The Kansas City Chiefs now face the very real possibility of a 2025 season without a postseason appearance, as the roster has devolved to the point where Patrick Mahomes' individual moments of brilliance are no longer enough to carry this team to victories.
The Chiefs clearly need a running back that can give this backfield the shot in the arm it needs, a run-stuffing defensive tackle that can help with the team's critical lack of depth, and a tight end that can help them absorb the blow of possibly losing Travis Kelce to retirement.
This 3-round 2026 NFL Mock Draft not only positions the Chiefs nicely for yet another run at a championship in 2026, but it ensures that positions that had been major areas of weakness for years can finally be improved upon.
Kansas City Chiefs 3-round 2026 NFL Mock Draft
Round 1, Pick 15: Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
The Chiefs may finally decide to avoid handcuffing their offense by leaning on the ghost of Kareem Hunt and the always-injured Isiah Pacheco. In a fairly weak running back class, Love stands out as someone who could be an instant 1,000-yard rusher in the pros.
Love's big play potential, great vision in between the tackles, and breakaway speed are all going to fit in well with Kansas City's offense. Even though he isn't a great pass-catcher right now, Love is a Top 10 player in this class who may slide due to positional need.
Round 2, Pick 49: Domonique Orange, DT, Iowa State
The man they call "Big Citrus" will be a welcome sight to a Kansas City team that lost Tershawn Wharton in the offseason and somehow believed Derrick Nnadi had enough gas left in the tank to help this defense. Orange and Omarr-Norman Lott will help prepare the Chiefs for the day Chris Jones leaves.
They key to Orange evolving into a long-term piece in Kansas City is slowly improving his currently very poor pass rush plan of attack. A few years of Steve Spagnuolo developmental mahic might be enough for Orange to reach his full potential with the Chiefs.
Round 3, Pick 80: Michael Trigg, TE, Baylor
The Travis Kelce question is still hanging over this team, and it doesn't seem very likely that rolling into 2026 with Noah Gray as the unquestioned top target is a sound strategy. Even though he struggles with blocking, Trigg has such tremendous upside as a wide receiver.
Not only is Trigg faster than most of the tight ends in this class, but he has developed a habit for making some truly amazing catches when covered. Trigg's lack of blocking upside is a valid concern, but Kansas City will be the perfect place for him as a receiver.