With the Kansas City Chiefs off a week, their draft position hasn't changed. But the outlook for the 2027 NFL Draft is changing rapidly day by day. The race is on at the bottom of the league to see who can land Jeremiah Smith, and in the middle of the draft, players have been rising and falling rapidly.
The draft is still a ways off, but it is never too early to look at some targets Chiefs fans should watch in college football this season. The Kansas City Chiefs are projected to have 10 picks in the 2027 draft class, which appears to be one of the best in recent memory. Kansas City has plenty of ammunition to use in this year's draft; the question now is: How will they use it?
Note: Without an official draft order, pick placement is based on current standings
Round 1 - Melvin Siani, T, Texas
Offensive tackle is a major concern for the Chiefs as we go into the offseason. Jaylon Moore becomes a free agent, and Joshua Simmons has yet to play. The Chiefs MUST protect their franchise's largest investment in franchise history. Siani transferred to Texas this offseason, playing right tackle after several solid years starting at left tackle for Wake Forest. His experience on both sides of the line and early-season success against SEC competition will make Siani a highly coveted tackle prospect in the draft.
Round 2 - Ryan Wingo, WR, Texas
I have spent a lot of time banging the drum for Ryan Wingo, one of the highest-upside players in the NFL Draft. He has traits scouts dream of and is exceptional at creating space as a route runner. Wingo has one substantial flaw: his hands. Concentration drops are Wingo's biggest concern, as he has routinely struggled to make easy catches over the middle. This season has been far from ideal for Wingo, but I expect him to take a step forward as the year goes on.
Look at the spacing in this 10 personnel TD to Ryan Wingo. pic.twitter.com/5B6DJstfnN
— EricInsideTexas (@EricNahlin) October 11, 2026
Round 3 - Luke Reynolds, TE, Virginia Tech
A former five-star recruit, Reynolds followed his coach, James Franklin, to Virginia Tech after a strong start at Penn State. Reynolds has broken out this season with the Hokies and has proven to be one of the nation's best TE prospects. He has good movement skills, strong hands, and the versatility to contribute as a blocker in the run game. The Chiefs would be a perfect fit for Reynolds, and he could contribute early in Kansas City.
Round 3 (Rams pick via McDuffie trade) - Drayk Bowen, LB, Notre Dame
Over the last three seasons, Bowen has been a leader for the Irish defense, which has been exceptional in that time. At middle linebacker, Bowen is an anchor who stays disciplined and organizes the defense to be prepared for the next play. The Chiefs need a linebacker in the 2027 offseason, and Bowen could be a day-one contributor.
Round 4 - Earl Little Jr, S, Ohio State
Safety may be the weakest spot on the Chiefs' roster, and resolving the back end of the defense will be essential. Little started his career at Florida State, where he often lurked over the middle in a cover-three scheme. The Chiefs love safeties with instincts and strong tackling, and Little brings that to the table. He could become an early starter in Kansas City.
Round 4 (Jaylen Watson comp pick) - Dezz Ricks, CB, Texas A&M
One of the nation's most polarizing players, Ricks has had an up-and-down career so far at Texas A&M. A former five-star recruit, Ricks has all the tools any scout or coach wants in a cornerback prospect, but he still has work to do. Ricks was heavily targeted early in his college career, but he has flashed loads of potential and could be the next late-round pick the Chiefs can turn into a star.
A breakout sleeper we brought up on the #DraftProfessor800 podcast:
— EJHolt_NFLDraft🏈 (@EJunkie215) August 28, 2026
Texas A&M CB Dezz Ricks 6'1 193. Fluid player with excellent recovery speed. Needs development at the catch point. A player to watch. @Steve_NFL @draftdayben pic.twitter.com/m3i703Eddl
Round 5 - TJ Shanahan, IOL, Florida
Depth on the interior offensive line matters for Kansas City, and Shanahan would bring that in spades. TJ Shanahan started his college career at Texas A&M, then headed to Penn State, and will finish his college career at Florida this season. With experience at center and both guard spots, Shanahan brings versatility and value to the Chiefs' offensive line.
Round 6 - Javon Tracy, WR, Minnesota
The Chiefs need wide receiver depth just as much as they need a WR1. Javon Tracy would be an ideal pickup for Kansas City late in the draft, as a player who can contribute in many phases of the game. An experienced player, Tracy brings a lot of value with the ball in his hands. He also leads the nation in punt return yards, which could set him up for success in Kansas City.
Round 7 (Charles Omenihu comp pick) - Robert Woodyard, LB, Missouri
Woodyard is a big, strong linebacker who goes to college just down the road from Arrowhead. The Chiefs need linebacker help, and Woodyard would be a great rotation guy who brings a lot of value as a run defender and on special teams.
Round 7 (Hollywood Brown comp pick) - Caleb Komolafe, RB, Northwestern
Maybe the best pass-blocking RB in the 2027 class, Komolafe has had an up-and-down year with Northwestern. The Chiefs will be looking for late-round RB depth to complement superstar Kenneth Walker. Komolafe brings a lot of value on third downs, where he can pick up blitzes and keep Patrick Mahomes standing in the pocket.
