What will the Kansas City Chiefs do in the NFL Draft? That’s a question that, depending on who you ask, will have different answers. Even after an eventful offseason with a splash signing, there are still plenty of glaring holes on the team that need to be addressed.
If the Chiefs want to contend in the AFC once again and reclaim their spot atop the conference, they’ll need to do well in this draft. Kansas City currently holds the ninth and the 29th pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, and there are plenty of ways that the team can go here. Let’s look at what the draft experts have to say about the Chiefs and who they should select in the draft.
CB Mansoor Delane, LSU
Tim Crean, ClutchPoints; Todd McShay, The Ringer
The Chiefs took a major hit this offseason in their secondary. Due to impending cap constraints, they traded star cornerback Trent McDuffie to the Los Angeles Rams for one of their first-round picks in 2026. Taking the best available cornerback this early is not a bad idea, especially since their other starting cornerback, Jaylen Watson, also left the team. Delane is an elite cornerback who’s adept at both man and zone coverage: the perfect piece for Chiefs DC Steve Spagnuolo.
OL Spencer Fano, Utah
The Chiefs’ offensive line has always been at least average, but last season was particularly bad for them. Jawaan Taylor was the weak point, the veteran right tackle struggling with penalties and pass protection throughout 2026. Fano, a career right tackle, will easily slot into the starting role and become an impact player to protect the returning Patrick Mahomes.
EDGE Reuben Bain Jr, Miami
Charles Davis, NFL.com; Mel Kiper Jr, ESPN.com
One of the most important pieces of a good defense is an elite pass-rush. The Chiefs still have two excellent playmakers in George Karlaftis from the edge and the veteran Chris Jones in the interior. However, last season proved that the duo can’t carry the load alone. Bain Jr is the most NFL-ready pass-rusher, and his explosive pass-rush should help set the tone for a defense that thrives in getting after the quarterback.
WR Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State
Bleacher Report; Field Yates, ESPN
Rashee Rice is a solid wide receiver for the Chiefs, but that’s about it for their pass-catching options. Travis Kelce isn’t getting any younger, Xavier Worthy is fast but inconsistent, and the rest of Kansas City’s wide receiver room is a bit underwhelming. Tyson brings some risk due to his injury history, but his ability to stretch the field for explosive plays could be what the Chiefs offense need to get back to playoff contention.
OT Francis Mauigoa, Miami
Similar to the logic with the Fano pick, drafting Mauigoa is also not a bad idea for the Chiefs. An aggressive pass-blocker with a solid anchor, Mauigoa could be the answer to the many elite pass-rusher Kansas City will inevitably face next season, especially in their own division.
EDGE Zion Young, Missouri
Tim Crean, ClutchPoints
After taking a cornerback in the top 10, the Chiefs address the front four by picking Young. One of the rising stars of the draft, the Missouri edge rusher’s speed and strength make him a compelling target for Kansas City. Character concerns plague Young, but if Kansas City can get the young pass-rusher on the right track, he can be a star for them in the defensive line.
CB Colton Hood, Tennessee
Daniel Jeremiah, NFL.com; Charles Davis, NFL.com
One of the most complete cornerbacks in the 2026 NFL Draft, Hood fits the profile of a potential star under Spagnuolo. The Vols CB is elite in coverage and is perfectly adept at playing the run. Given Spagnuolo’s creative schemes, a player like Hood will have room to use his versatility to the highest level.
EDGE Gabe Jacas, Illinois
Todd McShay, The Ringer
Jacas is an unorthodox pick: a four-year player for Illinois who gradually got better over time. While some might say he’s a reach, McShay believes in the Fighting Illini’s power-based pass-rush to translate to the league. The Chiefs badly need someone to take away pressure from Jones and Karlaftis, and having a bully-ball edge rusher in Jacas is one way to draw attention from opposing offensive linement.
EDGE TJ Parker, Clemson
Bleacher Report
As mentioned earlier, Spagnuolo loves himself some defenders who are able to play either the pass or the run. That is doubly true for their defensive line. Parker is exactly that player, and he brings the same power that Spags loves to utilize to terrorize offensive lines.
EDGE Cashius Howell, Texas A&M
Field Yates, ESPN
The reigning SEC Defensive Player of the Year, Howell is one of the best pure pass-rushers in the draft class. With an uncanny ability to beat opposing tackles with his speed and agility, the Chiefs would get a player that will demand double teams in pass protection.
TE Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon
Bucky Brooks, NFL.com
Once projected to go in the top 10 of this draft, Sadiq’s stock has fallen significantly. That being said, the Oregon TE is still one of the best at his position in this year’s draft class. With Kelce’s retirement on the horizon, the Chiefs will be drafting his replacement and allowing the veteran to mentor Sadiq while he’s in the league.
Brandon Cisse, South Carolina
Mel Kiper Jr, ESPN
Cisse is one of the more physically impressive cornerbacks in this year’s class. The Gamecocks cornerback had an excellent showing in the combine, recording a 41-inch vertical. The Chiefs would do well with a player with that explosiveness and his instinct to get to the ball.
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