Chiefs Make Key Selections on Final Day of the NFL Draft 🏈

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — As the NFL Draft reaches its final day, the Chiefs find themselves poised with five choices to make on Saturday. General manager Brett Veach is eager to fulfill the team's needs and bolster their roster.

Addressing Key Needs ✅

Over the first two days of the draft, Veach successfully addressed the team's top four priorities. The selections included offensive tackle Josh Simmons, defensive tackle Omarr Norman-Lott, edge rusher Ashton Gillotte, and cornerback Nohl Williams. However, the focus on Saturday shifts toward acquiring a wide receiver and a running back, possibly using their first two picks to do so.

Additionally, the Chiefs have three seventh-round selections at their disposal. Typically, these later picks are utilized for players who may not sign as undrafted free agents or as trade leverage for improved draft positioning or future picks.

Fourth Round, No. 133 Overall: WR Jalen Royals, Utah State 🎉

The Chiefs kicked off Saturday by adding offensive firepower, selecting the 6-foot, 205-pound Jalen Royals. A two-year starter at Utah State after his stint at Georgia Military College, Royals has impressive statistics, recording 126 catches for 1,914 yards and 21 touchdowns over 20 games.

Although his 2024 season was marred by a right foot injury, Royals shone at the Senior Bowl and clocked an impressive 4.42-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine. Chiefs West Regional Scout Greg Castillo confirmed that Royals is back in top physical shape following his injury.

“Just from our interactions at the Senior Bowl, he is extremely coachable,” Castillo remarked. “He possesses a genuine passion for football and the desire to improve. His journey, from Georgia Military to Utah State, reflects that growth each year, and we anticipate even more progression here.”

Earlier in his career, Royals primarily focused on basketball, and he went unranked by recruiting services. To enhance his academic prospects and transition to football, he enrolled at Georgia Military College. A transformative moment came when he attended Utah State’s Elite Camp in June 2022, impressing the coaching staff and receiving a scholarship offer shortly after.

“Making the NFL has been a lifelong dream,” Royals shared. “Navigating from junior college to Utah State took hard work, but now being a Chief resonates deeply with my journey.”

Fifth Round, No. 156 Overall: LB Jeff Bassa, Oregon 💪

Though linebacker wasn’t seen as a critical need, Veach couldn't pass up the opportunity when Jeff Bassa fell to the fifth round. Seizing the moment, the Chiefs made a deal with the Steelers, trading their fifth-round pick acquired from Philadelphia and a seventh-round selection to move up eight spots.

Standing at 6-foot-1 and weighing 228 pounds, Bassa was a four-year starter who originally committed to Oregon as a safety. He later transitioned to linebacker during his freshman year, where he gained valuable experience covering passes and defending against the run. Furthermore, he played a pivotal role on special teams during his tenure with the Ducks.

“He’s prepared to contribute right away,” said Chiefs National Scout Jonathan Howard. “This player has been performing at a high level for quite some time. We were quite surprised to see him available at this stage of the draft.”

Bassa possesses familiarity with the Chiefs’ defensive strategies under coordinator Steve Spagnuolo and is eager to fulfill any linebacker role.

“Coach Spags is renowned for his innovative defensive schemes, and I admire the way he deploys different blitzes and coverages,” Bassa noted. “Witnessing the Chiefs’ linebackers make a significant impact on the defense motivates me. I can't wait to contribute.”

Seventh Round, No. 228 Overall: RB Brashard Smith, SMU 🌟

With their final pick, the Chiefs brought on Brashard Smith, an agile and elusive runner who recently transferred from Miami to SMU. Smith switched from receiver to running back last season, a move that piqued the interest of Mustangs head coach Rhett Lashlee.

“He emphasized how I could evolve into a dynamic back, capable of making plays out of the backfield,” Smith explained. “That vision resonated with me, and from day one, we were committed to making this change.”

The Chiefs traded two seventh-round picks to New England to secure Smith at No. 228. Notably, Smith became the only FBS player in 2024 to total 1,300 rushing yards, 300 receiving yards, and 300 kick-return yards. He finished fourth in the nation with 1,977 all-purpose yards, trailing only three other standout players.

Confident in his fit within the Kansas City offense, Smith expressed his enthusiasm for joining this dynamic team.

“They already possess a versatile, explosive offense, and I believe I bring that same energy,” Smith stated. “Wherever I am on the field, I intend to infuse some excitement into the game!”

In summary, the Chiefs made strategic selections that add depth, versatility, and potential to their roster as they prepare for the upcoming season. With fresh talent gracing the lineup, fans have plenty to look forward to in the future! 🌟🏆