Overview of the 2018 Draft Class
In the 2018 NFL draft, the Kansas City Chiefs selected players to build depth and support Patrick Mahomes’ emerging tenure as starter. The class includes both projected starters and developmental pieces, with outcomes shaped by on-field production, roster moves, and injuries. Understanding each Kansas City Chiefs draft pick 2018 detail clarifies how the team transitioned into a consistent playoff contender. The following sections break out picks by round, position needs, and verified performance through the 2024 season.
First Round Choices
Quarterback Patrick Mahomes Trade-Up Context
The Chiefs acquired the 10th overall pick by trading down from 27th, selecting quarterback Patrick Mahomes from Texas Tech. Recognized as a franchise cornerstone, Mahomes earned MVP honors and led multiple deep playoff runs. His arm talent, decision-making, and durability have defined the Chiefs’ offensive identity since the draft.
Defensive End Chris Jones Development and Production
With the 24th pick, Kansas City selected defensive end Chris Jones, who evolved into a dominant interior pass rusher. Jones earned Pro Bowl and All-Pro selections while pressuring quarterbacks and anchoring the defensive line. His contract extensions and on-field impact highlight his role as a cornerstone of the defense through the 2020s.
Second and Third Round Focus
Second-Round Safety Bashaud Breeland and Role
In the second round, the Chiefs chose cornerback Bashaud Breeland to compete for a starting position. His versatility and special teams play provided depth. However, inconsistent performance and injuries limited his long-term role, reflecting how later-round picks must develop and compete for stability.
Third-Round Cornerback KeiVarae Russell and Later Usage
KeiVarae Russell was drafted in the third round to bolster the secondary, yet his tenure with the team proved brief. Limited production and roster adjustments led to his departure. This example illustrates how scheme fit and development shape whether third-round selections contribute meaningfully.
Later-Round Contributions and Special Teams Impact
Fourth-Round Pick and Special Teams Utility
A fourth-round selection in 2018 added depth with versatile play, often on special teams. Later used in situational packages, such picks provide roster flexibility without long-term expectations. Evaluating these contributions helps contextualize the value of mid-to-late round selections.
Fifth, Sixth, and Seventh Round Outcomes
- Developmental players: Several later-round picks joined practice squads or allocated to UDFAs, emphasizing the importance of practice squad performance.
- Depth chart contributors: A few earned active roles during injury crises or situational packages, showing how late-round selections can impact a team.
- Long-term trajectories: Limited carryover to subsequent seasons illustrates the typical path for later-round acquisitions.
Roster Moves and Long-Term Effects
Beyond the draft, the Chiefs managed contracts, trades, and free agency to retain Mahomes and surround him with complementary pieces. The 2018 draft selections influenced depth charts through 2024, with some contributors extending roles and others serving as short-term fixes. Evaluating this class reveals how drafting, development, and roster decisions interact over time.
Performance Summary Table
| Pick (Round) | Player | Position | Verified Status Through 2024 | Key Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10th (1st) | Patrick Mahomes | QB | Starter, MVP, franchise QB | Team success, multiple playoff runs |
| 24th (1st) | Chris Jones | DT | Starter, Pro Bowl/All-Pro | Defensive anchor, franchise tag |
| 59th (2nd) | Bashaud Breeland | CB | Contributor, released 2021 | Depth/special teams, limited longevity |
| 89th (3rd) | KeiVarae Russell | CB | Waived 2019 | Brief tenure, minimal snaps |
| 131st (4th) | Braden Mclean | LB | Waived 2020 | Special teams, limited carryover |
| 167th (5th) | Jordan Brasher | WR | Waived 2019 | Injury-limited, minimal impact |
| 215th (6th) | Cameron Taylor-Britt | CB | Roster fluctuations, practice squad | Situational depth role |
| 241st (7th) | Darrell Williams Jr. | CB | Released 2019 | Short developmental stint |
How to Evaluate 2018 Draft Class Outcomes
To appraise this class, compare draft investment to durable on-field contribution, noting that first-round picks Mahomes and Jones delivered high-impact, sustained performance. Second- and third-round selections showed mixed results, reflecting typical variance at those positions. Later-round players generally contributed to depth, with few advancing to starter roles. Understanding these patterns clarifies how the Chiefs used the 2018 draft to support a long-term competitive window.
Context for Future Draft Analysis
Reviewing the 2018 Kansas City Chiefs draft picks alongside subsequent classes reveals trends in scheme fit, development timelines, and roster management. This perspective aids fans and analysts in assessing how draft capital translates into team success over time, informing expectations for future drafts and player evaluations.