Chiefs’ way too early 2027 mock draft starts with the perfect swing

We are now over a week removed from the 2026 NFL Draft, and already the focus has shifted to next year's draft class. All offseason, many analysts, including myself, have discussed how weak the 2026 draft was—especially at the top—and how much stronger the 2027 class will be. Now, as we look ahead, the Chiefs are in a great position to make the most of an incredible 2027 class. 

The Chiefs are currently slated to have 10 picks in the 2027 draft and will look to make the most of one of the best draft classes in recent memory, a draft that will feature some of the most talented prospects in recent history, like Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith, South Carolina linebacker Dylan Stewart, and Notre Dame cornerback Leonard Moore. Beyond that, there is plenty of talent to go around, and the Chiefs will almost certainly come away with a major haul. 

I recently published my preview of the 2027 class and what Chiefs fans should look for as they begin to look ahead to next year's draft. Despite the 2027 draft being over 300 days away, we already know many of the top prospects whose names will be called on draft day. So today, I put together my first "way-too-early" 2027 mock draft for the Chiefs. 

Round 1 - Ryan Wingo, WR, Texas

Ryan Wingo is the type of receiver I would expect the Chiefs to fall in love with. At 6-2, 215 pounds, Wingo is one of the most athletic receivers in this class, and when you pair his ability to move with his running back frame, you get an elite weapon with the ball in his hands. The Chiefs may lose Rashee Rice next offseason, and when you look at the depth in the WR room, the need for a player like Wingo is apparent. 

With Texas bringing in superstar WR Cam Coleman, Wingo may slip in the draft and make it to the Chiefs at the end of Round 1. He has also had some issues with drops, and if those persist, this strong WR class could push him down the board. Regardless, speed, size, and the ability to create with the ball are exactly what the Chiefs will be looking for next offseason. 

Round 2 - Kenyatta Jackson, DE, Ohio State

Jackson is one of the most athletic defensive end prospects in the 2027 draft class, and he likely would have been a top-100 pick in the 2026 class if he had decided to come out. Jackson returns to Ohio State in hopes of earning a bigger role and more production in 2027, and with an average season, this is likely where his name will be called. Felix Anudike-Uzomah will have an expiring contract this season, and Jackson could become his replacement if the Chiefs choose not to re-sign him. 

Round 3 - Lawson Luckie, TE, Georgia

Luckie was one of my favorite potential tight end prospects in the 2026 class, despite playing alongside the 73rd overall pick this year, Oscar Delp. While his production does not show it, Luckie has elite receiving traits and has proven to be one of the best pass-catching tight ends in the nation over the last two years at Georgia. With Travis Kelce likely retiring and Noah Gray a potential cap casualty, a big year from Luckie could make him one of the Chiefs' primary receiving threats from day one. 

Round 3 (Rams trade) - Elijah Pritchett, OT, Nebraska

This comes with a bit of projection, but I expect a significant step forward from Elijah Pritchett this season at Nebraska. A former five-star recruit, Pritchett has experience on both sides of the line and has the potential to be a strong NFL swing tackle. Jaylon Moore will be a free agent next offseason, and barring a major change, the Chiefs will likely have a new starting right tackle in 2026. Pritchett, a veteran free agent, and Esa Pole can compete for the starting job across from Josh Simmons in 2027. 

Round 4 - Marcus Deal, DT, TCU

Deal is one of my favorite young defensive tackles, and I think he could have a major breakout this season. After adding Peter Woods, the Chiefs' starting defensive tackles seem to be set in stone, and with players like Tonga and Norman-Lott behind them, the Chiefs have a strong room through the 2027 season. Deal provides well-rounded depth, able to play nose tackle as well as three-tech and make an impact on the game. 

Round 4 (projected comp pick) - Jordan Castell, DBFlorida

Freshmen finding playing time is rare in the SEC, and Castell didn’t just play, he excelled. Just a three-star prospect, Castell won a starting job as a freshman, playing a hybrid safety role and logging 55 or more tackles in each of his first two seasons with Florida. Over those seasons, Castell has proven to be a great tackler in space against running backs, receivers, and tight ends alike. The Chiefs will be in the market for a versatile safety like Castell, who can play a wide range of roles in the Spagnuolo defense. 

Round 5 - Drayk Bowen, LB, Notre Dame

Bowen has been a major leader on the Notre Dame defense since their national championship appearance in 2024. He is a well-rounded middle linebacker with a strong feel for the game and a versatile skill set that allows him to play a wide range of roles in the middle of the defense. He is always around the ball and will have an immediate impact on special teams in the NFL. Bowen is a talented player who will provide immediate depth for the Chiefs' linebacker room in 2027. 

Round 7 - Dezz Ricks, DB, Texas A&M

Ricks is the type of corner the Chiefs like to gamble on late in the draft. His impressive traits—good size, fluid hips, and length—make him an interesting prospect. His brother, Eli Ricks, was a star at Alabama before going undrafted in 2023. Dezz has been picked on at times and is a very raw prospect, but his upside is immense, and the Chiefs could get the most out of him. 

Round 7 (projected comp pick) - Jeremiah Cobb, RB, Auburn

Cobb was a running back I liked a lot in this year's class, and I felt returning to school was a mistake. The Chiefs likely do not need much more running back depth, but they could use a seventh-round pick to land a player like Cobb before he becomes a UDFA. He is one of the most versatile players in the class and has a well-rounded skill set that makes him an ideal RB3 at the NFL level. 

Round 7 (projected comp pick) - Patrick Kutas, OL, Ole Miss

The Chiefs love to add IOL depth late in the draft or after the draft with UDFAs, and Kutas would be exactly the type of player they like. Kutas has been a solid guard for Ole Miss, and while he has not been a superstar, he has been reliable and can play center as well. Kutas can immediately become a sixth lineman for the Chiefs and provide depth on day one.

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