Kansas City Chiefs fans aren't used to waiting this long. Recent seasons have featured deep postseason runs that keep the offseason conversations at bay until as late as mid-February. This year, however, draft talk has been a central focus since late December. That's not a good thing.
Fortunately the wait for the 2026 NFL Draft is over. Nine is the magic number for general manager Brett Veach—it's both the number of selections available to him and also the starting point at No. 9 overall in the first round. Kansas City has two firsts and more firepower than normal, with the bounty from the Trent McDuffie trade kicking in.
The best way for Chiefs Kingdom to prepare for the draft can be found with our Top 100 Prospects for the Chiefs, filled with in-depth scouting profiles from Kansas City's perspective. We also have our Arrowhead Addict Big Board to bookmark as the draft gets underway. And make sure to keep coming back here, to our Chiefs draft tracker, to stay on top of all the action from every angle.
- Chiefs draft snapshot
- Best remaining draft targets
- Updated Chiefs depth chart
- Chiefs draft pick tracker
- AFC West rival draft picks
Chiefs draft snapshot
- Current draft capital: No. 9, 29, 40, 74, 109, 148, 169, 176, 210
- Primary needs: DE, WR, CB
- Latest mock selection: Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
- Last updated: Sun., April 19, 12:00 p.m. CT
Best remaining draft targets
Rueben Bain Jr, DE, Miami
There's a good reason why Bain is the most projected name for the Chiefs in mock drafts. The need is urgent on the edge for the Chiefs with only George Karlaftis slated as a truly plus asset. Bain would be a plug-and-play starter opposite Karlaftis, providing a pro-ready infusion of talent and impact to help further free up Chris Jones inside. The Brandon Graham comps are real.
Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
Perhaps the safest bet in the draft. The importance of impactful, versatile safety play was on display in last year's Super Bowl, and the Chiefs just lost Bryan Cook in free agency from a secondary already in need of more safety help. No one would flinch at taking Downs as high as No. 9 overall knowing just how much he would raise the ceiling in a bleeding Chiefs secondary.
Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
The injury concerns are real with Jordyn Tyson, but the talent ceiling is so obvious and potentially impactful that the Chiefs have every reason to take the Arizona State wideout with their first overall pick. Tyson would instantly become the most dynamic pass catcher on a team intent on getting more explosive this offseason, as illustrated by the big-money signing of running back Kenneth Walker.
Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
Rashee Rice is a free agent after this season. Xavier Worthy hasn't taken the leap. Travis Kelce looks set to retire. The planetary alignment happening on offense following the 2026 campaign could render the Chiefs offense incredibly thin in the passing attack. A team simply cannot let things get so bad for Patrick Mahomes. Carnell Tate would alleviate so many of those concerns as a pro-ready wideout who is so effective at every level.
Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
After losing Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson, among others, from the secondary, the Chiefs might decide to import a new anchor atop the depth chart to ease the pain from such a dramatic exodus of talent. Delane would certainly help the unit rebound quickly as the draft class's safest cornerback pick, a pass defender able to lock down the boundary with an aggressive physical style that shut down elite competition at the highest levels at LSU.
Updated Chiefs depth chart
Offense
- QB: Patrick Mahomes, Justin Fields, Chris Oladokun, Jake Haener
- RB: Kenneth Walker, Emari Demercado, Brashard Smith, ShunDerrick Powell
- WR: Rashee Rice, Xavier Worthy, Tyquan Thornton, Jalen Royals, Nikko Remigio, Jason Brownlee, Andrew Armstrong, Jimmy Holiday
- TE: Travis Kelce, Noah Gray, Jared Wiley, Jake Briningstool, Tre Watson
- OL: Josh Simmons, Kingsley Suamataia, Creed Humphrey, Trey Smith, Jaylon Moore, Esa Pole, Wanya Morris, Mike Caliendo, Hunter Nourzad, CJ Hanson, Ethan Driskell, Chu Godrick, Matt Waletzko
The Chiefs could flirt with an offensive tackle early, depending on how they internally view Josh Simmons' rookie campaign and Jaylon Moore's effectiveness for a full season. Wide receiver is also an obvious need, especially beyond 2026. Tight end is a major concern beyond this season as well. Expect the Chiefs to look at running backs only if a prospect they like falls farther than expected.
Defense
- IDL: Chris Jones, Khyiris Tonga, Omarr Norman-Lott, Zacch Pickens, Marcus Harris
- EDGE: George Karlaftis, Ashton Gillotte, Tyreke Smith, Ethan Downs, Felix Anudike-Uzomah
- LB: Nick Bolton, Drue Tranquill, Jeff Bassa, Cooper McDonald, Jack Cochrane, Cole Christiansen, Kam Arnold, Brandon George
- CB: Kristian Fulton, Nohl Williams, Kader Kohou, Kevin Knowles, Kaiir Elam, Melvin Smith,
- S: Alohi Gilman, Chamarri Conner, Jaden Hicks, Christian Roland-Wallace, Tanner McCalister
Defensive end is an absolute mess beyond Karlaftis and Gillotte. Further bolstering the interior with one more prospect would be a good idea to turn a weakness into a real strength. Linebacker turnover is a multi-year project after Leo Chenal's departure this year and Tranquill in his final season in K.C. But nothing is bigger here than the need for more talent and depth at corner and safety after secondary departures.
Chiefs draft pick tracker
Pick | Player | Position | School |
|---|---|---|---|
No. 9 (1st) | TBD | TBD | TBD |
No. 29 (1st) | TBD | TBD | TBD |
No. 40 (2nd) | TBD | TBD | TBD |
No. 74 (3rd) | TBD | TBD | TBD |
No. 109 (4th) | TBD | TBD | TBD |
No. 148 (5th) | TBD | TBD | TBD |
No. 169 (5th) | TBD | TBD | TBD |
No. 176 (5th) | TBD | TBD | TBD |
No. 210 (6th) | TBD | TBD | TBD |
AFC West rival draft picks
Denver Broncos
Picks: No. 62, 108, 111, 170, 246, 256, 257
The Broncos will sit and wait a long time before entering this year's draft conversation, but their position atop the divisional pecking order eases that pain. They've also already made their big swing this offseason with the trade for wide receiver Jaylen Waddle.
Las Vegas Raiders
Picks: No. 1, 36, 67, 102, 117, 134, 175, 185, 208, 219
Can the Raiders get it right? Fernando Mendoza is on the way and the Raiders hope they can finally start to build a healthy foundation and organizational culture with the 10 picks at their disposal.
Los Angeles Chargers
Picks: No. 22, 55, 86, 123, 204
The Chargers are dealing from a limited hand, but at least they've got their own picks in the first four rounds. Quantity is not the name of this game, but Jim Harbaugh's team will at least have the chance to add one or more quality offensive line additions via the draft.
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