The Kansas City Chiefs will have their best NFL Draft pick in years when they try to make the No. 9 overall selection in 2026. While they will likely use that pick on a big name from a big program, Brett Veach will need to dig deep in the later rounds.
The Chiefs will need to scout the country and find the best prospects from smaller schools, a concept that has helped them fill out their roster with some very impactful depth additions during their championship runs.
These five prospects, all of whom did not go to schools in the big four conferences, could end up both playing right away in Kansas City in a limited role before establishing themselves as long-term contributors.
5 small-school prospects Chiefs could add in 2026 NFL Draft
5. Robert Henry Jr, RB, UTSA
Henry will be a tough sell due to his average long speed at 5-9 and under 200 pounds, but with almost 100 missed tackles in his last three seasons, Henry's ability to make people miss and pass-catching upside could make him a nice Day 3 dice roll for Kansas City.
4. Joe Fagnano, QB, UConn
Having thrown just five interceptions on over 600 pass attempts in his last two seasons, Fagnano's strong arm and turnover avoidance could get him drafted by a team like Kansas City despite the fact that he is an older prospect who can see his accuracy come and go at points.
3. Tyren Montgomery, WR, John Carroll
Small schools don't get much smaller than this. Hailing from a Division III school with under 3,000 total students, Montgomery has been able to show that he can use his speed and verticality to win against standout corners at the Senior Bowl. The lack of an NFL Combine invite was baffling.
2. Kaleb Proctor, DT, Southeastern Louisiana
Proctor was one of the bigger Shrine Bowl winners, showing that his peneration skills translate against NFL-level athletes. Even though undersized defensive tackles from FCS schools don't have the best track record, Proctor might be good enough to break that particular mold.
1. Chris Johnson, CB, San Diego State
Johnson has improved his stock so much that selecting him at No. 29 overall with the pick acquired in the Trent McDuffie trade needs to be considered. With a passer rating below 20.0 when targeted, Johnson's ball skills and aggression all scream starting NFL cornerback right out of the gate.