Kansas City Chiefs Predicted to Make Blockbuster Draft Trade with Vikings in Pursuit of Franchise Left Tackle
By Aaliyan Mohammed
April 17, 2025
As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, the Kansas City Chiefs have once again found themselves in the spotlight — not because of their championship prowess, but due to growing speculation around a bold and strategic move predicted by several analysts. According to a report from Athlon Sports, and further explored by NFL insiders, the Chiefs are forecasted to make a blockbuster trade with the Minnesota Vikings in an aggressive bid to move up the draft order and select Texas Longhorns offensive lineman Kelvin Banks Jr.
This move, if it comes to fruition, could reshape the Chiefs’ offensive identity and address one of their most pressing needs — protecting their franchise quarterback, Patrick Mahomes.
The Context: A Weakness Exposed
The Kansas City Chiefs may be perennial Super Bowl contenders, but their recent loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in the Super Bowl left glaring questions about the future of their offensive line. The Eagles’ relentless pass rush overwhelmed the Chiefs’ protection schemes, and much of that pressure came from Mahomes’ blind side.
In an attempt to adjust during the season, Joe Thuney, typically a Pro Bowl-caliber left guard, was asked to fill in at left tackle. While serviceable, the move was a patch rather than a permanent fix. The Chiefs’ subsequent decision to trade Thuney to the Chicago Bears in the offseason confirmed what insiders had long suspected — Kansas City was preparing for a major shake-up on the offensive line.
With only the 31st pick in the first round of the draft, the Chiefs face slim odds of landing a top-tier offensive tackle. That’s where the predicted trade with the Minnesota Vikings comes into play.
The Trade Scenario
According to Luke Easterling of Athlon Sports, the Chiefs are likely to offer a package including their 31st overall pick and a 2026 third-rounder in exchange for the Vikings’ 24th overall pick. This seven-spot leap could be just enough for Kansas City to secure their top target: Kelvin Banks Jr., a dominant left tackle prospect from the University of Texas.
“Last year was the second time the Chiefs have been embarrassed in a Super Bowl in large part because of their inability to protect Patrick Mahomes,” Easterling wrote. “The most pressing need is obviously at left tackle, and Kansas City can’t afford to wait and hope the right one falls to them.”
Banks is viewed as one of the most polished and NFL-ready offensive linemen in this year’s draft, having earned First-team AP All-American and First-team All-SEC honors, along with winning the Lombardi Award, which is presented to the nation’s top offensive lineman. Standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing 315 pounds, Banks has the size, athleticism, and experience to anchor the Chiefs’ offensive line for years to come.
Kelvin Banks Jr.: The Chiefs’ Long-Term Answer?
Many scouts believe Banks is a plug-and-play left tackle — a rare find in any draft class. His dominance in both pass protection and run blocking during his collegiate career makes him a tantalizing prospect for a team like Kansas City that demands elite performance in high-stakes moments.
What makes Banks particularly appealing to the Chiefs is his ability to neutralize edge rushers using elite footwork, hand placement, and a high football IQ. Against SEC-level competition, he rarely gave up pressure and consistently handled blitz-heavy schemes with poise.
For Mahomes, who thrives in extending plays and navigating the pocket, having a dependable protector on his blind side is crucial. And for head coach Andy Reid, who has built his offense around timing, spacing, and quarterback confidence, a player like Banks could help restore rhythm to a unit that struggled with consistency last season.
Why the Vikings Would Agree to This Trade
While the trade favors the Chiefs’ immediate needs, the Vikings stand to benefit significantly from the exchange as well. Minnesota is entering a transitional phase under head coach Kevin O’Connell, and though they have pieces in place, including wide receiver Justin Jefferson and young quarterback J.J. McCarthy, their roster lacks depth at several key positions.
By moving back to the 31st spot and picking up an additional third-round selection in 2026, the Vikings would gain valuable draft capital to address multiple roster needs — especially in the secondary and along the defensive line.
The Vikings’ willingness to move back also signals confidence that a priority prospect will still be available at 31, or that they’re open to drafting a developmental player with high upside. It’s a forward-thinking approach that aligns with a rebuilding timeline rather than a win-now mentality.
The Bigger Picture: Super Bowl Aspirations
The Chiefs’ interest in moving up isn’t just about fixing the offensive line — it’s about maintaining a Super Bowl window that remains open but could close quickly if foundational needs aren’t addressed.
Mahomes is under contract through 2031, but as his cap hit increases in the coming years, it will become harder for Kansas City to retain depth and skill players around him. Investing in young, affordable, high-impact talent like Banks is essential to sustaining a contender-level roster.
General Manager Brett Veach has never shied away from bold draft-day decisions. From trading up to draft Mahomes in 2017 to letting veteran players walk in order to reload with younger talent, Veach has shown a knack for reading the draft board and striking when it matters.
If this trade goes through, it would be another defining move in his tenure — a sign that the Chiefs are willing to take calculated risks in pursuit of greatness.
Fan Reaction and League-Wide Buzz
The NFL community has already begun buzzing about the implications of such a trade. Chiefs fans are largely supportive, recognizing the importance of keeping Mahomes upright and healthy. However, some remain cautious, pointing to past instances where trading up has not always yielded expected results.
Around the league, rival executives are paying close attention. The AFC is a loaded conference, with teams like the Buffalo Bills, Cincinnati Bengals, and Baltimore Ravens all strengthening their rosters. In this context, a move by the Chiefs to land a premier tackle could tip the scales in their favor — or at least keep them in the race.
Final Thoughts: Will It Happen?
As of now, this trade remains a prediction, albeit a highly plausible one. The Chiefs’ front office has been tight-lipped about its draft intentions, but sources around the league believe that aggressive action is on the horizon.
Whether or not the Chiefs pull the trigger on this particular trade with the Vikings, one thing is clear: Kansas City is on a mission to correct the mistakes of the past season and provide Patrick Mahomes with the protection he needs to chase another championship ring.
With just days left before the NFL Draft, all eyes will be on the Chiefs’ war room. If Kelvin Banks Jr.’s name is called earlier than expected, don’t be surprised — it may be the beginning of another bold chapter in the Chiefs’ ongoing dynasty quest.
