Chiefs move up to surprising spot in 2026 NFL Draft order

The Kansas City Chiefs find themselves in unfamiliar territory.

After the early slate of games on Sunday, the Chiefs slot into the top-10 of the 2026 NFL Draft order.

Specifically, they would pick No. 9 as things presently stand:

Following today’s early slate of games, the #Chiefs have moved up to the 9th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft pic.twitter.com/Ard25a1oRf

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The last time they picked in the top-10 was 2013. That year, they had the No. 1 pick and chose offensive tackle Eric Fisher.

They picked No. 3 in 2009, taking defensive end Tyson Jackson, No. 5 in 2008 with defensive tackle Glenn Dorsey, No. 5 in 2010 with safety Eric Berry and No. 6 in 2002, taking defensive tackle Ryan Sims.

Those are the Chiefs' five picks inside the top-10 since 2000.

Ironically, the Chiefs have never picked No. 9.

They picked Ed Budde at No. 8 in 1963.

They've picked 10th three times: Bill Martin in 1964, Gary Green in 1977 and Patrick Mahomes in 2017.

The Chiefs could still slide around a bit, but they'll be picking higher than usual just by virtue of missing the playoffs for the first time in a long time.

Kansas City fans aren't used to this being their main concern right now, but that's the way this season has gone for the Chiefs.

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