Chiefs 7-round mock draft attempts to decode Brett Veach's draft strategy

The draft is less than a week away, and rumors are flying around left and right about what the Kansas City Chiefs will do on draft day. We have seen rumors suggesting the Chiefs will take just about every position except quarterback in the first round, as well as suggestions that Kansas City may trade up or trade down. Nothing is guaranteed, and trying to determine what teams will do on draft day is a tall task for anyone. 

Every fan, analyst, and reporter has a different idea of who the Chiefs might want and who they should want... and those two are very different things. This year's draft is one of the most unique in recent history, with a wide range of opinions stretching across the NFL community. I recently released my top prospects list, a grouping of "my guys" and an aggressive mock draft with my "ideal scenario" for the Chiefs on draft weekend.

It is a lot easier to say the players that you like, but predicting what a team will do, especially the Chiefs, can be very difficult. Nevertheless, I decided to try to get inside Brett Veach's head and take my shot at predicting what direction the Chiefs will go on draft day.

*This mock does not include trades although the Chiefs will almost certainly make some moves*

Pick 9: Rueben Bain Jr., DE, Miami

The Chiefs need to bolster their defensive line, and Brett Veach appears to be well aware that this should be the Chiefs' top priority this weekend. Bain is maybe their best bet of anyone in the class to provide the much-needed boost Kansas City is looking for. He was the most dominant defensive player in college football in 2026, and his impressive blend of size, power, and explosiveness would change the game for Kansas City's defense.

Pick 29: Kadyn Proctor, OT, Alabama

As the draft continues approaching, the feeling that the Chiefs will make a major investment at offensive tackle continues to grow. Proctor was undoubtedly the top tackle in the class coming into this season, but some trouble managing his weight and balance has pushed him down boards. The Chiefs had a top-30 visit with Proctor late in March, and they may even consider trading up to land him if he falls into the 20s.

Pick 40: Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee

Colton Hood has been a popular name among Chiefs fans as of late following his visit with the team earlier this week. Hood has been mocked to the Chiefs by several analysts at pick 29, but I think it is more than possible he slips into the second round. Hood is exactly what the Chiefs look for in a corner, with good size, length, and athleticism. With this pick, he immediately becomes the top corner on the Chiefs roster.

Pick 74: Germie Bernard, WR, Alabama

The more I consider the best receivers for the Chiefs to take at 74, the more I like Germie Bernard's fit. At the combine, Bernard had the fifth-fastest 10-yard split when running the 40, something that has correlated with Chiefs WR picks in years past. What Bernard lacks in top-end speed, he makes up for with quickness and versatility. He may never be a superstar, but he will have a long career as a rotational NFL receiver.

Pick 109: Jalon Kilgore, DB, South Carolina

The Chiefs have a major need at slot corner following the departure of Trent McDuffie, and Kilgore feels like the perfect fit for the Chiefs if he is on the board on Day 3. My player comparison for Kilgore is former Chiefs star L'Jarius Sneed, a fourth-round pick who went on to become one of the best corners in the game. Kilgore has star potential and is exactly the type of DB the Chiefs like to gamble on on Day 3, and he would make for a perfect fit in Kansas City.

Pick 148: DeMonte Capeheart, DT, Clemson

Capehart is one of the most experienced defensive linemen in the 2026 draft and, after six strong seasons at Clemson, will look to make an impact in the NFL. He has a great frame and a well-rounded skill set; the Chiefs could really use a reliable three-tech defensive tackle they can rotate in to bring some consistency. Capehart brings just that to the Chiefs' roster from day one.

Pick 169: VJ Payne, S, Kansas State

The Chiefs got to host VJ Payne at their local pro day this year, and it is hard to imagine Steve Spagnuolo not loving the skills Payne can bring to the table. A true 6-3, 210 lb safety, Payne can be used as a hybrid linebacker in the box but also has the athletic ability to play some deep zone coverages. Payne would bring some competition to Jaden Hicks for the box safety job in camp, with the potential to win a starting job in Game 1.

Pick 176: Roman Hemby, RB, Indiana

Hemby is one of the quickest running backs in the 2026 draft, with a lot of upside to make an impact as a receiver in the passing game. Hemby has great size and incredible movement skills, which will allow the Chiefs to give Kenneth Walker a break throughout the game. Hemby needs some improvement as a pass blocker and getting low with the ball in his hands, but he has all the tools to become a great NFL back.

Pick 210: Malik Benson, WR, Oregon

Benson was the top JUCO prospect in the nation before making trips to Alabama and Florida State and finishing his career at Oregon. He is from Kansas, and the Chiefs brought him in for a visit early in the draft process, making it very possible they look to pick him up late in the draft if he is on the board. Benson is a great athlete and has all the skills to develop into a strong rotational receiver in the NFL.

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