The Athletic has live coverage of the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft.

The Kansas City Chiefs entered the 2025 NFL Draft on April 24 with eight picks over the three-day draft.

The Chiefs chose Ohio State offensive tackle Josh Simmons with the 32nd pick after trading back one spot with the Philadelphia Eagles. The Chiefs’ top three positions of need were pretty clear — defensive lineman, offensive tackle and running back, and they checked off one of them with Simmons.

Even though they signed free agent Jaylon Moore to a two-year deal to be their starting left tackle, it made sense to add another tackle as right tackle Jawaan Taylor is unlikely to return in 2026. Simmons, whose 2024 season ended early because of a knee injury, won’t have to start right away. But he has a high upside.

With their second-round pick, No. 63, the Chiefs addressed the defensive line, picking Tennessee defensive tackle Omarr Norman-Lott. A part-time player for the Volunteers, Norman-Lott is considered a boom-or-bust player. We’ll see what he can do under the tutelage of defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo.

Two picks into the third round, the Chiefs added Louisville edge rusher Ashton Gillotte. A three-year starter at Louisville, Gillotte lined up off the edge (left and right side) in defensive coordinator Ron English’s four-man front, also kicking inside as a three-tech on certain sub-packages. That versatility certainly appealed to Spagnuolo and the Chiefs.

The Chiefs later traded up 10 spots with the Patriots to grab Cal cornerback Nohl Williams, who looks like a perfect fit in the Kansas City secondary.

On Saturday, the Chiefs selected Utah State wide receiver Jalen Royals, hailing his versatility and big yards-after-catch capability. Adding a player from a deep class of running backs still seems likely for Kansas City.

The Chiefs later traded up to select Oregon linebacker Jeffrey Bassa. The 6-1, 232-pounder adds to their defensive depth and will contribute on special teams.

The Chiefs packaged their two late-seventh-round picks to move up to 228th to take SMU running back Brashard Smith as they wrapped up the draft.

Round 1

No. 32: Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State

How he fits

Mahomes isn’t the only reason the Chiefs are elite. Kansas City’s ability to find outstanding value at the bottom of the first round year after year is something to behold — and the Chiefs have done it again. If Simmons hadn’t hurt his knee in October (he expects to be ready for the start of the 2025 season), he might’ve been a top-10 pick in this draft. He might’ve been the first offensive lineman taken in this draft. His tape was outstanding when healthy last year, as he moves around like a 300-pound basketball player out there. The upside here is terrific as long as Simmons’ injury situation doesn’t linger. I love this pick.

Dane Brugler’s analysis

Simmons explodes out of his stance in pass protection and plays with knee-bend, balance and calmness to govern his movements, shoot his hands and stay square to pass rushers. He isn’t an overpowering mauler in the run game, but Chip Kelly’s offense highlighted Simmons’ range when executing pulls, reaches, traps, etc. Overall, Simmons is a nimble, coordinated pass protector with tremendous athletic poise and the body control to be a long-term starting left tackle in the NFL. His pro projection hinges on medical feedback.

Mike Jones’ analysis

Round 2

No. 63: Omarr Norman-Lott, DT, Tennessee

How he fits

Norman-Lott (6-2, 303 pounds) is the ultimate boom-or-bust defensive lineman in this draft. He flashes plenty of athletic ability and potential to make big plays, as demonstrated by 9 1/2 sacks the last two seasons. But he didn’t pick up a single start in 2024 and averaged just 17.3 snaps per game. Based on athletic ability, Norman-Lott could start for a decade. Based on precedent, he also could be out of the league in three years. A little high for that type of risk.

Dane Brugler’s analysis

Often the first defender to cross the line of scrimmage, Norman-Lott is a twitched-up big man with a diverse skill set to win one-on-one matchups with quickness, power or leverage. He uses sound hand/move fundamentals but leaves a lot of tackle production on the field and needs to play with better control. Overall, Norman-Lott is an explosive disruptor and offers high upside for a coaching staff that can harness his energy, although he will need to improve his undisciplined tendencies, especially in the run game. There is no doubt about his NFL talent, but his ability to handle more of a full-time role is a tricky projection.

