Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid is heading into the NFL draft this week with zero illusions about what he needs to do to protect an injured Patrick Mahomes and rebuild the league’s latest dynasty after a shocking 6-11 campaign in 2025.
Kansas City is arguably the most intriguing team drafting inside the top 10 because of the value and need tensions between offensive tackle and edge-rusher, as well as the viability of a trade up with the Arizona Cardinals at No. 3, or perhaps even a team like the New York Giants at No. 5.
Todd McShay of The Ringer reported on Sunday, April 19 that Reid is all-in on shoring up the offensive line with the team’s first pick, which is currently slated at No. 9 overall.
“I am told, again on really good authority, Andy Reid is hell-bent … on figuring out this offensive line and protecting a quarterback who is the epicenter of everything that is success,” McShay said.
According to McShay and co-host Steve Muench, the player Reid will target is either Spencer Fano of Utah or Francis Mauigoa of Miami.
“If the Chiefs don’t move up to three, what if they go to five to get ahead of the Browns?” McShay asked.
Cleveland owns the No. 6 overall pick and is in the market for an offensive tackle as well, which the Browns may select in that spot if they don’t get a good enough trade offer to move back themselves.
Chiefs Could Look to Trade Up to No. 3 for Pass-Rusher Like David Bailey, No. 5 for Tackle Like Spencer Fano
GettyTexas Tech edge-rusher David Bailey.
As part of a roundabout explanation for his thinking, McShay noted that Chiefs general manager Brett Veach is potentially inclined to deal up with the Cardinals, who badly want to get out of the No. 3 spot, to select an edge-rusher like David Bailey of Texas Tech.
That topic, McShay said, has received considerable credence in conversations he’s had with different front office people across the league.
However, McShay also noted that the Giants may be interested in Ohio State safety Caleb Downs with their first pick. New York just traded defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence to the Cincinnati Bengals for the 10th selection, which means the Giants now own pick Nos. 5 and 10.
New York is a strong suitor for Buckeyes linebacker Sonny Styles at No. 5, but might consider dipping from that spot to No. 9 in a deal with Kansas City that brings back the Chiefs’ No. 29 pick in Round 1, then drafting Downs instead.
“If the Giants really want Caleb Downs … you can get him at No. 9,” McShay continued.
In that scenario, the Giants would hold selections 9, 10 and 29 in Round 1.
Meanwhile, the Chiefs would move up to the fifth position, leapfrogging Cleveland, and draft their offensive tackle of choice. Kansas City would still hold the 40th selection in Round 2 and could probably get back a mid-rounder in a deal with New York swapping pick No. 9 for No. 5.
Chiefs Could Face Tough Decision Between OTs Spencer Fano, Francis Mauigoa in NFL Draft
GettyUtah offensive tackle Spencer Fano.
Fano is the No. 1 prospect at offensive tackle in this year’s class, according to Dane Brugler of The Athletic.
“Fano has the feet, demeanor and recovery balance of a starting NFL tackle,” Brugler wrote. “He also has a knack for losing slowly, despite possessing average length and core strength. He has the talent to be an immediate NFL starter at right tackle or guard.”
However, Mauigoa is Brugler’s No. 2 tackle prospect and rated nearly as high on his big board — Fano is No. 8 overall, while Mauigoa is No. 11.
“Mauigoa is a durable blocker with coordinated movements, excellent play strength and the finishing mentality to match,” Brugler added. “Though his college tape says he can stay outside at right tackle, his skill set would be maximized inside at guard in the NFL.”
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