Kansas City Chiefs: 2022 Draft Picks By Round

What's up, football fanatics! Let's talk about the Kansas City Chiefs and their 2022 draft class. This was a pivotal year for the squad, with a lot of eyes on how they'd address key positions and build for the future. Drafting is always a bit of a gamble, right? You're hoping to snag that next superstar who can make an immediate impact or a solid contributor who shores up a weakness. The Chiefs, known for their sharp drafting and development, really went to work in 2022. We're going to break down their selections round by round, giving you the lowdown on who they picked and what it meant for the team. So, grab your favorite team jersey, settle in, and let's get this draft party started!

Round 1: Laying the Foundation

Kicking things off in the first round, the Chiefs had a couple of picks to make, and they used them to address significant needs. Remember, first-rounders are often seen as potential franchise cornerstones. The pressure is on from day one, but these guys are usually high-caliber talents. For the Chiefs in 2022, their first-round selections were all about building that defensive powerhouse. The team had made some strides, but they knew they needed more playmakers on that side of the ball to compete at the highest level. Securing talent early in the draft is crucial for any team looking to sustain success. It's not just about filling a roster spot; it's about acquiring players who can elevate the entire team's performance. The Chiefs' strategy here showed a clear intent to bolster their defense, aiming to create a more dominant and intimidating unit. This is a smart move, especially in a league that increasingly favors strong defensive play. When you can pressure the quarterback, disrupt passing lanes, and shut down the run, you give your offense more opportunities to score and control the game. This first round was definitely a statement of intent for the Chiefs, signaling their commitment to building a championship-caliber defense.

Pick 1: Trent McDuffie, CB, Washington

With their first pick, the Kansas City Chiefs snagged Trent McDuffie out of Washington. Man, this guy was a hot commodity! Cornerback was definitely a position of need, and McDuffie brought a fantastic combination of athleticism, intelligence, and physicality. He was widely regarded as one of the top cornerbacks in the draft class, known for his sticky coverage skills and his ability to play both outside and in the slot. His college tape showed a player who rarely gets beat deep and has a great nose for the football. Bringing him into the fold was a huge win for the Chiefs' secondary. They needed someone who could immediately step in and challenge opposing receivers, especially in a tough AFC West division known for its aerial attacks. McDuffie's versatility was also a major plus. He wasn't just a one-trick pony; he could adapt to different schemes and matchups, which is invaluable in today's NFL. His addition signaled a serious commitment to improving the pass defense, aiming to lock down the league's best receivers. The hope was that he'd become a lockdown corner, a true difference-maker who could elevate the entire defense. It's always exciting when a team picks a player with such high potential, and McDuffie certainly fit that bill. His transition from college to the pros is something fans were eager to watch, knowing he had the talent to make a significant impact right away. The Chiefs are always looking for that next great defensive player, and McDuffie had all the tools.

Pick 2: George Karlaftis, DE, Purdue

Their second first-round pick was George Karlaftis, a defensive end from Purdue. Now, Karlaftis is a different kind of beast. He’s a powerful, high-motor defensive end who loves getting after the quarterback. He possesses an impressive blend of strength and athleticism, making him a tough matchup for offensive linemen. His college production was stellar, showcasing his ability to rack up sacks and tackles for loss. The Chiefs' defensive line needed some serious reinforcement, particularly in generating consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Karlaftis was seen as a player who could provide exactly that. He has the raw power to collapse the pocket and the quickness to beat tackles around the edge. His physicality and relentless effort were standout traits that really drew the Chiefs' attention. Adding him alongside other defensive linemen created a more formidable pass-rushing unit. The goal is always to disrupt the opposing offense, and a strong defensive line is key to achieving that. Karlaftis fit the mold of the kind of disruptive defensive player the Chiefs were looking to add. He’s the type of guy who plays with his hair on fire on every snap, and that kind of intensity is contagious. His development in the NFL was something fans were keenly anticipating, expecting him to bring a much-needed edge to the Chiefs' defense. He represented a significant investment in the team's pass rush capabilities, aiming to make life miserable for quarterbacks across the league.

