Protecting Patrick Mahomes is clearly the Kansas City Chiefs’ top priority this offseason. After signing left tackle Jaylon Moore in free agency, they selected Ohio State’s Josh Simmons to be their long-term starter Thursday night in the NFL Draft.

They added a fifth-round pick by trading back one spot with the Philadelphia Eagles, then took Simmons at No. 32 of the first round. When the draft resumes on Friday night, the Chiefs likely will look to give Mahomes some more weapons on offense as well as to shore up their defensive line. Here are some players that could interest them on Days 2 and 3 of the draft.

Note: The Athletic’s draft expert Dane Brugler’s overall ranking from “The Beast” for each prospect is listed in parentheses.

Day 2 (Picks 63, 66, 95)

The 6-foot-3, 251-pound Green led the FBS with 17 sacks last season and is Brugler’s 10th-rated overall prospect. He may have fallen to Day 2 because he has faced two sexual assault allegations, although neither resulted in charges, and Green has denied any wrongdoing in either incident. Green has shown the ability to win with speed or power and shows impressive hand usage for a college player.

The Chiefs need another athletic edge rusher. They still have George Karlaftis, who is a bull in terms of tenacity and relentless pursuit of the quarterback. Ezeiruaku would bring a nice balance on the opposite side. He can win one-on-one matchups with his athleticism. He ranked in the top three in the FBS last season in sacks (16 1/2) and tackles for loss (20 1/2).

This would be a luxury selection. But the Chiefs could see value in adding another quality receiver as a long-term, legitimate option alongside Rashee Rice and Xavier Worthy, especially because veteran Marquise Brown is on another one-year deal. Burden plays bigger than his 5-11 frame and has good speed to work in the middle of the field. He also has above-average run-after-catch skills, which the Chiefs always covet with their pass catchers.

The Chiefs are almost always in the market to add a cornerback. Amos is an ideal candidate for the Chiefs. He’s listed at 6-1 and 195 pounds and can be effective in man-to-man and zone. Amos also enjoys playing with plenty of physicality.

Arroyo is a compelling option if he falls in the second round. He is a super-talented athlete listed at 6-5 and 250 pounds. Arroyo could spend his rookie season learning from future Hall of Famer Travis Kelce, who could retire after the 2025 season. Last season, 71.4 percent of Arroyo’s 35 receptions resulted in a first down or touchdown. His top speed was 21.8 mph. Just six NFL players had a higher max ball-carrier speed in 2024, according to Next Gen Stats.

Similar to Karlaftis, Tuimoloau can rush the quarterback with power, be a plus-defender when setting the edge against the run and be tenacious enough to make second-effort splash highlights. Brugler believes Tuimoloau is one of the most well-rounded defensive prospects in this class.

Johnson might have the perfect blend of skills that Veach and company are looking for in a running back. He has a smooth running style with quality vision and the skills to be a three-down back.

Kansas City should consider using one of its Day 2 picks on a receiver, perhaps a prospect who has good speed but offers bigger size than the 5-11, 165-pound Worthy. Higgins, who is 6-4, generated more than 2,000 receiving yards over the past two seasons with the Cyclones.

A thickly built, high-motor rusher, Scourton can win off the edge with the quickness and power to wear down blockers. The Chiefs should love his athletic tools and his aggressive play style. Scourton could be a nice rotational defender as a rookie.

Thomas looks like the prototypical cornerback that defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo covets. The 6-2 Thomas recovers well from missteps, which leads to him rarely getting beat over the top.

Judkins has the skills to be an above-average early-down back in the NFL. His best traits are his strength and run toughness. He scored three touchdowns in Ohio State’s win over Notre Dame in the national championship game.

If Higgins is off the board, the 6-3 Harris is another capable option. He still has the stride speed to be a factor on the perimeter. Harris could be a fit next to Rice and Worthy. The best parts of his game, Brugler said, are his hand-eye coordination and finishing toughness to make catches over defensive backs.

The Chiefs have only one defensive tackle on their salary-cap sheet for 2026 — Chris Jones — so it wouldn’t be surprising if they added to the interior of their defensive line. “Collins is still learning how to maximize his size and talent, but he took a sizable jump this past season and shows the physical traits to be a disruptive force, especially against the run,” Brugler wrote.

If the Chiefs want a solid back, James is a worthy prospect. Listed at 5-10, he may not be the best in pass protection, but he can run the ball well and has the receiving skills to warrant consideration early in the third round.

Gillotte could be an ascending player in the NFL. He offers good strength and tenacity off the edge and provides some position versatility as he can slide to the interior on third-down snaps.

Trapilo is an intriguing right tackle prospect who could be a natural match of talent meeting one of the Chiefs’ future roster needs. In the past two seasons, Trapilo has been a quality starter at the position, allowing just two sacks in 747 pass-blocking snaps, according to PFF. Right tackle Jawaan Taylor is unlikely to be on the Chiefs’ roster in 2026.

The Chiefs have spent time this month getting to know Fannin, who set single-season school records for catches (117) and receiving yards (1,555). He was the first consensus All-American in Bowling Green history.

Keep this 2024 quote from Veach in mind when considering running back prospects: “If you’re a running back for Coach (Andy) Reid, it’s a lot of fun because you have to be a better receiver than a runner to play in his offense. Brian Westbrook was the pinnacle.” Etienne, the younger brother of Travis, who plays for the Jacksonville Jaguars, offers plenty of speed and versatility.

Day 3 (Picks 133, 164, 226, 251, 257)

A three-year starter, Walker was an interchangeable defensive lineman. He is a 340-pounder with a combination of size, strength and quick feet. His tape offers plenty of flashes where he created negative plays.

Giddens offers the right combination of speed (he ran the 4o-yard dash in 4.43 seconds), vision and good hands as a receiver to be a part of the rotation next season.

Even though the Chiefs retained Nick Bolton in free agency, it might be wise for them to take a swing with Paul. Brugler called him a linebacker who sees the field well and had the dirtiest jersey on each tape he studied.

Horton is a speedy receiver who might be worth the risk on Day 3 after he suffered a knee injury last season.

Hancock could be an immediate contributor on special teams, and if everything goes well, he could be the final safety on the Chiefs’ 53-man roster.

Spagnuolo should appreciate the versatility that Ransaw offers. Ransaw could learn Spagnuolo’s system as a nickel defender in his rookie season.

Mukuba was excellent last season and brings plenty of energy, instincts and speed to the secondary as a free safety.

Lambert-Smith might be the safest and most well-rounded receiver available on Day 3.

Brugler said Stout prefers press man to off-man coverage because he wants in on the action as a nickel defender.

The local prospect was one of the most consistent running backs last season.

The 6-5 Gadsden ranked second last year among FBS tight ends with 17 contested receptions.

A former basketball player, Pole didn’t start playing organized football until 2021. He didn’t allow a single sack last season.

In college, Smith made the transition from receiver to running back. He was also the only FBS player last season with at least 1,300 yards rushing, 300 yards receiving and 300 kick-return yards.

Gray could be a nice addition to the practice squad as a developmental player if he does well in training camp and the preseason. He showed plenty of durability and consistency throughout his college career.

A four-year starter in college, Marshall could be a competent backup for the Chiefs.

Smith is one of the fastest receivers in this year’s class, running a 4.3-second 40 at the combine.

The 6-1 Alexander allowed just a 43.5 percent completion rate last season after returning from a knee injury.

The 6-2 Adams is a long defender with enough athleticism to play press-man coverage. He would be a developmental option for Spagnuolo.