Chiefs’ 2026 NFL Mock Draft preview after Super Bowl as draft season ramps up
For the first time in what seems like a long time ago, The Kansas City Chiefs are picking in the top ten of the NFL draft. After missing the postseason for the first time in the Patrick Mahomes era, Kansas City received the ninth pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. It’s a welcome consolation prize: The 2025 season proved the Chiefs aren’t as invincible as they once were.
Now, bosses have a good way to address their key weaknesses. The draft is always the best place for contending teams that also don’t have the cash to fix their roster. With Kansas City projected to have the least cap space in the offseason, it’s very important that their picks are fair. Let’s take a look at who experts think the Chiefs should take in their mock drafts.
Chief’s biggest needs: attack, attack, attack
It’s crazy to think that every team’s chiefs have to fix their offense. And yet, the eye test and statistics showed that this is exactly what this team needs to get back into title contention. Kansas City’s offense is tied to a thread, and that thread is called Patrick Mahomes. There were signs that the team’s offense was slowing down, and that was on full display in the 2025 season.
Most areas of the Chiefs’ offense outside of the quarterback position have been a problem. The wide receiver room outside of Rashee Rice is a bit of a blur: Xavier Worthy hasn’t lived up to expectations, and their veteran pickups haven’t performed well. The offensive line was less than impressive in both pass protection and run blocking. Their tight end hasn’t fared well either, with Travis Kelce coming on in years and Noah Gray having an off year.
The biggest problem the Chiefs had last season, however, was their running game. The Chiefs have always relied on offense more than most teams. Even in their limited touches, however, KC’s backs struggled to consistently create attacking space. With both running backs heading into free agency, Kansas City could be looking for an upgrade in the draft.
Jeremiah Love, RB, Notre Dame
Tim Crean, ClutchPoints; Field Yates, ESPN, Nate Tice & Charles McDonald, Yahoo! Sports, Garrett Podel, CBS Sports
With their running back issues in mind, it’s no surprise that many mock drafts have the Chiefs selecting the top running back in the 2026 class: Jeremy Love. The Notre Dame quarterback is an explosive running back who is capable of breaking off big runs at a moment’s notice. Love had 1,372 yards (8th in the nation) and 19 touchdowns (tied for third).
With Mahomes out with a torn ACL, the pressure is on for the Chiefs to create an offense from the hands of the quarterback. Having a reliable running back like Love, who can consistently gain positive yardage and is good for a few big plays, will help the team. The Lions will also be coached by returning Chiefs OC Eric Bieniemi, who was largely responsible for the resurgence of Chicago Bears RB D’Andre Swift last season.
Jordyn Tyson, VR, Arizona State
Brent Sobleski, Bleacher Report
Love, however, will be a very contentious choice. The New Orleans Saints could feasibly take him at eight, and even the Washington Commanders are candidates to select the Notre Dame RB. The Chiefs could also opt to find a RB in the later rounds. However, if they use their first rounder on VR, Jordin Tyson is a great pick.
Tyson’s route-running and short-area speed will be a big boost to the Chiefs’ more pass rush-focused offense. Especially with Mahomes likely limited for several weeks, Kansas City will need someone who can generate something quickly for the offense.
Kadin Proctor, OT, Alabama
Speaking of Mahomes’ injury, it will be in the Chiefs’ best interest to protect their star quarterback. Kansas City’s offensive line forced Mahomes for life last season before his injury. In particular, their left tackle position has been a problem, as they have struggled to find a replacement for Orlando Brown Jr.
Billed as a “younger, more nimble version” of Brown, Proctor should help solve the Chiefs’ matchup woes. He’s a big man at 6-foot-7 and 366 pounds, but his athleticism is still off the charts. He should be an upgrade over Jawan Taylor, who has steadily declined during his time in Kansas City.
Reuben Bain Jr., EDGE, Miami
We’ve mostly talked about offense, but it’s also important to point out the Chiefs’ biggest weakness on the other end. Kansas City’s pass rush was weak last season as it struggled to generate pressure against opposing quarterbacks. George Karlaftis and Chris Jones have done most of the heavy lifting, but KC needs more help in that regard.
Bain Jr should be a great pick for the Chiefs if they decide to go defense in the first round of the draft. The Miami passer finished the 2025 season with 9.5 sacks and helped lead Miami to the CFP final. In the final against Indiana, he recorded a sack and eight tackles.
2026-02-16 14:02:00