Round 2: Adding Depth and Playmakers

Moving into the second round, the Chiefs continued to address needs, looking for players who could contribute significantly, perhaps even stepping into starting roles down the line or providing valuable depth. The second round is often where you find incredible value, players who maybe slipped a bit but have the talent to outperform their draft position. For the Chiefs, this round was about continuing to build on the defensive momentum from round one while also potentially looking for offensive playmakers. It’s a delicate balance, trying to plug holes while also adding exciting talent that can change the game. The second round is crucial because it’s usually filled with players who have starter potential but might have had some questions about their consistency or scheme fit in college. Teams that can consistently hit on second-round picks are often the ones that stay competitive year after year. The Chiefs have a reputation for finding gems in these middle rounds, so expectations were high. They needed to find players who could step in and contribute immediately or develop into key pieces for the team's long-term success. This round is where you start seeing more specialized players, guys who excel in certain areas and can fill very specific roles on the roster. It's about finding that perfect fit, that player who complements the existing talent and elevates the team's overall capabilities.

Pick 2: Skyy Moore, WR, Western Michigan

In the second round, the Chiefs surprised some by taking wide receiver Skyy Moore from Western Michigan. Now, Moore might not have been the flashiest name, but he was a guy who had serious game-breaking ability. He’s a shifty, quick receiver with excellent hands and the ability to gain yards after the catch. While the Chiefs already had established star receivers, adding another dynamic playmaker was a smart move. Moore’s college production was off the charts, proving he could be a primary target. His route-running is crisp, and he has a knack for finding open space. The idea behind picking Moore was to add another weapon to an already potent offense. He could operate out of the slot, stretch the field, and provide a reliable target for Patrick Mahomes. His addition was about ensuring the Chiefs' offense remained explosive and unpredictable. He offered a different skillset than some of their other receivers, bringing that quickness and agility that can be tough for defenses to handle. Moore represented an investment in the future of the wide receiver corps, someone who could develop into a key contributor and complement the existing talent. His ability to make plays after the catch was particularly appealing, as that’s a hallmark of successful offenses in the modern NFL. The Chiefs know that in order to keep winning, they need a diverse set of offensive weapons, and Moore fit that bill perfectly. He was the kind of player who could change the complexion of a game with a single play.

Round 3: Building Depth and Potential

As we move into the third round, the focus often shifts slightly. While you're still looking for players who can make an impact, there's also a greater emphasis on building depth and finding guys with high upside who might need a bit more development. The third round is a sweet spot where you can find players who possess starter-level talent but perhaps have some technical flaws or require a more refined coaching approach. For the Chiefs, this round was about continuing to build out their roster, filling any remaining gaps, and adding players who could compete for starting jobs or become solid rotational pieces. It's a critical juncture in the draft, as teams aim to find players who can contribute to their immediate goals while also developing into core members of the team for years to come. The Chiefs have a history of finding value in the third round, and this year was no different. They looked for players who fit their team culture and possessed the athletic traits necessary to succeed in the NFL. This round is often where you see teams taking calculated risks on players with unique skill sets or physical attributes that project well at the professional level. It’s about building a well-rounded roster with talent at every position, ensuring the team has the depth to withstand injuries and the competition needed to push everyone to be their best. The third round is where teams really start shaping the core of their future roster, and the Chiefs were no exception in their approach.

Pick 1: Leo Chenal, LB, Wisconsin

In the third round, the Chiefs selected Leo Chenal, a linebacker from Wisconsin. Chenal is a big, physical linebacker who excels against the run. He’s a downhill player with impressive strength and a ferocity that you love to see in a defensive player. His college career was marked by dominant performances, especially in stopping the run game. The Chiefs’ linebacking corps needed to get more physical, and Chenal seemed like a perfect fit. He has the size and the tenacity to be a force in the middle of the field, clogging up running lanes and bringing hard hits. His tackling ability is top-notch, and he’s not afraid to get his hands dirty. Adding Chenal was about bringing a more physical presence to the linebacker position, which is essential for any team looking to compete in a tough division. He’s the kind of player who sets the tone with his play, and his presence can elevate the entire defense. His development was something fans were excited about, as he possessed the raw tools to become a dominant force. The Chiefs were looking to solidify their run defense, and Chenal offered a solution with his physical style of play. He represents a commitment to building a strong, physical defense from the inside out. His potential to become a staple in the Chiefs' defensive scheme made him a significant pick in this round.

Later Rounds: Finding Hidden Gems

As the NFL Draft progresses into the later rounds—rounds four through seven—the focus intensifies on finding undervalued talent and players who can contribute on special teams or fill specific developmental roles. These rounds are often referred to as the