Kansas City Chiefs 7-Round 2026 NFL Mock Draft: Avieon Terrell anchors roster reload

The Kansas City Chiefs could be in a "reload" mode this offseason. Sitting at 6-6, they are currently on the outside looking in for the playoffs. While a late-season push could still earn them a lower-seed playoff spot, there are several areas the team may look to address in the 2026 NFL Draft.

2026 NFL Mock Draft: Chiefs reload with top defensive prospects

Round 1, Pick 13: Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson

Cornerback could be a priority for the Chiefs, depending on how they handle free agency. Both Jaylen Watson and Joshua Williams are set to become free agents, and if the team decides to let them walk, selecting a top-tier corner early in the draft would make sense. Clemson’s Avieon Terrell stands out as one of the best in the 2026 cornerback class. Not only does he possess elite ball skills, he is also a physical presence in run support, traits that fit perfectly in a Chiefs defense looking to reload.

Round 2 Pick 46: Caleb Banks, DT, Florida

The Chiefs need someone to play opposite Chris Jones, and Florida’s Caleb Banks offers high upside at defensive tackle. Banks has a rare combination of size, speed, and strength, standing 6-foot-6 and weighing 330 pounds. He showed the quickness to record 4.5 sacks in 2024 and the power to help shut down the run. His draft stock may slide to this point because of limited production and injuries, which allowed him to play in only three games this season. Despite the setbacks, his physical tools make him an intriguing option for Kansas City as they look to bolster their defensive line.

Round 3 Pick 77: Harold Perkins Jr., OLB, LSU

Linebacker may not be the Chiefs’ most pressing need, but Harold Perkins Jr. brings high upside and would fit well in Kansas City’s defense. Perkins is a dynamic pass rusher with elite burst off the edge, and he is fluid enough to hold up in coverage. That said, he still needs to improve his awareness in the open field. Perkins is a classic boom-or-bust prospect, but his potential makes him a player well worth a third-round pick.

Round 4 Pick 114: J.C. Davis, OT, Illinois

After focusing their first three picks on defense, the Chiefs turn their attention to the offensive side of the ball by adding depth to the offensive line. J.C. Davis is a versatile athlete who can play either tackle spot or even slide inside to guard, giving Kansas City valuable depth across multiple positions.

Round 5 Pick 153: Nicholas Singleton, RB, Penn State

Another key player the Chiefs could lose is running back Isiah Pacheco. While the team added Breshad Smith last year, he is more of a pass-catching back than a true every-down runner. Penn State’s Nicholas Singleton was considered one of the top running backs coming into the year. The 224-pound back is a dynamic playmaker, running a 4.35-second 40-yard dash and leading the Big Ten in all-purpose yardage in 2024. Although he had a down season this year, Singleton still possesses the raw skill set to be a great value pick late in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Round 5 Pick 176: Bryce Lance, WR, North Dakota State

With their final pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, the Kansas City Chiefs add depth to their wide receiver corps by selecting Bryce Lance. Lance is widely regarded as one of the top FCS players in this draft. The 6-foot-3, 209-pound receiver comes off back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons and has proven to be a reliable playmaker. He excels at winning jump balls, catching 80% of passes thrown to him in tight coverage this year according to PFF. Lance also has excellent hands, dropping just 3.1% of the passes thrown his way, making him a strong value pick late in the draft.