Mike Jones’ analysis

Round 3

No. 66: Ashton Gillotte, edge, Louisville

How he fits

Dane Brugler’s analysis

His speed and flexibility as a high-side rusher are mediocre, but with the way he fires off the ball and delivers pop at contact, Gillotte creates leveraged power and natural downhill force. He is constantly in pursuit mode with his revving motor, although you’d like to see him play with better control, especially against the run. Overall, Gillotte is a densely built edge defender who might not check every box but is consistently in the sack area and plays fast, physical and persistent — three qualities that will endear him to NFL coaches. He can be an immediate sub-package rusher with long-term starting potential.

No. 85: CB Nohl Williams

How he fits

For value, need and performance, this is the Chiefs’ best selection so far. Last year, Williams led the nation in interceptions (seven) and produced 15 passes defensed as a first-team All-American. He scored four times in two seasons at Cal — twice on fumble returns, once on a kickoff and once on an interception return. He started 50 career games in college.

Dane Brugler’s analysis

Williams’ outstanding ball skills are reflected in his 2024 production: seven interceptions (No. 1 in the FBS) and 16 passes defended (No. 1 in the ACC). In coverage, Williams is a smooth mover in both man and zone and displays a natural feel for keeping eyes on the backfield action without sacrificing his coverage.

With his compete skills, receivers know they are in for a dogfight, and he is one of this class’ best tackling cornerbacks. Overall, Williams will need to prove he can overcome his average long speed against NFL competition, but there are far more pros than cons to his game, including his awareness, ball skills and physical play demeanor. I think he’ll stay at cornerback, but his game is reminiscent of another former Cal corner, Cam Bynum, who has found NFL success at safety.

Round 4

No. 133: Jalen Royals, WR, Utah State

How he fits

The 6-foot, 205-pound Royals brings versatility, and it’s easy to envision Andy Reid using him in a variety of ways: pass catcher, ball carrier and possibly return man. Chiefs area scout said Greg Castillo said Royals will “make an impact immediately.”

Castillo also praised Royals’ high football IQ and coachability. “He wants to get better and he will.” As a ball carrier, Castillo said, “He goes over guys, through guys, around guys. That’s the beauty of this player.”

Dane Brugler’s analysis

Royals combines smooth footwork with athletic body control, physical play strength and tracking skills to be a three-level threat as he expands his route tree. He has the talent to emerge as a team’s WR2 within his first few NFL seasons.

Fantasy impact

Round 5

No. 156: Jeffrey Bassa, LB, Oregon

How he fits

Kansas City picked up a good subpackage linebacker and special teams performer in Bassa, who started 43 games over four seasons at Oregon and compiled 236 career tackles. He began his career as a safety, then switched to linebacker during his freshman year. He has good speed for the position, benched 21 reps of 225 pounds at the combine and is a solid tackler. The Chiefs said they were surprised to see him still available in the fifth round and expected him to go a round or two earlier. “He’s ready Day 1,” Chiefs scout Jonathan Howard said of Bassa, calling him a playmaker all over the field.

Dane Brugler’s analysis

Bassa (who wore the green dot for the Ducks in 2024) needs to turn the “almost” plays into more steady production, but he does everything well on the football field and can become an NFL starter with improved consistency. His football arrow is pointing up.

Round 7

No. 228: Brashard Smith, RB, SMU

How he fits

Smith, a 5-10, 194-pounder, clocked a 4.39-second 40-yard dash at the combine and ranked fourth in the nation with 1,977 all-purpose yards in 2024. Chiefs southwest area scout Jason Lamb said they love the speed and dynamic play-making ability that Smith, a former wide receiver, offers. He’s also a standout kick returner.

Dan Brugler’s analysis

Smith needs to continue developing his run discipline and tempo, but he runs hard and explosively with terrific control for abrupt cuts. Given his versatility as a runner and receiver, he has the upside of a dynamic role player who can be flexed across the offense and affect the defensive game plan.

Fantasy impact