Chiefs fans can get an early look at 5 dream draft targets in Week 0

Football season is here, and for draft scouts and college football fans, the work begins this weekend as Week 0 of college football kicks off. With the Kansas City Chiefs playing their final preseason game on Friday and NFL Week 1 still two weeks away, there will be a lot of intrigue surrounding the first games of the college football season this Saturday.

Last year, several notable draft prospects played in Week 0, including two third-round picks, Dominique Orange and Sam Roush. The 2026 college football season will open with even more excitement, as several major programs will be featured in Week 0. Notable teams like USC, North Carolina, and TCU will play their season openers, with a slew of prospects whom scouts will be keeping a close eye on throughout the 2026 season.

The Chiefs have one of the youngest rosters in football and are expected to carry 10 draft picks next offseason. This year's draft cycle will be important for Kansas City, and the Chiefs will hope to get some scouting done early in Week 0. If you want to follow along or make your own list of draft prospects, here are some names to keep an eye on.

Elijah Paige, OT, USC

Any scout would be hard-pressed to find a player better than Paige who will be on the field in Week 0. The Trojans' left tackle looked like a rock-solid offensive lineman before a lower-body injury knocked him out in November of 2026. Paige has most of his experience at left tackle, where he has been a star, but if the Chiefs feel he could move to right tackle, he could become a key part of their future offensive line plans. Projections for Paige range from the first round to Day 3, and his return to the field this year will be a major determinant of his draft stock.

Markis Deal, DT, TCU

The Chiefs invested in their defensive line, bringing in Khyiris Tonga, Peter Woods, and R Mason Thomas this offseason. Deal could be another name the Chiefs keep an eye on as a high-quality run defender with an elite athletic background who could develop as a pass rusher. Projections have Deal landing around the third or fourth round, and the Chiefs could look to bring him in as a depth defensive tackle who could become Tonga's replacement down the line.

Xavier Chaplin, OT, Florida State

Entering the 2026 season, Chaplin held a first-round grade on many draft boards, including my own. But after a nightmarish season for Auburn, Chaplin’s draft stock took a nosedive, and he elected to enter the transfer portal. Now at Florida State, Chaplin hopes to prove he is a high-quality tackle prospect who can make an impact against the highest level of competition. I think he could move to right tackle, and with a good season, he could be a Day 2 right tackle option for the Chiefs.

Duce Robinson, WR, Florida State

Duce Robinson is not exactly the type of receiver Andy Reid covets, but he is one of the most athletically gifted wide receivers in the nation. The 6-foot-6 receiver is one of the best contested-catch threats in the draft and creates a matchup nightmare regardless of where he is positioned. Robinson was a 1,000-yard receiver for Florida State last year and is hoping to double down in 2026. He is currently projected as a Day 3 prospect and could be a good late-round addition for the Chiefs.

Kameryn Crawford, DE, USC

One of the most talented defensive ends in this year's class, Crawford was one of the best high school players in the nation when he committed to USC as part of the 2023 class. His deep bag of pass-rush moves is consistently on display, and scouts will be impressed by his ability to generate pressure as a 5-tech defensive end. If the Chiefs are looking to improve their base defense’s pass-rush ability, Crawford could be a top target for them on draft day.

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