NFL Draft Rumors: Chiefs "actively looking to trade up in Round 1" to select an OT

ESPN NFL draft analyst Matt Miller believes there is a chance the Kansas City Chiefs could trade up in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft.

In an article published on ESPN highlighting the latest 2025 NFL draft buzz, Miller made it clear that if the Chiefs were to trade up, the move would most likely be to acquire an offensive lineman to help protect star quarterback Patrick Mahomes.

"I've heard that the Kansas City Chiefs are actively looking to trade up in Round 1," Miller wrote. "They signed left tackle Jaylon Moore in free agency but were otherwise quiet, opting to re-sign their own versus hitting the open market.

"A move up in Round 1 would likely be for a long-term offensive tackle solution."

Miller then explained where he believed the Chiefs would aim to move in the draft to secure a top-tier offensive lineman. He said he had heard the team's goal would be to jump ahead of the Houston Texans and LA Rams.

"I heard the goal would be to move in front of the Houston Texans (No. 25) and Los Angeles Rams (No. 26) if the Chiefs like a specific left tackle still on the board."

Ohio State OT linked to Kansas City ahead of draft

The Chiefs are widely expected to target an offensive lineman in the first round of the 2025 NFL draft.

In NFL draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah's 2025 NFL mock draft 3.0, the Kansas City Chiefs did not trade up but still managed to address their offensive line needs. With the No. 31 overall pick, Kansas City selected Ohio State offensive tackle Josh Simmons.

Jeremiah noted:

"I know the Chiefs signed Jaylon Moore in free agency, but I’m not so sure Simmons won’t ultimately be the better option for them at left tackle. Regardless, building quality depth up front would seem like a wise move based on the issues they dealt with last season."

The 2025 NFL draft is scheduled to be held in Green Bay, Wisconsin, from April 24-26.