The Kansas City Chiefs are going through a significant defensive transition, particularly with the news that they plan to replace Trent McDuffie with a pick acquired in his own trade, as noted in Mel Kiper’s final mock draft. This move comes after a major deal reported by Adam Schefter, where the Chiefs traded the All-Pro cornerback to the Los Angeles Rams in exchange for a package centered on the 29th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
By also acquiring additional fifth and sixth-round selections, along with a future third-round pick, Kansas City is continuing its trend of moving elite secondary talent to maintain valuable draft capital.
While the Chiefs address their defensive needs, the rest of the league is focused on generational offensive prospects like Notre Dame’s Jeremiyah Love. San Francisco 49ers star Christian McCaffrey recently praised Love, highlighting that the young running back has an uncoachable energy and a special quality that sets him apart from the league’s top playmakers, as he was rumored to be part of that Kansas team.
But according to Mel Kiper Jr.’s final ESPN mock draft, the Chiefs will utilize their draft assets to address multiple high-priority needs.
After potentially selecting receiver Jordyn Tyson at number nine, Kiper predicts that Kansas City will use the 29th pick, obtained from the Rams, to select Tennessee cornerback Colton Hood.
With McDuffie and Jaylen Watson both departing, the cornerback unit currently lacks depth. Hood is described as a long and physical defender who recorded 17 pass breakups over the past two seasons.
Kiper believes Hood’s physicality makes him an ideal replacement to help stabilize the secondary while the team uses its remaining seven picks to complete the 2026 roster.
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