Patrick Mahomes Gets Reinforcements: Mel Kiper’s Mock Draft Provides Chiefs’ QB with Game-Changing

The Kansas City Chiefs made history this past season by becoming the first team in NFL history to reach the Super Bowl after winning back-to-back championships. However, they were decisively defeated by the Philadelphia Eagles, with a final score of 40-22.

The Eagles’ defense proved to be a major challenge for star quarterback Patrick Mahomes and his offensive line. They sacked Mahomes six times during the game, contributing to his low QBR of 11.4.

Despite having one of the top interior offensive lines in the league, which features center Creed Humphrey and left guard Joe Thuney, both named First Team All-Pro, the Chiefs faced issues at the tackle positions. This necessitated Thuney moving outside, which resulted in difficulties during the Super Bowl.

Now, in his latest NFL mock draft , ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. suggests that Kansas City aims to resolve this tackle issue.

“It’s telling that the Chiefs’ two Super Bowl losses over the past few years have come down to pass protection woes, and the big issue right now is the left tackle spot,” Kiper wrote. “Neither Wanya Morris nor Kingsley Suamataia did enough to keep the job, and D.J. Humphries’ impact was very limited coming off his torn ACL. Moving Joe Thuney outside helped, but it also came at the expense of the interior. And with guard Trey Smith potentially leaving town for big money in March, the Chiefs can’t rely on Thuney outside again.”

Aireontae Ersery is an impressive 6-foot-6, 330-pound standout offensive tackle for the Minnesota Golden Gophers. According to Kiper, he demonstrates significant power and mobility in his play. Throughout his 39 college starts, he allowed only four sacks.

If drafted, Ersery would join younger tackles like Morris, who the Chiefs selected in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft, and Suamataia, who was picked in the second round the previous season.

The NFL draft is scheduled to take place on Thursday, April 24.