Chiefs headlines for Saturday, April 12
The latest
Chiefs and the ‘The Beast’: Left tackles, pass rushers and a Travis Kelce understudy? | The Athletic
Don’t expect the Chiefs to draft a left tackle prospect in the first round
We have to remember that one of the wildest statistics of the Chiefs’ dynasty is this: They have started a different left tackle in each of their five Super Bowl appearances over the last six years. They will have a different left tackle to start Week 1 in 2025, too. But looking at the prospects at the position this year, it’s even more understandable why the Chiefs signed Moore in free agency.
Just six left tackles earned a first- or second-round grade from Brugler — and some of them better fit a zone-heavy scheme. Three of the top four prospects at the position — Will Campbell (LSU), Armand Membou (Missouri) and Josh Conerly Jr. (Oregon) — are not expected to be available for the Chiefs, especially if the team doesn’t trade up from the 31st pick.
Round 1 – Pick 31
Grey Zabel IOL
North Dakota State • Sr • 6’6” / 312 lbs
Andy Reid’s offense needs a better line after Super Bowl LIX’s embarrassing defeat. With Joe Thuney gone and questions remaining at left tackle, the gritty and versatile Zabel could be the perfect addition as a utility man of sorts.
Breaking: Eagles Terrace Marshall Signing Could Signal NFL Blockbuster Jahan Dotson Trade | Last Word on Sports
The Chiefs are in a weird position in terms of their wide receiving department. Xavier Worthy and Rashee Rice will only get better on the field as long as they can stay out of trouble. Depending on what happens with them, they should add another wide receiver. Dotson won’t get many touches here, but he would be a part of a winning culture, and who knows, Patrick Mahomes could bring out the best in him like he did with Justin Watson.
The state of all 32 franchises heading into the 2025 NFL Draft | PFF
Remaining Starter Needs: Dl
Remaining Depth/Future Needs: OL, RB, TE, CB
Tershawn Wharton is now a Panther, leaving veteran Mike Pennel projected to start next to Chris Jones, although Pennel registered only a 59.4 PFF overall grade on 387 snaps a year ago. In turn, Kansas City will likely seek a long-term game-wrecker on the inside, potentially as early as the first round.
31 – Kansas City Chiefs
Marshall · Edge · Junior (RS)
Green’s a difficult prospect to project, given the off-field allegations he addressed at the combine. The on-field production speaks for itself, as Green just led the nation with 17 sacks. And although many of those came against Sun Belt competition, he tallied three sacks and a bunch of pressures in nonconference games against Virginia Tech and Ohio State. A twitched-up edge rusher whose motor always runs hot, Green could be a steal for K.C. if he falls this far and Andy Reid’s comfortable with his character.
Around the NFL
NFL Bans 7 Helmet Models, Makes Others ‘Guardian Cap Optional’ After Rule Change | Bleacher Report
According to Matt Moret of The Athletic, the league banned seven different helmet models.
Ten other models were also deemed “Guardian Cap optional,” meaning that they perform well enough that the NFL won’t require players with those helmets to wear a Guardian Cap during training camp or practices.
Players at every position outside of quarterbacks, kickers and punters were required to wear the caps during training camp heading into the 2024 season.
Reports — Derek Carr has shoulder injury, Saints status iffy | ESPN
The Saints are scheduled to begin their offseason training program Monday. The injury now puts Carr’s attendance in question as the team begins its first 2025 preparations under new coach Kellen Moore.
Carr has not played a game since he broke several bones in his non-throwing hand in a Week 14 matchup against the New York Giants. He missed seven games total in 2024 due to oblique and hand injuries, and the Saints started Spencer Rattler and Jake Haener in his place.
Patrick Peterson to Announce Retirement From NFL As Member of Cardinals | SI
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Friday that Peterson will be in Arizona on Monday to retire as a member of the Arizona Cardinals, putting an end to his 13-year NFL career. Peterson appeared to hint as much in an Instagram post earlier this week, writing “It was nothing like taking flight with the bird gang on Sundays. See you next week [Cardinals].”
In case you missed it on Arrowhead Pride
Chiefs Draft: Kansas State CB Jacob Parrish has the right traits
Background
Parrish may be familiar to you. A product of Olathe North High School, he committed to Kansas State in 2022 as a three-star recruit. He started 24 games over the last two seasons in Manhattan, totaling 102 tackles and five interceptions. He was also credited with five tackles for loss and half a sack.
Jacob Parrish is a CB prospect in the 2025 draft class. He scored a 8.81 RAS out of a possible 10.00. This ranked 328 out of 2752 CB from 1987 to 2025.https://t.co/MCcOQcoqsD pic.twitter.com/9AbuuQklpu
— Kent Lee Platte (@MathBomb) April 3, 2025
After the season, Parrish was invited to the Senior Bowl. At the NFL Scouting Combine, Parrish turned in an outstanding 4.35-second 40-yard dash. Two weeks before the draft, that speed (and a 37.5-inch vertical jump) has made him a hot name — even though he checked in a little under 5 feet 10.
Social media to make you think
What kind of player could Cam Ward become in the NFL?
“As a prospect, [Cam Ward] is the closest thing to Patrick Mahomes since Patrick Mahomes.” pic.twitter.com/2mhXNvdOGW
— Get Up (@GetUpESPN) April 11, 2025
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