As the 2025 NFL Draft nears, one of the league’s most consistent powerhouses may be preparing a surprise move. The Kansas City Chiefs, despite a quiet offseason, are reportedly considering a trade up in Round 1 to address a key position on their offensive line.
Chiefs Reportedly Targeting Trade Up for Long-Term Offensive Tackle
With less than a week to go before the first round kicks off on April 24, speculation is mounting around potential draft-day trades. Among the few teams showing serious interest in moving up is Kansas City. ESPN draft analyst Matt Miller sparked the conversation with a recent report: “I’ve heard that the Kansas City Chiefs are actively looking to trade up in Round 1.”
According to Miller, the team’s target appears to be a long-term solution at left tackle. Although the Chiefs signed veteran Jaylon Moore in free agency, they’ve made few other moves, focusing instead on re-signing their own players. The lack of aggressive external additions has only fueled rumors that a draft-day move could be brewing.
“A move up in Round 1 would likely be for a long-term offensive tackle solution,” Miller wrote. “I heard the goal would be to move in front of the Houston Texans (No. 25) and Los Angeles Rams (No. 26) if the Chiefs like a specific left tackle still on the board.”
This strategy suggests the Chiefs are eyeing a top-tier tackle, potentially someone like Josh Simmons, whom Sports Illustrated’s Gilberto Manzano has projected to go to the Texans at No. 25. Jumping ahead of both Houston and Los Angeles could put Kansas City in position to grab their preferred prospect before other tackle-needy teams make a move.
Interestingly, Miller also tempered expectations for major movement in this year’s draft: “It will be very difficult for a team to find value in moving up this year.” He emphasized the limited number of blue-chip prospects available, stating, “Unless you’re the Pittsburgh Steelers looking to get a quarterback, there simply aren’t enough blue-chip prospects at money positions in this class worth paying high draft capital to land.”
Still, the Chiefs seem to be an exception. Following a third consecutive Super Bowl appearance that ended in a dramatic loss, offensive-line deficiencies were exposed. A first-round move to secure protection for star quarterback Patrick Mahomes would align with Kansas City’s long-term planning.
If no trade-up occurs, Manzano predicts the Chiefs could stay put at No. 31 and select Ohio State running back TreVeyon Henderson.
Whether they move up or stay patient, Kansas City’s first-round strategy will be one of the top storylines when the draft begins Thursday night.