The 2025 draft class is not particularly elite in terms of production. So far, the big analysts have given the round 1 grades, and the verdict is that there’s less class in this draft class. ESPN’s Matt Miller stated: “The average draft class has roughly 15 players who are the ‘first-round talents’… The 2025 class ends up with the lowest number of true first-round grades I’ve ever awarded: 13.” Do not forget, there are 32 picks out which more than half are not first-round picks. Just think about that. And amidst that, when you’re Andy Reid looking to fill in the voids but realize that the Chiefs have the 31st pick… BUMMER!
But let’s give credit where it’s due. Reid and Co. have maximized the use of the free agency market. Plus, Brett Veach has been aggressive this offseason, retooling both sides of the ball with strategic signings and savvy one-year deals. With veterans like Mike Edwards, JuJu Smith-Schuster, and Kareem Hunt returning to the fold, and newcomers like Jerry Tillery and Jaylon Moore brought in to plug key gaps, Kansas has managed its core well. But the draft in the later rounds can still be their tool to exploit if they want to maintain their SB window.
Unlike teams in full rebuild mode, the Chiefs don’t need to swing big early — their top-tier talent, including Patrick Mahomes, Chris Jones, and Nick Bolton, forms a strong foundation. But day three of the draft is where smart contenders win quietly, unearthing rotational depth, special teams contributors, or even future starters. Currently, they are sitting with 8 picks in the draft (R1: 31, R2: 31, R3: 2 and 31, R4: 31, R7: 10, 35 & 41).
In recent years, KC has hit on several late-round gems who grew into key roles, and 2025 could offer more of the same. After all, one can never deny the ‘Late draft magic.’ With that in mind, I’ve narrowed down a group of sleeper prospects who fit the Chiefs’ mold… While keeping in mind the position of need for KC and Reid.
Pass rusher – Demetrius Knight – South Carolina
Remember the shot of Chris Jones and Andy Reid on the sideline during Super Bowl LIX? Yeah, that one. Reid looked like he was mentally calling a blitz that never came, and Jones? Just staring into the Vegas lights like the slot machine forgot to pay out. That whole vibe kinda summed up Kansas City’s pass rush that night—missing, misfiring, and just not there when it mattered. Two sacks, no pressure, and a whole lot of Jalen Hurts doing his taxes in the pocket while waiting for DeVonta Smith to break free.
It wasn’t just a loss—it was a loud reminder that KC’s D-line depth chart might need a defibrillator. So where does this leave Andy Reid and Brett Veach heading into 2025? Scrambling, but not Hurts-level scrambling—more like roster-building desperation. Right now, the Chiefs are working with five defensive tackles. That’s it. None on rookie deals.
And for a defense that just got steamrolled by the Eagles’ O-line, that’s a front-seven red flag the size of Arrowhead. This is why the draft’s about to be extra spicy. They’ve got to find youth, legs, and someone who can actually make a quarterback sweat again. Enter: Demetrius Knight.
No, not the trendy name. Not even on most mock draft radars. But you know how Veach loves his sleeper picks. Knight’s tape? Quietly loud. He went from injury afterthought to back-to-back standout seasons at Charlotte and South Carolina. He’s built like a safety but hits like a truck. PFF gave him an 85.4 run defense grade. That’s not “meh” territory. That’s “why aren’t more people talking about this guy?” territory. Knight’s speed, burst, and ability to play in space scream modern NFL linebacker. But most importantly, he might just be that missing link next to Chris Jones.
Offensive Tackle – Jonah Savaiinaea – Arizona
So, let’s rewind. The Chiefs gave Jawaan Taylor a bag. Then, a year later, Patrick Mahomes was getting hunted like it was a nature documentary—36 sacks in 2024. That’s a whole nine more than the previous season. You felt it. Pat definitely felt it. And if you watched closely, Reid did not look amused every time pressure flushed Mahomes out of the pocket.
Despite adding Jaylon Moore on a two-year deal, there’s still a glaring “what now?” hanging over this offensive line. Especially on the right side, where Taylor’s cap hit in 2026 screams bye-bye more than it whispers “long-term solution.” The numbers don’t lie—$20 million in savings if they cut ties next year. You doing the math? The Chiefs definitely are.
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And this is where the draft gets spicy. Quietly lurking in the shadows of the draft frenzy is Jonah Savaiinaea—a name that is one of the top picks as a sleeper. The guy started 36 college games across three positions. That’s not just versatility, that’s plug-and-play potential across the board. Need a backup plan at guard? Covered. Want insurance at right tackle with upside? Hello, Jonah. And the man’s built like a vending machine with cleats—406 bench, 532 squat, and clocked at 19 mph on GPS. That’s Bruce Feldman’s Freak List certified level praise. Still not convinced? Think of him as your ultimate OL utility knife. Not the flashiest. But when things fall apart mid-season, that’s the guy you want patching the boat.
