New Chiefs NFL Mock Draft Expert Roundup for 1st-Round Picks

This may be the only time the Chiefs pick in the top ten with Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes leading them. That adds extra pressure to make the most of this opportunity to add a top-tier prospect. Gaining a first-round pick from the Rams after trading Trent McDuffie gives them another chance to freshen up an aging squad.

Ahead of the first round of the draft on April 23, here's a look at what experts are projecting the Chiefs to do with the No. 9 and 29 picks:

Expert: B/R NFL Scouting Department (4/15)

Selections (No. 9 & 29): Edge Rueben Bain Jr., Miami & OT Max Iheanachor, Arizona State

Rueben Bain Jr.

The Kansas City Chiefs won't blink if Rueben Bain Jr. is on the board, because the team understands talent and value. The organization rarely worries about the type of concerns that may take him off other teams' boards.

Besides, the Chiefs desperately need more juice from their pass rush. Bain is a consistent disruptive force whenever he's on the field.

"Bain already had a murky draft projection given his lack of arm length," B/R scout Matt Holder said, "The recent news of him being cited for careless driving (the charges were later dropped) in what became a fatal car accident two years ago only adds to potential concerns.

"The Chiefs have shown that they aren't too concerned with arm length when it comes to edge-rushers and they're willing to take risks with certain individuals. Plus, the former Hurricane's power and run defense fit defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo's liking."

Max Iheanachor

Talented big bodies tend not to last long, because they're harder to find compared to other position groups, hence why four offensive lineman came off the board in the back half of this first round.

Arizona State's Max Iheanachor remains a work-in-progress since the former basketball player came to the game late, but his movement skills are outstanding to portend a top-flight right tackle if properly developed.

"Similar to Monroe Freeling landing in Philadelphia six picks earlier, Iheanachor also enters a veteran-led O-line room with the Chiefs, featuring a true enforcer in right guard Trey Smith and top-shelf coaching under Andy Heck," B/R scout Brandon Thorn said. "The room also includes veteran Jaylon Moore as a potential bridge before inserting Iheanachor into the lineup, offering a runway to adhere to Heck's teachings and hone his technique."

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Expert: Mel Kiper Jr., ESPN (4/15)

Selections (No. 9 & 29): WR Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State & CB Colton Hood, Tennessee

Expert: Field Yates, ESPN (3/24)

Selections (No. 9 & 29): WR Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State & Edge Cashius Howell, Texas A&M

Expert: Matt Miller, ESPN (3/30)

Selections (No. 9 & 29): Edge Reuben Bain Jr., Miami & CB Avieon Terrell, Clemson

Expert: Lance Zierlein, NFL.com (3/31)

Selections (No. 9 & 29): OT Spencer Fano, Utah & WR Denzel Boston, Washington

Expert: Daniel Jeremiah, NFL.com (3/17)

Selections (No. 9 & 29): OT Spencer Fano, Utah & CB Colton Hood, Tennessee

Expert: Dane Brugler, The Athletic (4/15)

Selections (No. 9 & 29): Edge Rueben Bain Jr., Miami & WR Denzel Boston, Washington

Expert: Danny Kelly, The Ringer (3/4)

Selections (No. 9 & 29): TE Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon & CB Brandon Cisse, Auburn

Summary

The Chiefs can go in a wide variety of different directions with both picks. Mahomes could use a physical wide receiver who can make contested catches and be dependable in the red zone. That said, several opponents overwhelmed them in the trenches last season. They can't allow that to happen again as they look to regain their championship form.