The Kansas City went from a Super Bowl shoe-in to a top 10 draft pick in just one year.
With a team so accustomed to picks at the end of the first round, how will this adversity-fueled Chiefs squad adapt? It's up to the front office to determine the best solution in Kansas City.
Chiefs fans saw significant turnover ahead of the 2025 season and with an aging roster, this might be the draft where the organization looks to usher in the next generation of youngsters to take over. The Chiefs have a lot of roles to fill without one clear pressing position, so it will be unique to see how they handle this year's draft.
The Sporting News is tracking each of the Chiefs' 2026 NFL Draft selections, from the first through the seventh round.
MORE 2026 NFL DRAFT:
- Complete 7-round mock draft
- Trade predictions for the first round
- Where will each quarterback go in 2026 draft?
Kansas City Chiefs draft picks 2026
Who did the Chiefs draft?
The Chiefs will select 9 players in the 2026 NFL Draft:
- Round 1, Pick No. 9
- Round 1, Pick No. 29
- Round 2, Pick No. 40
- Round 3, Pick No. 74
- Round 4, Pick No. 109
- Round 5, Pick No. 148
- Round 5, Pick No. 169
- Round 5, Pick No. 176
- Round 6, Pick No. 210
NFL DRAFT RANKINGS 2026: QBs | WRs | TEs | EDGE | RBs
Chiefs NFL Draft needs
- Passing threats: There are two ways the Chiefs can think about this. On one hand, a highly-touted wide receiver could certainly give Mahomes a fresh target throughout the season. However, Travis Kelce is also 36 years old now as a tight end, and may not have much time left at the NFL level. Targeting a young tight end to be his eventual replacement could pay dividends for the Chiefs in a few years.
- Improve the rush: The Chiefs finished 25th in the NFL in rushing yards in 2025, making this a big point of emphasis entering draft season. If a RB like Jeremiyah Love falls to No. 9, there's certainly a chance that the Chiefs capitalize. However, the more likely solution may be bolstering the offensive line overall by adding an offensive tackle or lineman.
- Defensive back: While the Chiefs didn't explicitly struggle with protecting passes last season, they did trade Trent McDuffie to the Rams this offseason, with CB Jaylen Watson signing with the Rams through free agency. In their absence comes a position to be filled, and the Chiefs could very well target a defensive back in the draft.
Chiefs mock draft 2026
Here's a look at who the Chiefs may select, based on the seven-round mock draft from SN's Vinnie Iyer.
| Round | Pick | Selection | Position | College |
| 1 | 9 | Mansoor Delane | CB | LSU |
| 1 | 29 | Monroe Freeling | OT | Georgia |
| 2 | 40 | Caleb Banks | DT | Florida |
| 3 | 74 | Malachi Fields | WR | Notre Dame |
| 4 | 109 | Daylen Everette | CB | Georgia |
| 5 | 148 | Joe Royer | TE | Cincinnati |
| 5 | 169 | Kaleb Elarms-Orr | LB | TCU |
| 5 | 176 | Isaiah Nwokobia | S | SMU |
| 6 | 210 | Eli Heidenreich | RB | Navy |
The NFL Draft begins Thursday, April 23, at 8 p.m. ET.
MORE: Ranking best combinations for Chiefs' first-round picks

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