The Kansas City Chiefs are poised to make waves in the 2025 NFL Draft, with analysts predicting they’ll snag a towering 6’5″ red zone monster to bolster Patrick Mahomes’ arsenal. Coming off a crushing 40-22 Super Bowl LIX loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, where their offense struggled with only 23 yards at halftime and Mahomes was sacked six times, the Chiefs are hungry for a game-changer. This bold projection, spotlighted by Pro Football Network on April 11, 2025, has ignited excitement and debate: could this draft pick redefine Kansas City’s dynasty?
The player in question is Arizona wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan, pegged by NFL.com’s Rhett Lewis as the Chiefs’ potential No. 31 pick. At 6’5″, 210 pounds, McMillan’s size, catch radius, and leaping ability make him a nightmare in the red zone, a weapon Mahomes has never fully had. His 2024 sophomore season with the Wildcats was electric—1,402 yards, 10 touchdowns, and All-American honors—showcasing his knack for contested catches and deep routes. Lewis noted, “McMillan offers a body type and skill set Mahomes has never really had at his disposal,” suggesting he could fill the void left by an aging Travis Kelce, who hinted at retirement post-Super Bowl, and complement speedster Xavier Worthy.
The Chiefs’ offense, ranked 12th in PFSN’s Offense+ metric in 2024, showed cracks last season. Rashee Rice’s off-field issues and injuries to Marquise Brown limited Mahomes, who still threw for 4,295 yards but posted a career-high 14 interceptions. McMillan’s vertical threat could stretch defenses, opening lanes for Worthy and running back Kareem Hunt, re-signed in 2025. Mock drafts also highlight Mahomes’ need for better protection—names like Ohio State’s Josh Simmons (tackle) surfaced—but McMillan’s allure lies in his immediate impact potential, especially in clutch moments where Kansas City faltered.
Skeptics, however, question the pick. X posts buzz with fans debating if another first-round receiver, after Worthy in 2024, is wise when the offensive line allowed 41 regular-season sacks. “Mahomes needs blockers, not just toys,” one user argued, echoing calls for tackles like Missouri’s Armand Membou. Others wonder if McMillan, projected by some as a top-15 talent, will even fall to 31—a slide Lewis calls “a major steal.” Critics also point to Mahomes’ ability to elevate lesser receivers, suggesting a defensive stud like Ole Miss’ Walter Nolen might better balance the roster.
The Chiefs’ draft strategy reflects Andy Reid’s obsession with arming Mahomes, whose $450 million contract runs through 2031. Brett Veach’s history of bold moves—trading up for Mahomes in 2017—fuels belief they’ll chase McMillan if he’s within reach. With Kelce’s future uncertain and Rice’s reliability in question, this “red zone beast” could be the spark to reclaim supremacy. Will McMillan’s arrival herald a new Chiefs era, or is the hype a draft-day mirage? As April 24 approaches, Mahomes’ next chapter hangs in the balance.
