The Kansas City Chiefs are coming off their second loss of the season, and after an electric start to the year, their roster gaps are starting to show. Kansas City has one of the youngest rosters in the NFL, and with ten picks in the 2027 NFL Draft, it is clear the team is looking to reload and build a new young core around Patrick Mahomes.
In this mock draft, the Chiefs look to address their biggest needs at high-value positions and establish themselves for the next half-decade.
Round 1 - Samson Okunlola, T, Miami
One of my favorite tackle prospects in this year's class, Okunlola has taken a huge step forward this season. In 2025, the Miami Hurricanes played in the national championship, and throughout last season, Okunlola rotated in at guard. But after Francis Mauigoa and Markell Bell left for the NFL, Okunlola has stepped up and become a key member of their offensive line. Tackle has quickly become the Chiefs' top need this offseason, and Okunlola could be a big part of their future.
Round 2 - Mike Matthews, WR, Tennessee
With Rashee Rice headed to free agency and Tyquan Thornton coming off an injury, the Chiefs will almost certainly spend a top pick on a receiver this offseason. This season, Matthews has built on his incredible performance last year and shown scouts why he deserves top-100 draft consideration. This year, Matthews has received significantly more targets and has proven to be a reliable starting receiver in the SEC.
MIKE MATTHEWS 52 YARD TOUCHDOWN pic.twitter.com/AZJUkKUPCS
— gmannVOLS (@gmannVOLS) September 6, 2025
Round 3 - Trey Pierce, IDL, Michigan
The Chiefs' interior defensive line is far from ideal. Chris Jones has clearly slowed down, and younger players have struggled to stay healthy. Trey Pierce has proven to be one of the nation's best 3-tech defensive tackles and could contribute immediately for the Chiefs. Pierce would open things up for the Chiefs, give them a reliable defensive tackle, and let Steve Spagnuolo manipulate the defense to simulate pressure.
Round 3 (Rams pick via McDuffie trade) - DJ Vonnahme, TE, Iowa
Iowa has been a hub for tight end talent over the last decade. Players like George Kittle, T.J. Hockenson, Sam LaPorta, Noah Fant, and many more are former Hawkeye TEs playing in the NFL. The Chiefs will likely see Travis Kelce head into retirement this offseason, and landing a serious receiving threat like Vonnahme could be a valuable addition.
Iowa TE DJ Vonnahme is a top 50 player in this class (if he declares). Such a smooth mover at (6’4” 240). pic.twitter.com/u2eMWuqP02
— Jay (@DraftwithJay) October 31, 2026
Round 4 - Kyron Jones, S, Georgia
Jones is one of the most underrated safety prospects in this year's draft and has largely been overshadowed by other top DBs at Georgia. He played a substantial role on the back end of the Georgia defense in 2025, but a lingering foot injury has sidelined him for much of 2026. The Chiefs could take advantage of his reduced value in the draft and may be able to land a back-end starter in round four.
Round 4 (Jaylen Watson comp pick) - Jayden Bellamy, CB, UCF
The Chiefs have a rich history of drafting and developing Day 3 cornerback pickups, and they will take their shot again this year. Bellamy is a thin CB prospect who brings a lot of upside because of his long arms and athleticism to stick with receivers up and down the field. Bellamy likely starts as depth but can fill Kristian Fulton's role as the third or fourth corner on the roster.
Round 5 - Derion Gullette, LB, Mississippi State
Linebacker is a major need for the Chiefs, with Drue Tranquill likely heading to free agency and Nick Bolton a cut candidate. Gullette is a big linebacker prospect who was recruited as an EDGE out of high school and brings that athletic ability to the table each and every game. With the emergence of Jeffery Bassa, Gullette can take his time and develop into a potential starter down the line.
Round 6 - Marquis Johnson, WR, Mississippi State
With their next pick, the Chiefs stay with Mississippi State but land a receiver many fans know. Marquis Johnson spent his first three years of college with Missouri before transferring for his senior year. The Chiefs will love his hometown appeal and blazing speed as a depth pass-catcher moving forward.
Will Marquis Johnson be the SEC's breakout WR this season?🐯
— PFF College (@PFF_College) July 8, 2024
pic.twitter.com/E4o9tl0hkE
Round 7 (Charles Omenihu comp pick) - E'marion Harris, T, Oklahoma
The Chiefs take an upside gamble on a late-round offensive lineman. Harris has a football background, as his dad played for Arkansas. Harris is a great athlete with a lot of upside but will need some development before he is ready to play at an NFL level.
Round 7 (Hollywood Brown comp pick) - Chris Johnson Jr, RB, Clemson
The Chiefs land a depth RB and a kick returner with their seventh-round pick, landing one of the more experienced RBs in the nation. Johnson has played for three different ACC schools but has struggled to produce despite showing plenty of flashes on film. The Chiefs will try to tap into his tools and help him become a reliable NFL player.
