The Kansas City Chiefs are slated to pick in the Top 10 of the 2026 NFL Draft, an occurrence that has become seemingly unheard of in recent years. Clear issues with their roster construction and a late injury to Patrick Mahomes plagued the entirety of their 2025-2026 season. That, plus a pre-free agency trade of star cornerback Trent McDuffie, has left them with a clear attack plan for the offseason and provided them with the resources to make major moves in the draft.
Round 1 Pick 9: Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
A polarizing prospect, Jermod McCoy hasn't played a snap of football since 2024, but he's got every tool necessary to be a shutdown corner in the NFL. He likely has the most pure talent of any CB in this year's class, and if his medicals check out, he could end up hearing his name called in the top half of Round 1. The Volunteers' prospect would instantly fill the gap that McDuffie left, and would be a worthy replacement and potential star outside cornerback for the foreseeable future.
Round 1 Pick 29 (via LAR): Akheem Mesidor, EDGE, Miami
Another player with foundational concerns as a prospect, Akheem Mesidor will be 25 by the time the draft rolls around. However, he's being consistently projected as a 1st round pick for a reason. Kansas City's sack leader in 2025 was George Karlaftis with just 6, and they desperately need to infuse the defensive front with more talent. The former Hurricane is an extremely refined pass rusher with the tape and technique to back up an early draft pick, and he could be exactly what the franchise needs on the defensive line.
Round 2 Pick 40: AJ Haulcy, S, LSU
The safety room is an area that the Chiefs need to address, with just 3 total players on the roster, and only 1 of them with extended starting experience. Haulcy is one of the premier prospects in a deep safety class, which should be enough to warrant this pick on its own. He's an aggressive, coverage-first safety who makes his mark at the catch point and would help revitalize the back end of their defense.
Round 3 Pick 74: Oscar Delp, TE, Georgia
Travis Kelce's time in the NFL is running out, and it's time for the Chiefs' front office to face the music. Delp has been talked about among draft circles as a solid tight end prospect for years, and he still might be underrated at this point. He's as tough as they come, can do just about everything the modern NFL asks of TEs, and would fit the Kansas City offensive scheme perfectly, making him a viable succession plan for the future Hall-of-Famer.
Round 4 Pick 109: Kyle Louis, LB, Pittsburgh
Nick Bolton was inked to a high-priced contract last offseason and is still an excellent run defender at this point in his career. Losing Leo Chenal to free agency was a big loss, and their coverage issues still need to be worked on. Louis is one of the better coverage linebackers in the draft and is an undersized weapon to add to defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo's defense.
Round 5 Pick 148: Dametrious Crownover, OT, Texas A&M
Texas A&M's right tackle is a work in progress, but an intriguing developmental prospect to take a chance on, despite his age. Crownover's size and athleticism are enough to become a usable backup lineman rather quickly, and he can work into a bigger role if he can improve his skillset.
Round 5 Pick 169 (via LAR): Jeff Caldwell, WR, Cincinnati
Caldwell lit the NFL Combine ablaze with his unbelievable athletic tools and impressive 6'5", 216-pound frame. He ran a 4.31-second 40-yard dash and has the size and burst to vertically tear apart defenses if his route running and hands come along. Getting Mahomes another high upside receiver will never be a bad idea, especially at this point in the draft.
Round 5 Pick 176 (Compensatory): Demond Claiborne, RB, Wake Forest
Betting on explosive talents is what Day 3 of the draft is all about, and Claiborne fits that mold perfectly. The Demon Deacons' running back can absolutely fly and would be a welcome addition to the Kansas City backfield. At the very least, he can create competition at the kick returner position, with the chance to become a dangerous change-of-pace back.
Round 6 Pick 210: Jadon Canady, CB, Oregon
This might be a bit late to project Jadon Canady landing, but it's not entirely out of the realm of possibilities. If he is available, the reasons why the Chiefs should take him are plentiful. He's a versatile defensive back, has a wealth of high-level experience, and is physical enough, even at his size, to hang with NFL receivers.