skills, has an impressive athletic profile, and also plays with ferociousness against the run. Additionally, he could play either outside or in the slot at the next level.

Round 7, Pick 260: De’Shaan Dixon, EDGE, Norfolk State

Norfolk State’s De’Shaan Dixon likely played himself into an NFL Draft selection with his performance at the HBCU Legacy Bowl. He’s an explosive pass rusher who possesses excellent length. Teams will be impressed with his ability to play solidly against the run and the pass. Furthermore, he’s a high-motor competitor who has the potential to outplay his eventual NFL Draft position. The Chiefs end this 2022 NFL Mock Draft with an impact-maker.