Chiefs 7-round mock draft shows how Trent McDuffie trade return can pay off big

The Kansas City Chiefs shocked the NFL before the start of free agency by making a blockbuster trade, sending star cornerback Trent McDuffie to the Los Angeles Rams in a deal centered on the Rams' 29th overall pick.

McDuffie's contract was coming up on expiration, and with the Chiefs' lack of draft capital combined with their ability to develop corners, trading McDuffie felt like the obvious option. Now, the Chiefs have loaded up on draft capital and will look to once again retool their roster through the draft this offseason.

Here's a refreshed look at what the Chiefs' draft class could resemble on the other side of the Trent McDuffie trade.

Round 1 (No. 9 overall): Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State

Caleb Downs is hands down the top player in the 2026 NFL Draft, and if he falls to pick nine, the Chiefs should be running the pick in. Between his time at Alabama and Ohio State, Downs proved that he is the most versatile defensive piece in college football, exactly what the Chiefs' secondary needs after trading away Trent McDuffie. While he may not play a traditionally premium position, Downs is a superstar in the making and would be the best player on the board if he is available at nine.

First round (No. 29 overall): Peter Woods, IDL, Clemson

Peter Woods entered this season widely regarded as a "blue-chip" prospect, widely seen as the best interior defensive lineman in this year's draft. But with the struggles of Clemson last season and disappointing measurements at the Combine, Woods' draft stock has taken a significant hit. Maybe the biggest need on the Chiefs' defense comes at 3-tech defensive tackle, and with pick 29, the Chiefs get the best one in the class to plug next to Chris Jones.

Second round (No. 40 overall): Gabe Jacas, EDGE, Illinois

Some people may view this as a reach, but the Chiefs will not be up again until the third round, and they need to get their hands on an edge rusher. Jacas has the perfect measurements to fit into the Chiefs' defensive scheme, and when you combine his athletic upside with his production at Illinois, you see an incredible prospect. Jacas is a capable defensive end who can plug right into the Kansas City defense and make an impact. If the Chiefs are as high on Jacas as many think they will be, they will not want to wait until pick 74 to go get him.

Round 3 (No. 74 overall): Jonah Coleman, RB, Washington

With rumors that the Chiefs are going to be targeting a running back in free agency, it is unlikely they will look to add a back much higher than this. Coleman is one of the many RBs in the conversation for RB2 behind Jeremiyah Love in this year's class, and if he is on the board in the third round, the Chiefs should not think twice. Coleman has logged over 1,000 yards from scrimmage in each of his last three seasons, and he is an exceptional pass blocker as well. Even if the Chiefs land a big running back in free agency, Coleman would still be a great long-term investment.

Round 4 (No. 109 overall): Bryce Lance, WR, NDSU

Anyone who has followed the Chiefs over the last couple of years knows their infatuation with fast receivers who can beat man coverage. But what fans also know is that the Chiefs are in dire need of a bigger, more physical receiver threat on the outside who can threaten both with speed and physicality.

Enter Bryce Lance, who just had the best Combine performance of any receiver in attendance and proved he has what it takes to be a top-end NFL pass catcher. Having played at North Dakota State, scouts may have concerns about his ability to play against NFL competition, but assuming the Chiefs can land a veteran receiver in free agency, Lance is well worth the risk.

Round 5 (No. 146 overall): Jalon Kilgore, DB, South Carolina

After trading away Trent McDuffie, the Chiefs' defense has a clear hole at nickel corner, and they will make a strong push to land one this offseason. Kilgore fits the mold of exactly what the Chiefs are looking for in a slot corner with great size, good movement skills, and serious physicality. My player comparison for Kilgore this season was former Chiefs star L'Jarius Sneed, and with the right work, it is a real possibility that Kilgore can step into that role.

Round 5 (No. 167 overall): Dallen Bentley, TE, Utah

Regardless of whether Travis Kelce returns to the Chiefs or not, adding some depth at tight end will be a priority on Day 3 of the draft. The Chiefs love to run two tight end sets and will rely on their tight ends to be on the field significantly more than most other teams. Bentley is an experienced TE prospect, having played at a JUCO. Bentley did not find significant D1 playing time until this year, but he showed great skills as a receiver and the potential to be impactful as an inline blocker. If the Chiefs are looking for depth, the well-rounded skill set of Bentley will fit in great in the Chiefs' TE room.

Round 6 (No. 176 overall): Charles Demmings, CB, Stephen F. Austin

The Chiefs have a rich history of drafting and developing corner prospects, and this year they will more than likely try to go to that well again. Demmings was one of the biggest winners of the Combine, checking off all the athletic boxes that teams are looking for from a cornerback prospect. Because he played at Stephen F. Austin and really does not have much experience against higher levels of competition, he will likely fall in the draft. But as they did with Joshua Williams in 2022, the Chiefs gamble on athletic traits and their ability to mold Demmings into a quality NFL corner. Worst-case scenario, he has the skills to be a great special-teams gunner.

Round 7 (No. 209 overall): Kaleb Elarms-Orr, LB, TCU

There were only nine players in the nation who were able to log 130 or more tackles in a season, with Kaleb Elarms-Orr being one of them. If you watched TCU this season, you know the name Kaleb Elarms-Orr, as he was flying across the field, making tackles sideline to sideline. He tested well at the Combine, which could boost his draft stock and make him unavailable. But the misfortune of being in an incredibly strong linebacker class, paired with struggles in pass coverage, likely moves Elarms-Orr down the board. Even if he does not develop as a pass defender, his ability to tackle sideline to sideline is impressive and will make him a quality contributor on special teams.