Now sure, he’s got some kinks. He’s not some ballet-footed blindside protector. His slide and anchor could use a tune-up. But with the right coaching, Savaiinaea could quietly become that guy—especially if the Chiefs are planning a long-term OL reshuffle behind the scenes. As NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein said: “Savaiinaea’s size works to his advantage and he could become a serviceable starting guard in time.” If the Mahomes window is staying open, it’s guys like Jonah—sleeper picks with massive upside—that’ll keep the pocket clean.
Running Back – Bhayshul Tuten – Virginia
Alright, so let’s not pretend like the vibes were flawless in the Chiefs’ backfield last season. Sure, Pacheco ran like his hair was on fire—as usual. But outside of him? The room felt more like a rotation of “eh, I guess” than real backfield thunder. Add in the fact that Mahomes accounted for 72.5% of the team’s offensive yardage—the most by any QB in the league—and the math ain’t mathin’ when it comes to long-term sustainability. There’s a reason Andy Reid looked like he was trying to summon a screen game out of thin air half the time. The report says the Chiefs are “set” with Pacheco. But if you saw the way the RB rotation was handled late in the season—those weird drive-by RB2 auditions midgame—you know there’s more to the story than the press release suggests.
Now let’s talk Bhayshul Tuten, and why Chiefs Kingdom better start learning how to spell his name real fast. He transferred from NC A&T to the ACC. Leveled up his competition. And still made defenders look like they were moving through molasses. This guy doesn’t just move. He glides. His 4.32 40-yard dash? Ludicrous. His 40.5” vertical? Absurd. Throw in the sixth-best yards after contact and breakaway rates, and you’ve got a dude who’s basically a highlight waiting to happen. Yes, he’s only 5’9”, but at 206 pounds, he’s built like a spark plug and hits gaps like he’s mad at the turf. Think Pacheco energy, but with more gear shifts and a little more bounce in his cuts. You pair that with Reid’s matchup-hunting wizardry? Good luck, rest of the AFC.
Here’s the twist though—Tuten’s getting the sleeper treatment in this class. Too many backs, too little buzz. Which might just be the Chiefs’ perfect storm. There’s a real chance he slides into Day 3, and if Veach is watching the same tape we are, it’s hard to imagine him passing up a guy who could instantly become a fan favorite.Plus, we can’t deny the fact that Arrowhead loves a good underdog story, and if Tuten lands here? Just go ahead and cue the “Tuten Time” chants.
(Bonus) Cornerback – Upton Stout – Western Kentucky
Nickel for your thoughts? Upton Stout could be the Chiefs’ sneakiest pick, yet… That same ol’, same ol’ between Andy Reid and the Chiefs’ DBs have become too cliche, looking at each other (cluelessly) like “we’re good, right?” It felt chill, like a coach content with his corners. But flash forward to that AFC Championship grindfest, and suddenly, the cracks looked a little more like crevices. No shade on the current unit—Trent McDuffie held it down like a bouncer at the club entrance—but depth, especially in the slot, didn’t just look shaky. It looked exploitable. You don’t need All-22 film to see it. Which is why that report claiming the Chiefs don’t “need” cornerback help feels… a little off. Like, are we watching the same tape?
Upton Stout has my attention
This is the type of physicality you want from a modern day Swiss Army knife DB. Rarely misses tackles.
90.9 run defense grade in his first year as a slot corner at Western Kentucky. Day 3 NFL upside as a nickel/safety prospect. pic.twitter.com/jSptn52sJ2
— NFL Draft Files (@NFL_DF) January 23, 2025
So, that’s why I pitch in Upton Stout. Because from what I saw, Spags would love to have the guy whose name sounds like he runs a pub in London but actually plays nickel like it’s his personal dojo. You want twitch? He’s got twitch. You want attitude? He brings it in crates. This dude ran a 4.44, jumped 37.5 inches, and dropped a 4.29 shuttle—basically showing off more short-area burst than most Power Five corners. I mean, it was Spagnuolu who said, “It’s not about who’s right; it’s about getting it right,” highlighting his focus on ensuring the defense executes the game plan correctly, regardless of who is calling the plays. So, here we are.
And don’t let the frame fool you—yeah, he’s 5’9″, but Stout sticks his nose in the run game like he’s trying to pick a fight with a tight end. He’s “undersized,” sure, but that’s the same label they gave guys like Kenny Moore II, and we all know how that turned out. Oh, and he’s got that classic chip-on-shoulder energy too. Transferred once, almost transferred again, then decided to bet on himself. Not just that, he backed it up with a First Team All-CUSA nod.
Here’s the kicker: with all the premium DB names getting the spotlight, Stout might just slide under the radar and into the Chiefs’ lap on Day 3. Think about it—low cost, high upside, and a scheme fit just waiting to be cooked into the mix. He’s not flashy. But he’s functional. So while other teams are busy hunting length and wingspan, Veach might just sneak a silent killer into this secondary. Surprise, Kingdom—Upton could be the quiet chaos agent you never really knew you needed.
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