The Kansas City Chiefs have eight picks in the 2025 NFL Draft, including four in the top 100.
That should enable them to get at least a couple of players who can make an immediate impact. The Chiefs have done a nice job throughout free agency of filling roster holes and setting themselves up to draft the best player available once they hit the clock.
One position that you could argue that isn’t quite settled is left guard. Kansas City traded All-Pro and 2025 team MVP Joe Thuney to the Chicago Bears, leaving Mike Caliendo and Kingsley Suamataia as the leading candidates to replace him.
Neither of those players inspire a lot of confidence when it comes to being a starter. The Chiefs could use one of their top 100 picks on an guard to push for the starting role. According to Mason Cameron of Pro Football Focus, Georgia Bulldogs guard Tate Ratledge would be a perfect fit for K.C. during Day 2 of the draft.
“Joe Thuney‘s trade to Chicago has created a more pressing need on Kansas City’s offensive line. The current expectation is that the Chiefs will slide 2024 second-round pick Kingsley Suamataia inside, but given his poor showing at the spot in Week 18 (30.8 PFF pass-blocking grade), it’s unlikely he will be the long-term answer. Ratledge’s solid pass-blocking technique will allow him to compete for the spot in camp.” – PFF’s Mason Cameron
Ratledge definitely has what it takes to be a starter right off the bat. He is as physical as they come, ranking first at his position in athleticism score during the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine. Ratledge is well-rounded as a run blocker and pass protector, and is also well-seasoned as a three-year starter at Georgia. He needs some work with his hand and footwork technique, but that will come with experience.
Following the struggles the Chiefs had at the left tackle position in 2024, a lot of people are predicting that they will stock up at that position. However, they aren’t paying the newly acquired Jaylon Moore $20 million in guaranteed money to ride the bench, and Wanya Morris is a fine swing tackle for insurance.
If K.C. drafted Ratledge, its starting five along the offensive line would be set. Even if he is beat out by Suamataia or Caliendo, he would provide some needed depth and could develop into a starter down the line. The Chiefs would have to snag Ratledge in the second round at No. 63, or perhaps with their next selection at No. 66 in the third round. Our A to Z Sports Mock Draft Database has Ratledge as the 62nd ranked prospect overall, projecting him being selected between 51-118.
