Chiefs Hot Takes: Replacing Joe Thuney will be the biggest challenge

In our “Let’s Argue” series, our Mark Gunnels considers the hot takes, wacky predictions and unpopular opinions of Kansas City Chiefs fans from all over the world.

Replacing Joe Thuney will be the Chiefs’ biggest challenge

There is no replacing Thuney. He’s a four-time All-Pro and a four-time Super Bowl champion.

But while the team can’t replace that type of production, getting better play from the left tackle makes it possible for the team to afford a little dip at left guard. That’s the theory, anyway.

We all know left tackle is the premium position on the offensive line.

The Chiefs should have drafted another receiver

While he doesn’t necessarily need a plethora of talent around him to be successful, I’m never opposed to giving quarterback Patrick Mahomes as many weapons as possible; I love the idea of making life easier for the three-time Super Bowl MVP.

Still, I don’t believe the Chiefs needed to draft two wide receivers. Here’s why:

First, Rashee Rice, Xavier Worthy and Hollywood Brown are leading the best group of wide receivers we’ve seen in the Mahomes era. If these three can stay healthy, I fully expect Mahomes to put up MVP numbers.

Then there’s general manager Brett Veach’s selection of wideout Jalen Royals in the fourth round. He could easily have an immediate role. Although I’m not ready to predict he’ll gain anything close to 1,000 yards, it’s not unrealistic to expect that by the end of the season, he could become the team’s No. 4 wideout.

Jalen Royals will be the Chiefs’ No. 1 wideout

As you can see, I’m not willing to go quite that far with Royals.

But for someone who was taken in the fourth round, it’s amazing to see how Kansas City fans have come to believe that Royals will be something special. On X, I’ve seen people compare his traits to those of the Cincinnati Bengals’ Ja’Marr Chase.

Maybe we should slow down a little bit.

I do believe, however, that there’s a world where we’ll look back at the 2025 draft and wonder how Royals fell so far.

So I’m sure Bentley is being sarcastic by calling him the Chiefs’ WR1.

Or is he?

The Chiefs didn’t need to draft Josh Simmons

Let’s face it: if not for his injury, Simmons would have been a top-10 draft pick. His talent and ability were never in doubt.

Knowing that the team always picks late in the draft, Veach felt like the Chiefs had to take a swing on someone with Simmons’ upside. Who knows when they would ever get that kind of opportunity again?

And then if Jaylon Moore plays well this season, Kansas City could move him to the right side — because this is likely to be Jawaan Taylor’s last season with the team.