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Chiefs fans should watch these draft prospects graded above consensus

Arrowhead Addict's Matt Chabot breaks down 10 prospects he likes more than most in this year's draft class.
Ohio State Buckeyes cornerback Davison Igbinosun (1) celebrates an interception during the first half of the Big Ten Conference championship game against the Indiana Hoosiers at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on Dec. 6, 2025.
Ohio State Buckeyes cornerback Davison Igbinosun (1) celebrates an interception during the first half of the Big Ten Conference championship game against the Indiana Hoosiers at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on Dec. 6, 2025. | Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Every year before draft weekend, I (like many other draft analysts) put together a list of guys who I think are the most underrated players in the draft that year. This often has less to do with my highest-graded players and more with a list of players I have graded significantly higher than the rest of the draft community. These lists are labeled "my guys" lists, and in years past, I have had a strong hit rate with many of my favorite prospects in the draft.

In years past, the "my guys" lists have included players such as Creed Humphrey, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Malik Willis, Leo Chenal, Jaylen Watson, and De’Von Achane. Now, that's not to say there have not been plenty of swings and misses, as every fan, analyst, and human has them, and finding diamonds in the rough is one of the hardest things to do in the NFL year in and year out.

This year's draft is one of the most unique classes in recent memory, with a lot of depth at weak positions and limited top-tier talent all around. Because of this, just about everyone has selected a wide range of prospects that they have labeled as their favorites. With a lot of names being thrown around and loads of potential late-round talent, the 2026 class presents an opportunity for many players to fly under the radar and make an early NFL impact.

So today, with this being my first draft cycle with Arrowhead Addict, I invite you all to enjoy my most underrated prospects in the 2026 draft who have earned the title of being one of "Chabot's standouts."

1. Dametrious Crownover, OT, Texas A&M

Consensus OT 10 // Chabot's OT 2

Crownover headlines the top of my guys list in a class with very inconsistent offensive tackle play and very limited top-tier talent. Crownover was the best member of a very strong offensive line at Texas A&M, and he dominated with elite length and size on the right side of the offensive line. Some have concerns about him being grabby and say he is a raw talent, but I think Crownover is a capable right tackle prospect who can be an immediate starter in the NFL.

2. Davison Igbinosun, CB, Ohio State

Consensus CB 10 // Chabot's CB 3

Consistently one of my favorite players in this year's class, I have been pounding the table for Igbinosun since he first became draft-eligible last year. He elected to return to school after leading the nation in penalties and really struggling with being grabby at the top of the route tree. But with a lot of offseason work, even practicing with oven mitts on, he saw major improvement in how often he was flagged. Despite the major improvement, Igbinosun has not received the boost in draft stock he deserves, and his superstar potential could be a steal at pick 74.

3. Keionte Scott, DB, Miami

Consensus 60th overall // Chabot's 10th overall

Scott was once a top-5 JUCO prospect, and once he found a home at Miami, he proved to be one of the best DBs in the nation. His well-rounded skill set allows him to be on the field in nearly every situation. He is a reliable blitzer, a strong tackler in space, and is able to match in coverage with TEs, WRs, and RBs, all as needed. The Chiefs are in need of a high-quality slot corner, and Scott brings that immediately.

4. Reggie Virgil, WR, Texas Tech

Consensus WR 24 // Chabot's WR 10

One of the most unheralded players in the nation this year, Virgil played a major role in Texas Tech's playoff run this season. Before transferring from Miami (OH), Virgil averaged 20 yards per catch and dominated the MAC as a pass catcher. At Texas Tech, Virgil was forced into a more utility role, where he proved incredibly valuable. Virgil's ability to play inside and out, impacting the game in nearly every role he plays, will be appealing to all teams but should be something the Chiefs covet highly when they look for a later-round receiver.

5. Jalon Kilgore, DB, South Carolina

Consensus 95th overall // Chabot's 22nd overall

Kilgore is someone I have compared to former Chiefs star L'Jarius Sneed, given his background as a safety and his elite ability to play in the nickel consistently. He has great length and is a physical defender who can come downhill and make tackles in space. Kilgore can play in any coverage scheme, and that versatility, combined with his consistent skills in coverage, makes him a candidate to be a strong starting slot corner.

6. Sam Roush, TE, Stanford

Consensus 107th overall // Chabot's 40th overall

Every team in the NFL needs a TE like Sam Roush—someone who can line up on the line of scrimmage as a true in-line TE and can do it all with consistency. He may not be the flashiest TE who makes big plays or highlight catches, but he is reliable and makes everyone on the offense around him better. He is one of the best blockers in the draft and, as a receiver, is a strong option for check-downs and short plays inside and outside. Roush is exactly what Andy Reid needs in an offense that runs a lot of 12 personnel and relies on strong TE play.

7. Chris Bell, WR, Louisville

Consensus 53rd overall // Chabot's 25th overall

It would be misguided to ever compare a prospect to Deebo Samuel, but if anyone comes close to earning the Deebo comp... it's Chris Bell. At 6'2" and 225 lbs., Bell has a running back's build with wide receiver hands and strong route-running skills. He is able to separate early with a large route tree and is the best receiver in the class with the ball in his hands. Andy Reid is one of the best coaches in football when it comes to getting playmakers the ball in space, and in the Chiefs' offense, Chris Bell could be a major game-changer.

8. Chris Johnson, CB, San Diego State

Consensus 40th overall // Chabot's 20th overall

If Chris Johnson had taken the money last offseason and transferred to a Power Four school, he would be a first-round lock. But concerns about the smaller school and the competition level have caused him to slip out of the first round in many mock drafts. If the Chiefs are looking for a corner at pick 29 or 40, and Johnson is on the board, he and Nohl Williams will make a strong outside corner duo for the next three years.

9. Robert Henry Jr, RB, UTSA

Consensus 24th RB // Chabot's 5th RB

Almost every year, a small-school running back flies under the radar and comes into the NFL as an immediate difference-maker. In years past, I planted my flag on Kimani Vidal, Keaton Mitchell, and Tyjae Spears. Now, I am planting my flag on Henry Jr. Coming out of high school, Henry was a four-sport athlete, running track and playing baseball, basketball, and football. That well-rounded athleticism shows up on film often, and he would be a perfect depth back in the Chiefs' offense.

10. Nolan Rucci, OT, Penn State

Consensus 28th OT // Chabot's 7th OT

Rucci is a former five-star recruit who has experience at both tackle spots and projects as a perfect swing tackle in the NFL. The biggest concern for Rucci is that he stands 6-8 but has sub-34-inch arms, which may give him some trouble in the NFL. Rucci may not project as a lockdown left tackle, but his ability to consistently impact the game on both sides of the line projects well into the NFL.

Honorable Mention: Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State

Consensus 9th overall // Chabot's 1st overall

While Downs does not play what is considered a "premium position" for the NFL draft, his talent is simply undeniable. Safety is the most undervalued position in the NFL, and Downs has superstar skills to play in the slot, in the box, and over the top at a very high level. If he is on the board, Downs should be the number one option for the Chiefs on draft day.

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