Health and injury history are a major part of the NFL Draft process. Certain on-field traits are listed for what makes or breaks a prospect's resume. However, no ability is more vital when bringing in an incoming rookie than availability.
You cannot turn off injuries as if you were playing a video game. In a physical and violent sport, attrition is going to occur. But for the Kansas City Chiefs, they find themselves in a unique spot when talking about prospects with notable injuries.
The Chiefs are set to pick three times in the first 40 selections. And at arguably all three of those spots, you could argue that Kansas City is weighing an option who is either coming off of an injury or has an extended question mark in that area.
Chiefs' training staff among most trusted in league
Kansas City may be one of the best-served teams in evaluating injury histories. Trey Smith is one of the greatest examples as a draft prospect for the Chiefs. Smith's on-field ability was evident since he stepped foot on the field for the Tennessee Volunteers. However, very few NFL teams were sure about what his long-term outlook provided while dealing with blood clots in his lungs during his college career.
There are also plenty of key recoveries to point out for Chiefs' players at the NFL level. Patrick Mahomes' ankle and knee injuries would have likely held other players out for a longer period of time. Others like Hollywood Brown, Isiah Pacheco, and more may not have returned later in a season after sternoclavicular and leg injuries, respectively. It takes a driven mindset from each player to work tirelessly in getting back on the field. Yet, Kansas City's training staff is routinely helping to get their own players back on the field earlier than most anticipate.
The Jordyn Tyson case
When it comes to the early draft slots and navigating prospect injuries, the Chiefs will have to look into positions of need. The Chiefs will have to assess injury concerns at wide receiver, defensive line, and cornerback, where a few specific prospects stand out. Kansas City has been bold in adding players with past injuries before, however.
Starting with the ninth overall pick, wide receiver Jordyn Tyson has the film to be worthy of that draft slot. Injuries have been a constant concern he's had to work through over the course of his college career, nonetheless. A hamstring issue halted his chances last season. The Arizona State product has suffered a broken collarbone before as well. He missed all of his sophomore season with torn ACL, PCL, and MCL injuries.
Long-term injury affecting possible Chris Jones replacement
Caleb Banks is another option that Kansas City could potentially consider in the top 40. He is a defensive tackle who has size and pass-rush upside similarities to Chris Jones. The Chiefs may love the idea of getting someone like Banks in the defensive tackle room as Jones finishes his career.
In the end, the Florida Gator suffered a foot injury in training camp before the 2025 college season kicked off. He tried to work through it and return to the lineup. Banks' luck did not turn out, managing just three games played in 2025. Then at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine, Banks broke a bone in his foot during a partial workout. Surgery is expected to hold him out until June based on reports.
There is upside and easy traits to lean into with Banks at a position the Chiefs have failed to upgrade alongside Jones. However, his draft stock is entering a questionable point with ongoing foot ailments.
Clemson cornerback dealing with new injury setback
Most recently, Clemson cornerback Avieon Terrell suffered an injury setback. During a private workout early this week, he "aggravated his hamstring injury," according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. Terrell has not faced as long or extensive an injury history as Tyson or Banks. He was probably one of the few cornerbacks Kansas City would have considered late in the first round or early in the second round, however.
Terrell could be a nice replacement for Trent McDuffie after the Chiefs traded him to the Los Angeles Rams. Terrell's feisty energy and tenacity make up for his lack of size.
A hamstring injury is something that could be totally fine come training camp for the rookie. But after Clemson's disappointing 2025 season, Terrell and that Tigers defense were already facing a cloudiness over their true ceiling. Does this new injury push Terrell down the board and make Kansas City a more willing team to nab him?