The Kansas City Chiefs entered the final day of the 2025 NFL Draft with a clear vision of who they wanted to help round out their Day 3 picks. The Chiefs focused on acquiring players that would serve as depth for key positions in all three phases.
With them only having three picks between Rounds 4 and 7, the Chiefs needed to find players who would fit right into their culture and schemes. From adding speed at receiver and running back to shoring up linebacker depth, the Chiefs used their late picks wisely to round out their 90-man roster for training camp.
133. Jalen Royals – WR, Utah State
The Chiefs used their fourth-round pick on Jalen Royals, a wide receiver from Utah State. Royals offer an impressive combination of short-area quickness and reliable route-running ability. His footwork makes it difficult for defenders to stay attached in coverage situations. Royals thrive at creating separation out of his breaks against man or soft-press looks.
However, Royals still needs improvement before he sees significant playing time. He struggles against physical press coverage, often getting caught hand-fighting at the line. His smaller wingspan can make contested catches downfield a challenge. Royals’ best chance at making an immediate impact will likely come on special teams as a returner.
156. Jeffrey Bassa – LB, Oregon
Kansas City continued building defensive depth by selecting Jeffrey Bassa, a linebacker out of Oregon. Bassa was a leader during his time with the Ducks and showcased excellent instincts. His background as a converted safety allows him to move well in space and track ball carriers effectively. Bassa’s leadership and football intelligence earned him praise within the Oregon program.
Despite his impressive college resume, Bassa faces a steep climb for defensive snaps as a rookie. The Chiefs are already stacked at linebacker with Nick Bolton, Drue Tranquill, and Leo Chenal anchoring the unit. Bassa will likely carve out a role on special teams early in his career, providing depth while continuing to develop within Kansas City’s defensive system.
228. Brashard Smith – RB, SMU
The Chiefs made a late-round trade to move up and select Brashard Smith, a running back from SMU. Smith had a breakout season after transferring from Miami, displaying electrifying speed and big-play ability. He rushed for over 1,300 yards and added four receiving touchdowns, showcasing his versatility as a dual-threat weapon out of the backfield.
Kansas City hopes Smith can mirror the success of Isiah Pacheco, who also came from the seventh round. Smith’s combination of speed and elusiveness gives the Chiefs another option behind Pacheco and Kareem Hunt. His best path to early playing time may come through special teams, especially as a kick return specialist in 2025.
Final Thoughts
The Chiefs did exactly what they had planned on Day 3 and approached the final day of the draft with a clear plan of the types of players they wanted, targeting athletic players who fit specific needs. Each pick offers something different: From Royals who brings speed and route running at the receiver position, to Bassa who adds natural ball-tracking on defense and special teams and lastly, Smith who injects even more explosiveness into the offense at the running back position.
Although immediate playing time may be limited, all three draftees have the tools to develop into real contributors down the line. Kansas City continues to show why it remains one of the NFL’s best-run franchises by making smart, calculated picks even in the later rounds of the draft.
Don't stop here
Every Score. Every Story. One Home.
Breaking sports, entertainment and news from across the Total Apex network, updated all day.
Get the Full Story →
