The Kansas City Chiefs face a pivotal offseason, arguably the most consequential in recent memory. The anticipated departures of franchise cornerstones such as Travis Kelce and Trey Smith, alongside key contributors like Nick Bolton and Justin Reid, put the Chiefs roster in a precarious position.
Fortunately for Kansas City, both free agency and the NFL Draft present opportunities to address these pressing needs. However, the responsibility has never been greater for general manager Brett Veach and his scouting team to meticulously evaluate their options and answer questions about potential fits.
The 2025 NFL Combine in Indianapolis provides Veach with the opportunity to answer some of the most important questions that could ultimately save or doom the franchise for the next half-decade. As the Combine approaches, several pressing questions remain unanswered. With that in mind, let’s examine four key areas of focus for Kansas City’s top decision-makers.
Question #1: What weight is Nic Scourton actually playing at?
Texas A&M defensive end Nic Scourton showcased the ideal skill set for a Steve Spagnuolo edge rusher throughout the 2024-2025 season. His mentality, refined technique, and athleticism make him a highly versatile defender capable of lining up across the defensive front. With Kansas City currently rostering just one defensive tackle for the 2025 season—Chris Jones—Scourton’s addition would undoubtedly excite Chiefs fans.
However, questions remain about his true playing weight. Some scouts speculate that Scourton competed at a concerningly low 265 pounds in 2024, a discrepancy that could significantly impact his draft profile. If accurate, his perceived inside-out versatility and ability to play all four downs could be called into question, potentially limiting him to an outside pass-rushing role rather than a flexible interior option. Once Scourton steps on the scale and leaves nothing to speculation, his potential role/draft position for the Chiefs will be solidified, securing an accurate approximation of his abilities in Steve Spagnuolo’s defense.
Draft Profile:
Age: 20 (when drafted)
Height: 6’4″ (unofficial)
Weight: 285 lbs. (unofficial)
Player Comp: Melvin Ingram
Question #2: Has Josh Simmons’ patellar tendon tear fully healed?
Starting the season at a blistering pace, Ohio State’s standout left tackle Josh Simmons dominated in pass protection, surrendering zero sacks, zero quarterback hits, and just one hurry across 306 offensive snaps in his first six games. However, his momentum came to a devastating halt on October 12th against Oregon when he suffered a patellar tendon tear, ending his season.
While most scouts remain optimistic about his full recovery and long-term NFL potential, lingering knee issues have derailed even the most promising careers. At the NFL Combine, teams will have their medical staff thoroughly evaluate prospects with injury concerns—a crucial step for Kansas City. With a pressing need for a franchise left tackle, the Chiefs could find themselves considering a trade-up into the early 20s, where Simmons may still be available.
Draft Profile:
Age: 22 (when drafted)
Height: 6’5″ (unofficial)
Weight: 310 lbs. (unofficial)
Player Comp: Christian Darrisaw
Josh Simmons | OT | OSU
Big, strong OT who plays consistently balanced & with his base under him. Utilizes multiple pass sets and maintains fluid footwork & + lateral agility. Very stout on base & seal blocks opening up lanes. Good combo blocker to create displacement -> climb pic.twitter.com/jLDVh0ZXSm
— Matt Lane (@Matty_KCSN) February 20, 2025
Question #3: Has Shavon Revel’s ACL tear limited his athletic ability (and is his listed height/weight accurate)?
The East Carolina Pirates were thrilled when star cornerback Shavon Revel Jr. rejected lucrative NIL offers from two SEC programs, choosing instead to return to their defense ahead of the 2024 season. Unfortunately, his season ended after just three games when he suffered a torn ACL during practice.
Despite the setback, most scouts remain confident that Revel will make a full recovery and contribute early in the 2025 NFL season. However, ACL tears are serious injuries that can require over 10 months of rehabilitation, raising concerns about his durability. If teams deem the injury significant enough, he could slide out of first and second-round consideration, potentially falling into day two/three of the draft.
Given Veach’s track record of uncovering late-round talent (especially defensive backs), Revel could emerge as an ideal complement to defensive superstar Trent McDuffie. However, his medical evaluations will ultimately determine whether he remains on Kansas City’s draft radar.
Draft Profile:
Age: 23 (when drafted)
Height: 6’3″ (unofficial)
Weight: 193 (unofficial)
Player Comp: Richard Sherman
In just 15 career starts at ECU, he’s put up 12 PBUs and 3 picks while allowing a 42.2% completion rate and 59.7 passer rating.
Question #4: Is Bhayshul Tuten as explosive as the film suggests?
Virginia Tech running back Bhayshul Tuten has flown under the radar despite an impressive season, rushing for nearly 1,200 yards and 15 touchdowns. However, a closer look at his tape reveals a dynamic playmaker with an elite burst, top-end speed, and exceptional vision; traits NFL general managers covet in lesser-known prospects.
Yet, Tuten’s path to the draft is not without obstacles. Playing for a smaller program with less media exposure and a lower level of competition has led some scouts to question the true extent of his athleticism. The NFL Combine will provide a crucial opportunity for Tuten to prove himself athletically against top-tier talent on a national stage.
For Veach and his staff, the key questions will be: Can Tuten post a 40-yard dash in the 4.3s, as some scouts predict? And will his shuttle time place him in the top 10% of all Combine participants? These benchmarks are critical in evaluating a player who has yet to face elite competition. If he meets or exceeds expectations, Tuten could rise from an undrafted prospect to a top-100 selection in the 2025 NFL Draft, and quite possibly, on the Chiefs’ opening-day roster.
The Bottom Line for the Chiefs at the Combine
The NFL Combine is often dismissed by sports pundits and mainstream media as nothing more than a “track meet for football players.” In reality, it serves as a critical evaluation tool for teams that know how to interpret the wealth of data it provides.
Does running the 40-yard dash a tenth of a second faster than the competition automatically make someone the best athlete at their position? No. Does the 3-cone drill perfectly translate to in-game quickness? Unlikely. However, the Combine offers far more than raw athletic testing. The medical evaluations conducted by team doctors and the mental and physical assessments give franchises essential context for their player evaluations.
For Brett Veach and the Chiefs’ scouting department, the vast majority of their assessments are already complete. But even a single missing piece of information could mean the difference between an outstanding draft class and an underwhelming one. This week will shape the futures of countless athletes and executives alike. Let’s just hope Veach gets the answers he needs.