Chiefs select OT Zion Nelson, TE Cameron Latu

Even though we are 10 months away from the 2023 NFL draft, our friends at The Draft Wire believe that it’s never too early for a mock draft.

In his most recent projections, Luke Easterling shared what he thinks might happen in the first two rounds. His choices for the Kansas City Chiefs are quite unique considering they spent back-to-back first-round picks on defensive players in the 2022 NFL draft. This time the first two picks for Kansas City come on the offensive side of the ball, but perhaps not at the positions you’d expect.

Here is a quick look at the prospects who were chosen for the Chiefs:

Round 1, Pick 30: Miami (FL) OT Zion Nelson

AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee

“The Chiefs rebuilt most of their offensive line last year, but they still haven’t found a long-term solution at right tackle. Nelson could have been a fairly early pick this year, but another year of experience at the college level should make him a more refined blocker.”

The Chiefs are hopeful that either Lucas Niang or Darian Kinnard will emerge as a long-term solution at the right tackle position. I’m not sure that adding another right tackle prospect to the fold would make a lot of sense for Kansas City at this point in the draft, knowing they still have multiple years of control for both players.

Nelson bulked up to an impressive 6-5 and 316 pounds in 2021, boasting an excellent season in pass protection with no sacks allowed on the year. Pro Football Focus even named him as the fifth-best tackle prospect for the 2023 NFL draft. He’s a fine player, but I’m not sure that the value is there for Kansas City to invest a first-round draft pick on this prospect.

I wouldn’t be surprised if they were looking to upgrade the interior defensive line with this pick. Chris Jones has a massive cap hit and will need to be extended or released. Khalen Saunders, Derrick Nnadi and Taylor Stallworth are all set to become free agents as well.

Round 2, Pick 62: Alabama TE Cameron Latu

Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

People will point to Travis Kelce’s age as why the Chiefs should invest a high draft choice in the tight end position. I’d argue that he’s shown no signs of slowing down and that Kansas City actually has some solid depth around him in Noah Gray (under contract through 2024) and Jody Fortson (an ERFA again in 2023).

Latu is listed at 6-5 and 244 pounds and he finished the 2021 season with 26 receptions…