The Kansas City Chiefs will likely prioritize adding a game-altering wide receiver to Patrick Mahomes‘ supporting cast during the NFL Draft, especially given the likelihood Rashee Rice could be suspended for multiple games this upcoming season.
Given that the Chiefs aren’t slated to pick until the final selection of the first round, general manager Brett Veach and Kansas City could be a prime team to watch to possibly trade up.
That’s exactly what plays out in ESPN NFL analyst Jordan Reid’s latest mock draft projection.
What Might a Kansas City Chiefs Adonai Mitchell Trade Look Like?
In Reid’s latest NFL Mock Draft, Veach and the Kansas City Chiefs move up 10 spots to take Mitchell, in hopes of elevating the consistency of Mahomes’ supporting cast.
Here’s what a possible trade up could look like, to snag Mitchell:
Chiefs get: No. 24
Cowboys get: Nos. 32, 95 and 159
On the surface, the Chiefs trading three selections to move up 10 slots feels like a steep price to pay.
However, given that the Chiefs’ receiving corps led the league in dropped passes and that so much of Kansas City’s Super Bowl window is contingent on surrounding Mahomes with superstar-caliber weapons, if Veach believes Mitchell can be a game-altering talent, this is definitely a deal worth considering.
“Kansas City GM Brett Veach isn’t shy about moving up for prospects that he likes in Round 1,” Reid writes for ESPN. “We’ve seen it in past years, with K.C. trading up for players such as Patrick Mahomes and Trent McDuffie. So why not do it again for a reliable pass-catcher? And Dallas would likely be game for this considering it has seven picks and could use the draft capital to tackle some needs.”
Adonai Mitchell NFL Draft Scouting Report
Mitchell has the potential to have a lofty ceiling, and perhaps develop into one of Mahomes’ favorite targets, especially because of his consistency.
“Mitchell is a perfect fit in the Chiefs’ scheme,” Reid explains. “And can play inside or outside for them. He’s one of the most efficient receivers in this class, as 82% of his catches last season went for either a first down or a touchdown.
“I was impressed with his combine performance, too. He’d be a dynamic downfield option for Mahomes. Plus, after the Chiefs had 38 drops in 2023, Mitchell’s sure hands would be welcomed. He had just five drops over his 35-game college career.”
In addition to being sure-handed, Mitchell has some big-play potential, averaging an explosive 15.1 yards per reception across his collegiate career, while catching 93 passes for 1,405 with 18 touchdowns, even playing opposite speedster Xavier Worthy.
“In terms of yards after the catch,” the Bleacher Report Scouting Department writes. “Mitchell has nice flashes thanks to his ability to stride out and bend at the hips. However, Mitchell too often takes a beat to turn himself into a runner and doesn’t always attack up the field the way you would like.
“As a ball-winner, Mitchell doesn’t always live up to his frame. He can win contested throws in the air at times, but due to his rather skinny frame, he does not do so with consistency or dominance.”
As Pro Football Focus points out, Mitchell posted an elite 1.8 percent drop rate, with a strong 16 yards depth of target last season.
“If he can play every game like he played the Alabama game,” an AFC Scouting Director told NFL.com. “He’ll be one the best receivers in the league. They have first-round corners and he gave them problems.”
For More Football News:
Follow Matt Lombardo on Threads at @MattLombardoNFL. To read more of our articles and in-depth NFL coverage, click here.