A recent trend has people asking AI to look at their favorite football teams and predict the moves that will be made in the off-season including which free agents the team will sign, which rookies they will draft, and which players will be cut. AI then predicts the team’s record for the 2025 season once that information has been processed.
For purposes of this article, I wanted to see if I agree with AI (in this case Grok) or do I trust my own football instincts as a NFL expert.
Chiefs 2025 Offseason moves:
Grok suggests:
Re-sign Trey Smith (Guard): Smith, a mauling interior lineman, is a priority to maintain the offensive line’s strength alongside Creed Humphrey and Joe Thuney. A four-year, $60 million deal keeps him in Kansas City through his prime.
Doc: Agreed. Smith is a must to protect Mahomes.
Let Nick Bolton Walk: Bolton’s solid tackling (100+ tackles in 2024) is offset by average coverage skills and a likely $12 million annual market value. The Chiefs opt to draft a replacement rather than overpay.
Doc: No chance. Bolton is a menace on defense and the Chiefs’ best tackler.
Sign Ronnie Stanley (Left Tackle): After a shaky 2024 at left tackle with D.J. Humphries and others, the Chiefs target Stanley, a former All-Pro coming off a bounce-back year in Baltimore, on a two-year, $20 million deal to stabilize Mahomes’ blindside.
Doc: Stanley would be a good get but they could also find a host of other players for less money.
Add Stefon Diggs (Wide Receiver): With Hollywood Brown’s one-year stint ending and Rashee Rice’s injury and off-field concerns, the Chiefs pursue Diggs post-ACL recovery. A one-year, $10 million prove-it deal adds a veteran playmaker.
Doc: Diggs is way too expensive. KC would be better off resigning Brown and getting Hopkins and Rice back on track.
Extend Chris Jones (Defensive Tackle): Jones, still an All-Pro in 2024, gets a two-year, $50 million extension to stay through 2026, anchoring the defensive line.
Doc: Kansas City was stingy with Jones’ last contract; I’m not sure they give him $50 million at this point of his career.
Draft Picks (2025 NFL Draft)
GROK: Round 1, Pick 31: Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State – A polished route-runner with great hands, Egbuka becomes Mahomes’ new security blanket, complementing Xavier Worthy’s speed.
Doc: Not sure WR is critical in this draft for Kansas City. OL is way more important.
GROK: Round 2: Charles Grant, G/T, William & Mary – A versatile lineman who projects as a guard in the NFL, Grant adds depth and competition if Smith departs.
Doc: Like the pick as it is a need.
GROK: Round 3 (Own): Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama – A physical, multi-role linebacker, Campbell replaces Bolton with upside in coverage and pass-rushing.
Doc: Can’t replace Nick Bolton with one player, least of all a rookie
GROK: Round 3 (via TEN): Bradyn Swinson, EDGE, LSU – An explosive pass-rusher, Swinson bolsters depth behind George Karlaftis and Mike Danna.
Doc: Like the thinking behind this pick.
GROK: Round 4: Jake Briningstool, TE, Clemson – With Travis Kelce aging (35 in 2025), Briningstool offers reliable hands as a potential successor.
Doc: Noah Gray will be the starter if Kelce retires but this is a very deep tight end draft class and Briningstool is a solid pick. I am surprised that there was no mention of Kansas City taking a running back. Isiah Pacheco had a subpar season and Kareem Hunt is past his prime.
GROK: 2025 Season Prediction: 13-4
With Mahomes, an improved offensive line, and a reloaded defense, the Chiefs reclaim the AFC West and reach the AFC Championship, falling to the Bills.
Doc: If Kelce returns as expected and the Chiefs add a running back and shore up their OL, they have an excellent chance of making it back to the Super Bowl yet again.
