The Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs will continue their quest for a third consecutive title and their fourth in six years with the upcoming 2024 NFL Draft. Being that they are the champions, they will have to wait until the very last pick, No. 32 overall, to make their first-round selection. But they're probably used to making their picks later during the first day of the draft by now.
In the last five years, the highest the Chiefs have selected is 21, with two of those years waiting to make their first pick until the second round with the No. 56 and No. 58 pick, deciding to trade back. That could always happen again this year. But as of now, the Chiefs, starting in the first round with the No. 32 pick, have a total of seven picks in the 2024 NFL Draft.
They have one pick each in rounds one through three (No. 32, 64, and 96), then have two in the fifth round (No. 159 and 173), followed by their final pick in the seventh round (No. 227).
Being that the Chiefs will be picking toward the bottom of almost every round, most of their picks could be considered sleeper prospects. Nonetheless, here are three sleeper prospects the Chiefs should target within the first couple of picks.
Javon Baker, WR, UCF
Even before the recent incident involving Rashee Rice, the Chiefs needed to upgrade their wide receiver corps. They did make a notable signing during free agency, signing Marquise “Hollywood” Brown, but now with the uncertainty with Rice and his legal future, getting another receiver is a big need for this team, meaning Kansas City could go after more than one in this draft.
Whether they wait to select a receiver after the first or double up on the position, UCF's Javon Baker should be a sleeper for the Chiefs to target. After less-than-desirable numbers when he played for Alabama, after he transferred to UCF, his numbers began to skyrocket. The 2023 season was his best, having 52 receptions for 1,139 yards and seven touchdowns, with an impressive 21.9 yards per reception.
NFL Draft Buzz said he already has NFL size and strength and can use his varying speeds to outmaneuver defenders. He plays outside, X-receiver, and runs a 4.54 40-yard dash.
Ainias Smith, WR, Texas A&M
Another wide receiver the Chiefs should keep an eye on is Ainias Smith. Having played over 2100 snaps in his collegiate career, Smith has played everything from receiver to running back to punt returner. That sort of versatility could excite Chiefs head coach Andy Reid, giving the future Hall of Fame coach yet another weapon he can utilize and be creative with on his already highly effective offense.
Smith is also an extremely good blocker and was asked to block the likes of Alabama's Chris Braswell and LSU's Harold Perkins. In his career for the Aggies, he had 23 touchdowns from scrimmage with two more off punt returns, according to Sports-Reference.
Frank Gore Jr., RB, Southern Miss
It's difficult not to look at Frank Gore Jr.'s name and not think he will be successful in the NFL. That will remain to be seen for the former Southern Miss running back. The Chiefs, however, could find some use for him as they look to potentially replace free agents Clyde Edwards-Helaire and Jerick McKinnon.
Gore Jr. has been a 1,000-yard-plus back the last two seasons at Southern Miss, rushing for 5.5 yards per carry and 19 touchdowns in that time frame. He also had another 440 yards receiving and another three touchdowns. Meaning, that Gore Jr. is a fairly well-rounded back that can not only be effective in the backfield but out of it as well, possessing power and passing-game skills.
At just 5-foot-8, 201 pounds, he may not have the biggest size, but he's an effective blocker on the outside and an overall multi-purpose back that can be effective in all parts of the game offensively.
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