“Protect Pat at All Costs!” – Travis Kelce Reveals the Chiefs’ Draft Strategy Fans Are Cheering For
OPINION: This article may contain commentary which reflects the author's opinion.
When it comes to protecting the franchise, no one speaks louder—or prouder—than Travis Kelce. The Kansas City Chiefs tight end didn’t hold back during the latest episode of his New Heights podcast, where he opened up about the team’s 2025 NFL Draft class. And at the heart of his excitement? One key mission: keeping Patrick Mahomes upright.
“I love what we did in the draft,” Kelce said. “We lost some guys on the defensive line, filled those roles. Got a big ol’ tackle to protect Pat and move some bodies in the running game.” That “big ol’ tackle” is first-round pick Josh Simmons, a 6’6″, 325-pound powerhouse who’s already being touted as Mahomes’ new bodyguard.
For Chiefs Kingdom—and especially Mahomes fans—this move is a huge relief. After watching Mahomes scramble under pressure in high-stakes moments last season, the front office clearly heard the message: protect the MVP at all costs. Kelce, who’s caught hundreds of passes from Mahomes over the years, knows just how critical that protection is.
“Anytime you give Pat more time, magic happens,” Kelce added. “And now we’ve got a guy who can bulldoze a lane or hold off a rush—whatever Pat needs.”
Beyond Simmons, Kelce also praised the team’s balanced approach, noting improvements across the board—especially in the secondary and offensive skill positions. But his focus kept circling back to Mahomes’ well-being, hinting that the franchise knows exactly where its bread is buttered.
And if that wasn’t enough to hype up fans, Kelce hinted at more help on the way. “Who knows what Veach is cooking up with those undrafted guys? We might have another diamond in the rough to help protect the kingdom.”
For Mahomes fans, this draft was about more than talent—it was about sending a message: the Chiefs are building a wall around their most valuable asset. And with Kelce leading the charge, it’s clear the team is all-in on keeping their quarterback safe, confident, and ready to chase another ring.
