Chiefs 7-round mock draft swings big with multiple aggressive trades

After a decade-long streak of playoff appearances, the Chiefs find themselves in a new situation after finishing 6-11 in 2025. This offseason, the Chiefs hold the highest draft pick they have held since the infamous 2014 season, when the team went 2-14 and earned the number one overall pick. Today, things look much different from what they did in 2015, and the Chiefs need to come away with a good draft if they want to make a return to the playoffs in 2026.

With Patrick Mahomes returning from a significant knee injury, and Travis Kelce entering what is likely the last year of his NFL career, it is essential the Chiefs bring in some young talent in the 2026 draft. Regardless, there are a wide range of fascinating directions the Chiefs could go in this draft, but first, let's start with a trade involving the Detroit Lions.

Trade #1: Slide down with Lions

Chiefs trade: No. 9 overall
Lions trade: No. 17, No. 50

Round 1 (No. 17): Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana

It is no secret that the Chiefs need to bolster their wide receiver room in 2026, and they do just that by adding Omar Cooper Jr. here at 17. Each of the top three receivers (Tyson, Lemon, Tate) comes with their own individual issues that would likely keep me from taking them inside of the top 10. On the other hand, Cooper feels like a perfect fit in the Chiefs offense, and his RAC (run after catch) ability will be immensely valuable in Andy Reid's pass-heavy offense.

If the Chiefs come up at nine and the top defensive ends in the draft are off the board, a trade down would make a lot of sense. For the Lions, they are looking for a cornerstone offensive tackle to play across from superstar Penei Sewell. The Chiefs are able to take advantage of both a thin tackle class and a deep receiver class to address one of their biggest needs and add another top-50 pick.

Round 1 (No. 29): Keldric Faulk, EDGE, Auburn

The Chiefs elect to hold on to the second of their two first-round picks, and one of their biggest needs falls right into their lap. It is a near certainty that the Chiefs will use one of their first-round picks on the defensive line after eating some major losses this offseason. Faulk is a perfect fit for the Chiefs' defense as an elite run defender with the versatility to shift to the interior, which Steve Spagnuolo will love. He may not be the flashiest pick, but he is a day-one-ready player who will have a long NFL career as an even-front defensive end.

Round 2 (No. 40): Christen Miller, DL, Georgia

With their third pick in the draft, the Chiefs will double down on the defensive line with (maybe) the most well-rounded defensive tackle in the class. It is not easy to find the field as a freshman at Georgia, especially on the defensive line, but Miller did just that as a true freshman in Athens and even became a starter at times throughout the year. Miller lined up at nearly every defensive line spot from 0-5 tech, and with back-to-back picks, the Chiefs will love adding even more versatility to their defensive line.

Round 2 (No. 50): Keionte Scott, CB, Miami

Scott is one of my favorite players in the class and is someone who I think could go down as a top-10 player in this year's class. Nickel corner is one of the most undervalued positions in the NFL but is a position that is incredibly important, especially in the Chiefs' system. After trading away Trent McDuffie, the Chiefs have a major need at slot corner, and Scott is the best in the class.

Scott is an exceptional athlete with skills that allow him to be one of the most aggressive defensive backs in this year's class. He is a good blitzer and is a strong run defender, but also has plus coverage skills, and that versatility will make him a great slot corner in the NFL. The Chiefs need to add a player like Scott this offseason, and if he is on the board at 50, he will be a major steal.

Round 3 (No. 74): Davison Igbinosun, CB, Ohio State

Cornerback is one of the biggest needs for the Chiefs this offseason, and they double down at defensive back with picks 50 and 74. In my opinion, Igbinosun is the most underrated defensive back in the 2026 draft, and he would be a seamless fit into the Chiefs' diverse defensive scheme. He is an elite tackler with an aggressive and physical playstyle that will fit just right in Kansas City.

Trade #2: Move up with the Seahawks

Chiefs trade: No. 109, No. 148, No. 176
Seahawks trade: No. 96, No. 188

Round 3 (No. 96): Dametrious Crownover, OT, Texas A&M

With their second draft-day trade, the Chiefs look to jump into the top 100 to land the top available tackle on their board. I have talked extensively this offseason about Crownover and the value he could provide the Chiefs in this area of the draft. I think it is very possible he could take over the starting job at right tackle at some point and would be a good mid-round investment for the Chiefs' staff.

Round 6 (No. 188): Jack Endries, TE, Texas

Coming into the 2025 season, I had high hopes for what Endries would be able to do at Texas, and while his stats may not reflect it, he would be a great Day 3 addition for the Chiefs. Similarly to Travis Kelce, Endries has an elite feel for zone coverage and knows how to read the defense pre-snap and sit down in soft spots of coverage. Learning from Travis would only make him that much better.

Round 6 (No. 196): Robert Spears-Jennings, DB, Oklahoma

Once a four-star prospect out of high school, RSJ committed to Oklahoma, where he had a great four-year career as one of the best safeties in the nation. He has not gotten much talk this offseason, but I think he could be a great depth safety in the NFL who can fill a wide range of roles. He will be a Day 1 contributor on special teams, with upside to contribute on defense in the NFL.

Round 6 (No. 210): Roman Hemby, RB, Indiana

Despite the addition of Kenneth Walker and Emari Demercado in free agency, the Chiefs could still use more depth in their running back room. Hemby is a great complement to what Walker and Demercado bring to the team, with his quick feet and ability to create plays with the ball in his hands. I project Hemby cracks the opening-day roster as a depth back for the Chiefs if they land him late in the draft.