Chiefs Fix Problematic Issue for Patrick Mahomes in Latest Mock Draft

The Kansas City Chiefs are entering a crucial offseason with several pressing issues they must address if they hope to return to Super Bowl contention. One of the biggest concerns is improving the protection for quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who endured a season of relentless pressure in 2025. With numerous hits and sacks taking a toll, the Chiefs must prioritize fortifying the offensive line if they want Mahomes to thrive in the future.

A Season of Struggles for Mahomes’ Protection

Patrick Mahomes is one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in the NFL, capable of making incredible plays and leading his team to victory. However, in 2025, Mahomes spent far too much time scrambling for his life behind a shaky offensive line. Through the first 14 games of the season, Mahomes was sacked 34 times—a staggering number, especially considering he still had three games left to play before being sidelined due to injury.

The 34 sacks are just three shy of Mahomes’ career-high, a stat that highlights the severe protection issues plaguing the Chiefs’ offensive line. While Mahomes’ ability to evade pressure and make plays out of structure is part of what makes him great, even he cannot succeed when constantly under duress. This has become a problematic issue that the Chiefs must address, not just for Mahomes’ health but for the overall success of their offense in 2026.

The Chiefs’ Options: Free Agency vs. the Draft

The Chiefs have multiple ways to fix their offensive line issues. Free agency is one avenue that general manager Brett Veach may explore, as there are several veteran linemen available who could step in and help immediately. However, the Chiefs are facing a difficult salary cap situation, meaning that signing high-priced free agents may not be a feasible option.

Given these financial constraints, the draft offers a viable alternative to strengthen the offensive line without breaking the bank. In PFF’s latest mock draft, analyst Dalton Wasserman has the Chiefs selecting Miami offensive tackle Francis Mauigoa with their first-round pick. This selection would address the team’s urgent need for better protection for Mahomes.

Why Francis Mauigoa? A Perfect Fit for Kansas City

Francis Mauigoa has been a standout player on Miami’s offensive line, and his 2025 season was nothing short of spectacular. Mauigoa was dominant in the run game and proved to be one of the top right tackles in college football, leading all qualified right tackles in pass-blocking grade. This would be a significant upgrade for Kansas City, as it would give them a physical presence on the right side of the line—a spot that has been a liability in recent seasons.

The addition of Mauigoa would be a step in the right direction for the Chiefs, who need to protect Mahomes better than they did in 2025. With the Chiefs facing salary cap challenges, selecting a player like Mauigoa—who can make an immediate impact—could be the perfect solution. It would allow Kansas City to address their offensive line issues without making significant sacrifices in other areas of the roster.

A Difficult Offseason for the Chiefs: Salary Cap and Roster Decisions

In addition to offensive line upgrades, the Chiefs face a number of difficult decisions this offseason. One such decision revolves around right tackle Jawaan Taylor. With no guaranteed salary remaining on his contract, Taylor could emerge as a cap casualty, and the Chiefs would need to evaluate whether to keep him or move on and seek a younger, cheaper option like Mauigoa. This adds a layer of urgency to the need for a top-tier offensive tackle in the draft.

Furthermore, Kansas City is in the midst of a potential offensive overhaul. Although Eric Bieniemy, the architect of their Super Bowl-winning offenses, has returned as offensive coordinator, there is uncertainty surrounding other key players. Veteran tight end Travis Kelce, whose future with the team has been a topic of speculation, may return, but it’s unclear how much longer he can maintain his elite level of play. Additionally, running backs Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt are set to become free agents, which could leave a void in the backfield.

The Chiefs’ Path to a Bounce-Back Season

The hope for the Chiefs is that with some strategic offseason moves, they can bounce back from a disappointing 2025 season and return to being Super Bowl contenders. Strengthening the offensive line is the first step in that journey. With Mahomes’ health and safety paramount to the team’s success, ensuring that he has the protection needed to thrive will be essential.

If the Chiefs go with Mauigoa in the first round of the draft, they would be addressing one of their most glaring weaknesses. Mauigoa’s skills as a dominant run blocker and a reliable pass protector would provide Mahomes with the stability he needs to stay upright and execute the high-flying offense Kansas City is known for.

Will Mauigoa Be the Answer for Mahomes’ Protection?

The Chiefs’ offensive line issues are one of the most pressing challenges they face heading into the offseason. While the team’s defense and skill positions will also require attention, fixing the protection for Patrick Mahomes is a must. If Kansas City selects Francis Mauigoa, they would be taking a crucial step in ensuring that No. 15 stays healthy and able to do what he does best: lead his team to victory.

The hope is that by selecting Mauigoa, the Chiefs will be able to solidify the offensive line and allow Mahomes to get back to being the dominant force he’s capable of being. For the Chiefs, improving the offensive line will be key to their hopes of competing for a championship in the coming years.

Conclusion: A Key Offseason for the Chiefs

The 2026 offseason is shaping up to be one of the most pivotal for the Kansas City Chiefs. With significant roster decisions to be made, particularly on the offensive line, it’s clear that Mahomes’ protection must be the top priority. If the Chiefs choose to go with Francis Mauigoa in the first round, they would be making a strategic move to improve their offensive line and give Mahomes the security he needs to get back to winning ways. The 2025 season may have ended in disappointment, but with the right moves this offseason, the Chiefs could bounce back stronger than ever.