Kansas City Chiefs 2026 NFL Mock Draft: Restocking the Roster for Another Title Run
The 2026 NFL Draft is rapidly approaching and the Kansas City Chiefs face a pivotal moment. General Manager Brett Veach has a clear objective. The team made notable improvements during the free agency period but both sides of the ball require a serious infusion of young talent to elevate the roster back to a championship level.
Holding two first-round picks at No. 9 and No. 29 overall presents a rare and golden opportunity for Kansas City. It is not often this franchise picks inside the top 10. With crucial needs at wide receiver, offensive tackle and defensive edge rusher, the Chiefs have multiple avenues to attack this draft. Here is a look at the players Kansas City could target to fill their most pressing needs based on current mock draft projections and available talent.
Round 1 Options at Pick No. 9
The ninth overall pick gives the Chiefs a chance to land a true blue-chip prospect. The experts are divided on whether Kansas City will look to protect Patrick Mahomes, give him a new weapon or bolster Steve Spagnuolo’s defense.
Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
If the Chiefs want to give Mahomes a dynamic and reliable target, Carnell Tate makes a lot of sense. Listed at just over 6-foot-2 and 192 pounds, Tate has faced some criticism after running a 4.53 40-yard dash at the scouting combine. That perceived slight could cause him to fall right into the lap of the Chiefs. You cannot argue with his production or his hands. He boasts a 77.3 percent career success rate against man coverage and recorded zero dropped passes in his college career. The Chiefs hosted Tate on a top-30 visit and met with him formally at the combine. That level of interest usually hints at serious draft day intentions.
Rueben Bain Jr., EDGE, Miami
If defense is the priority, Rueben Bain Jr. would be a home run. Many draft analysts expect Bain to be one of the most disruptive defensive ends in the entire class. He brings 71 pressures and 9.5 sacks from his 2025 campaign. He possesses the inside and outside alignment versatility that Spagnuolo loves. Adding Bain to a defensive front that already features Chris Jones and George Karlaftis would create a nightmare scenario for opposing quarterbacks.
Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami
Protecting Mahomes is always a top priority. Francis Mauigoa is a heavy-handed blocker with quick feet and a nasty temperament. He perfectly fits the mold of a long-term solution at right tackle.
Round 1 Options at Pick No. 29
With their second pick in the first round, the Chiefs can address whatever need they ignored at No. 9.
Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama
If Kansas City passes on an offensive tackle early, Kadyn Proctor is an alluring prospect at the back of the first round. Proctor is a massive human being at 6-foot-7 and 353 pounds. Despite his incredible size he is a rare athlete who moves extremely well in space and generates serious power in the run game. Pass protection remains an area for improvement but his ceiling is undeniably high.
Malachi Lawrence, EDGE, UCF
Malachi Lawrence is one of the fastest-rising edge prospects in this draft class. At 6-foot-4 and 253 pounds he is the definition of fast and explosive. He posted incredible numbers at the combine including a 4.53 40-yard dash and a 40-inch vertical jump. Those raw athletic traits translated to the field with a 19.2 percent pass-rush win rate in 2025.
Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson
Kansas City could also look to the secondary. Avieon Terrell is the younger brother of NFL cornerback A.J. Terrell Jr. and offers the ability to play both inside and outside. He pulled down three interceptions in his final college season and allowed only 4.4 yards per attempt when targeted.
Mid-Round Targets to Build Depth
The draft is not won on the first day. Veach has historically found massive value in the middle rounds to round out the depth chart.
Davison Igbinosun, CB, Ohio State
If the Chiefs wait until the third round to address the secondary, Davison Igbinosun is a prime target. He is a long and physical cornerback at 6-foot-2 and 195 pounds. He brings 2,800 career snaps of experience from his time at Ole Miss and Ohio State. He cleaned up his penalty issues in 2025 and posted a career-best 42.6 passer rating.
Zane Durant, DT, Penn State
Interior defensive line depth is a sneaky need for Kansas City. Zane Durant is slightly undersized at 6-foot-1 and 290 pounds but he fits perfectly as a two-gapping three-technique. He racked up 22 tackles for loss and 10 sacks across his collegiate career. Sliding Durant next to Chris Jones could add instant juice to the interior pass rush.
Tanner Koziol, TE, Houston
Travis Kelce cannot play forever. Finding a young tight end to develop is a smart long-term strategy. Tanner Koziol is a 6-foot-5 pass-catching weapon who hauled in 24 touchdowns in college. He needs to improve as a blocker but his 36.5-inch vertical jump proves he has the athletic traits to succeed in an NFL passing attack.
The Chiefs have a massive opportunity in front of them. If Veach pushes the right buttons in April this team has the capital to build a roster capable of dominating the league for years to come.
