Arrowhead Pride
Let’s take a look at how Kansas City’s division rivals might approach the 2025 draft.
With the 2025 NFL Draft just a month away, AFC West teams are searching for ways to finally dethrone the Kansas City Chiefs before they secure their 10th straight division title.
Let’s examine the key areas that need improvement for each of Kansas City’s division opponents — and identify one potential first-round pick each could make in the draft.
Last year, the Broncos had slim pickings when they drafed a quarterback, choosing Oregon’s Bo Nix with the 12th overall pick. Given the surprising outcome of the Broncos’ 2024 season, they should now focus on adding weapons to their offense.
Team needs: Running back, wide receiver, defensive line, center
Projected first-round selection: WR Luther Burden III, Missouri
The Broncos could use another top wideout – and Burden would be a great addition to their offense. An explosive, five-tool playmaker, Burden is ready to make an NFL impact. Pairing him with Courtland Sutton would give Nix plenty of weapons in head coach Sean Payton’s system.
The Raiders took the best player available in 2024’s first round, selecting Georgia tight end Brock Bowers. With the sixth overall pick in this year’s draft, they might follow the same approach.
Team needs: running back, wide receiver, defensive line, cornerback
Projected first-round selection: RB Ashton Jeanty, Boise State
Jeanty possesses all the traits of an elite, every-down running back. His exceptional footwork allows him to find openings and break into the open field, while his big-play ability is always a threat. And don’t overlook his skills as a receiving back. During his sophomore season, he hauled in 43 receptions for 539 yards.
The Raiders attempted to hand the reins to Zamir White last season, but the experiment fell short. The last time they selected a running back in the first round was in 2019, when they took Josh Jacobs with the 24th overall pick.
With the fifth pick in last year’s NFL Draft, the Chargers selected cornerstone left tackle Joe Alt out of Notre Dame. This year — while they could go with another tackle — the available defensive talent may move the Chargers to take the best player available with the 22nd overall pick.
Team needs: Tight end, tackle, linebacker, cornerback
Projected first-round selection: EDGE James Pearce Jr., Tennessee
Pearce boasts one of the fastest first steps in this year’s draft, making him a prime candidate for Los Angeles — especially losing Joey Bosa. He moves effortlessly along the defensive line, using quick hands and elite agility to evade blockers. During his time with the Volunteers, he racked up...
