Most of the Kansas City Chiefs’ coverage right now centers around one thing: the quest for the three-peat, and rightfully so, as it’s a once-in-a-generation opportunity. But this has led some of us to lose sight of the future and the fun of NFL Draft anticipation.

The 2025 Chiefs will have to step up and you’ll want them to be dominant next year as well. After the trade deadline, the Chiefs could lose a 2025 4th or 5th round pick after trading DeAndre Hopkins.

Personnel-wise, the Chiefs do not currently have players under contract for the 2025 season: Hopkins, Marquise Brown, Trey Smith, JuJu Smith-Schuster, Carson Wentz, Mecole Hardman, Clyde Edwards-Helaire, James Winchester, Mike Pennel , Justin Watson, Kareem Hunt , Samaje Perine, Tershawn Wharton, Charles Omenihu, Joshua Uche, Derek Nnadi, Nick Bolton and Justin Reid. These are precious moments for a team to lose. Projected cap space in 2025 is $22.7 million.

Quietly, the Chiefs need a home run draft pick after the last two draft classes have yet to generate a ton of value. It’s no coincidence that the Chiefs’ best draft under general manager Brett Veach (2022) was also the year they had the most picks. We like to think of the draft as an exact science, but at the end of the day, it’s much closer to the lottery than any of us would like to admit. The more lottery tickets you have, the more likely you are to win.

In this mock of the 2025 NFL Draft, we explore how Veach can get more picks by acquiring the Chiefs. Traded in the first round like the Texans did in 2024 to compensate for more selection.

The Chiefs trade their pick (32) to the Arizona Cardinals for pick 52 (2nd) and pick (84), which gives the Chiefs five picks in the top 100. Landon Jackson is long and has strong upside potential. At 6-7, 280 lbs., it’s hard not to notice Jackson when you turn on a Razorbacks game.

Jackson can line up anywhere along the line with his length and brings a relentless engine to accelerate the passer. His frame allows him to set the advantage well. There are some general athletic questions at his size. He probably won’t win in 2s on the bench but he’s a high-ground edge that ticks a lot of boxes for Spagnuolo’s system.

Jackson could help fill the void left by Charles Omenihu in 2025. His versatility will also allow him to help the “NASCAR” package come quickly from the interior. He also has some injury history that will determine his draft stock.

When in doubt, take LSU wide receiver?

While Lacy doesn’t have as good a pedigree as previous big names, he still has a WR1 profile. 6-2 205 lbs. At his weight, Lacy has the size to win outside or in the slot. He already had his most productive season for the Tigers. He has a strong release package combined with above-average route running and strong hands. Maturity questions plague Lacy on and off the field, but the Chiefs are no strangers to them.

With Rashee Rice likely sidelined through 2025, DeAndre Hopkins and Marquise Brown hitting the market, and questions about Travis Kelce’s future, the need for pass catchers is real. Lacy will likely get a bit more projects, but the vision is for Rice, Lacy and Worthy to move forward as the young core.

Henderson is part of a loaded RB class and fills a void that has been creating in the Chiefs’ backroom for some time. Picture Henderson as a player similar to the one Jahmyr Gibbs brought to the Lions’ backfield. Henderson isn’t that level of player, but he’s a strong pass protector for a college player, excels at catching passes out of the backfield, and has the speed and agility to break out of zone concepts. Henderson has an injury flag that could cause problems and he is not a very good tackler.

As mentioned above, the Chiefs need skill position players. We all loved what we saw from Kareem Hunt and can’t wait for the addition of Isiah Pacheco. There is value in having two good backs, and Henderson fills a role where the Chiefs rely on aging veterans like Perine and McKinnon. Henderson brings explosiveness to the third guard position.

Jackson currently plays left tackle on the Buckeyes’ offensive line, but will play more of a guard at the next level. He graduated from high school as a top player and showed off his length and strength in both the running and passing game. Jackson is a high floor blocker with a high football IQ. He has a well-rounded and battle-tested plan. Sometimes it gets a little top heavy but this can be cleaned up.

It remains to be seen whether the Chiefs will keep Joe Thuney (cheaper to cut than keep) and Trey Smith. The Chiefs have relied on their interior offensive line all season long. Taking a step back could deal a big blow to the offense. Jackson is an extremely well-rounded prospect who could come in and start Day 1 alongside Creed Humphrey. Increase the offensive line’s floor as much as possible with players like Jackson, Nourzad and Caliendo.

A quick climb up the draft boards is a long, hard-fought safety for the Gamecocks. Emmanwori 6-3, 227 lbs. and ranks 3rd in the FBS with 4 interceptions. It wouldn’t be a surprise if he was already gone at this point in the draft, but for now we’ll follow the simulators. His size and versatility make him a defensive chess piece in the box, in the slot or deep. Emmanwori has elite size and athleticism, from his foot speed to his ability to change direction. He has good foot quickness and fluidity when in coverage, allowing him to pass quickly.

Although the Chiefs are set to lose Justin Reid, Bryan Cook, Chamarri Conner and Jaden Hicks remain under contract through 2025. Emmanwori may have some overlap with Hicks, but Conner is more of a cornerback in the current scheme, and while Cook is reliable, he’s not a player you think you need to extend. Raise good players. Emmanwori and Hicks could be a bad safety duo in the future.