Watching a Missouri alum roam the heart of the Kansas City Chiefs' defense has become a common sight for fans at Arrowhead Stadium, ever since linebacker Nick Bolton arrived as the team's second-round pick in 2021. Five years later, the Chiefs are looking at another Tigers' linebacker with potential of adding depth to an overlooked position of need.
Mizzou's Khalil Jacobs has drawn some pre-draft interest from the Chiefs, as reporter Aaron Wilson notes several teams that have both held virtual visits or in-person meetings. Franchises like the Colts, Jets, and Patriots are hosting Jacobs before the 2026 NFL Draft, while the Chiefs spoke with him virtually after missing him at their recent local pro day.
Jacobs finished his college career at Missouri after transferring from South Alabama. He spent two seasons with the Jaguars, appearing in 24 career games (3 starts) and registering 60 tackles, 8.5 for loss, 3 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, and an interception. He transferred to Missouri in part to reunite with defensive coordinator Corey Batoon, his former coordinator at South Alabama.
Numerous teams are taking a look at Missouri linebacker Khalil Jacobs in the days before the 2026 NFL Draft.
Jacobs' first season at Mizzou (2024) was cut short by a torn pectoral muscle suffered against UMass, which ended his year after just 6 games. He returned ready for 2025 and played in all 13 games. He finished with 47 tackles, 5 TFL, and 3 sacks.
This year's scouting combine passed Jacobs over, which placed even greater emphasis on his pro day to churn out some impressive numbers. Reports out of Columbia had Jacobs with 27 reps on the bench press (which would have tied his teammate Josiah Trotter for most reps at the Combine) with a 40-inch vertical leap, which would have tied for second behind Sonny Styles of Ohio State in Indianapolis.
Any interest in Jacobs would come at the end of the draft, but the Chiefs are always scouring for special teams standouts who could bolster the defense. The Chiefs could still chase another linebacker earlier in this deep class to help ease the loss of Leo Chenal, although fans are anxious to see what Jeff Bassa can offer in his second season. Cooper McDonald is also around after the undrafted free agent sat on the active roster all season.
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