We’re just over a month away from the 2020 NFL draft.
Typically, around this time, you’d be getting a better feel for who analysts believe the Kansas City Chiefs will select. These are unique times in the NFL with the pre-draft process changing course amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Teams have suspended pre-draft activities such as pro days, top-30 visits, workouts and are now using new tools to evaluate draft prospects.
Recently, a new name has emerged as a favorite at pick No. 32 for the Chiefs. Here’s a look at some of the latest mock drafts out there and which players are heading to Kansas City in the first round:
| Player & Position | School | From |
| A.J. Epenesa DL | Iowa | Luke Easterling – Draft Wire |
| Jeff Gladney CB | TCU | |
| Noah Igbinoghene CB | Auburn | Chris Trapasso – CBS Sports |
| D’Andre Swift RB | Georgia | Lance Zierlein – NFL.com |
| Noah Igbinoghene CB | Auburn | Cynthia Frelund – NFL.com |
| Kristian Fulton CB | LSU | Dan Kadar – SB Nation |
| Trevon Diggs CB | Alabama | John McClain – Houston Chronicle |
| Noah Igbinoghene CB | Auburn | Aaron Wilson – Houston Chronicle |
| A.J. Terrell CB | Clemson | Matt Miller – Bleacher Report |
| Jeff Gladney CB | TCU | Consensus – nflmockdraftdatabase.com |
SEC reigns supreme
One common theme this week is that prospects in Southeastern Conference are being sent to the Chiefs on the regular. Of the ten mock drafts on our roundup this week, six of them send a player from the SEC to Kansas City. Some of the best NFL prospects typically come from there, so it shouldn’t come as a surprise.
However, what analysts might subconsciously be channeling here is a connection to the SEC in the Chiefs’ front office. When Brett Veach was with the Eagles he spent a significant amount of time as the SEC scout for the organization. He’s very familiar with the level of competition and if you look at some of the best players he’s found, they either come from the SEC or they’ve done well playing against the SEC. That’s something to keep in mind as the draft approaches.
Auburn’s Noah Igbinoghene the flavor of the week
A new player that has come up frequently in mock drafts is Auburn CB Noah Igbinoghene. Cynthia Frelund, Chris Trapasso and Aaron Wilson each picked him for the Chiefs at No. 32. A lot of people are wondering whether Igbinoghene has done enough to solidify himself as a first-round pick. I’m not certain that Igbinoghene has done enough yet or that he’ll get the opportunity to without pro days, top-30 visits and workouts.
The 5-foot-10 and 198-pound corner is a great athlete and despite being fairly new to the cornerback position has excellent hips and footwork. One thing that could make him extra appealing in Kansas City is his ability as a kick return specialist. I wonder if he wouldn’t be an option for the Chiefs early in the second round if they could find a partner to trade down or trade up.