I try to write four predictive mock drafts each cycle. Of course, I am guilty of running lots of mock draft simulations online too. However, four times each cycle, I try to sit down and predict what the Chiefs will do based on their needs, draft history, and thresholds.
Last year, my final predictive mock had the Chiefs drafting both Josh Simmons and Nohl Williams. Additionally, they took Omarr Norman-Lott one pick before Darius Alexander (whom I mocked to them), and instead of using their fourth-round pick on Tai Felton, they chose another receiver, Jalen Royals.
Make sure to check out the Arrowhead Addict Big Board tailored toward the Chiefs’ needs and our 100 Prospects in 100 Days project.
Round 1, Pick 13: TJ Parker, Edge, Clemson
The Chiefs pick up some draft capital from the Rams, who have plenty of it and want to hop the Cowboys for Sonny Styles. The Chiefs send pick No. 9 (1,350 points, using this trade chart) for pick No. 13 and pick No. 93 (1,328 points). The Chiefs need extra picks, and a slight move back here helps them pick up another top-100 selection.
TJ Parker had a strong showing at the Senior Bowl last week, measuring in at 6-3, 263 lbs., with 33.28-inch arms. He needed last week, too, to start building his draft profile back up after a disappointing 2025 season. In 2024, he had 11.5 sacks and looked primed to be a top-10 pick. A disappointing 2025 hurt his draft stock, but that’s true of every Clemson prospect this draft cycle.
Ideal size and length for a Chiefs edge, Parker is a heavy-handed pass rusher who brings power and speed conversion to the edge. He has better bend than he’s given credit for as a player of his size. His 41.5 tackles for loss in three seasons make him an impact edge-setter, perfect for the Chiefs’ scheme.
Chiefs Kingdom might not like this type of profile, but the reality is it’s what the staff prefers. It might be George Karlaftis 2.0, but the Chiefs’ pass rush would be far improved with another Karlaftis instead of what they got out of Mike Danna and Charles Omenihu.
Shades of: Jaelan Phillips
Round 2, Pick 40: Blake Miller, OT, Clemson
Tackle is probably the position Chiefs fans are overlooking the most in this draft cycle. Yes, Jaylon Moore is the projected starter after the inevitable cut of Jawaan Taylor, but his play on the right side wasn’t great. In three starts at right tackle, Moore allowed nine pressures. Having him on the roster in 2026 should be looked at as a luxury to develop another young tackle, to prevent what happened with Kingsley Suamataia in 2024.
Miller could climb into the back end of the first round as the leader of the Clemson offensive line. At 6-6, 315 lbs., with 35-inch arms, he’s got ideal length and anchor to stay on the right side long term. He’s technically sound and has solid hand usage. He brings an aggressive play style as a blocker and is an adequate run blocker. Some high pad height and choppy feet limit him as a tackle prospect, but with some development, he has starter upside.
Shades of: Roger Rosengarten
Round 3, Pick 74: Dontay Corleone, DT, Cincinnati
“The Godfather” comes to Kansas City as the true run-stuffing nose tackle they’ve needed for years. Ranked 14th on Bruce Feldman’s “Freak List,” he bench-presses 485 pounds, squats 615, and pulls 585 on the sumo deadlift. For a player of his size, Corleone moves exceptionally well. This offseason, he posted a 1.71-second 10-yard split, good enough to rank third among defensive tackles at the 2025 combine, and his 7.44-second three-cone time would’ve also placed third at the position.
Corleone has been on my Chiefs radar for a while after missing part of the 2024 season due to blood clots in his lungs, similar to Trey Smith. A large physical presence in the middle of a defensive line, he’s recorded 17 tackles for loss and 68 run stops, via PFF. Massive upper-body strength and lower-half power allow him to anchor against double teams, with pass-rush upside as well—9.5 sacks in four seasons with 55 pressures. Injury concerns (he was in a walking boot after a few Shrine Bowl practices) will be part of his evaluation.
Shades of: Javon Hargrave
Round 3. Pick 95- Emmett Johnson, RB, Nebraska
A top-100 pick on a running back feels like a given for the Chiefs, even if they add one in free agency. Emmett Johnson is one of my favorite fits for the Chiefs’ scheme. A dynamic and shifty back, he ranked second in all of FBS in scrimmage yards and fifth in missed tackles forced. He was a key part of Nebraska’s passing game as well, flexing out of the backfield into empty formations and running routes as a receiver. Average long speed keeps him from being a top-end RB prospect, but he was a bell-cow back this year for the Huskers.
Emmett Johnson to the Chiefs will have every dynasty football league excited to take him early in rookie drafts. Even with a veteran addition, Emmett could quickly take over the lead job and be the most explosive back the Chiefs have had since Damien Williams.
Shades of: Travis Ettienne
Round 4, Pick 109- Daylen Everette, CB, Georgia
For this mock draft, Trent McDuffie is staying in Kansas City and hopefully in the slot. Even with McDuffie, Fulton, and Williams, the Chiefs’ secondary needs more depth. Everette has many of the traits the Chiefs liked in Nohl Williams, but with better length. At 6-1, 190 lbs., he has nice long speed and is physical at the line of scrimmage. He’s competitive at the catch point, with five interceptions and 19 passes defended in four seasons.
Everette isn’t super consistent against the run, but he has the tools to excel there too. Overall, the Chiefs can count on Kristian Fulton, and they need more depth at the position. McDuffie’s flexibility on the inside and outside allows them to develop another outside corner as well.
Shades of: Max Melton
Round 5, Pick 146- Reggie Virgil, WR, Texas Tech
Chiefs fans’ passion for upgrading the receiver room might not match what the coaching staff thinks. Between bringing in several new coaches on the offensive staff and the investments in Worthy, Rice, and Royals, don’t be surprised if the Chiefs aren’t super aggressive at the position this offseason and instead bet on the development of young talent already on the roster.
Reggie Virgil turned heads at the Senior Bowl, including Todd McShay, who highlighted him in his latest newsletter. Virgil measured in at 6-2, 188 lbs., and stood out with his downfield ability combined with ball tracking and strong hands. He profiles similarly to what the Chiefs had in Tyquan Thornton. If the Chiefs get priced out of Thornton’s market, they can add a similar skill set to line up on the outside and stretch the field.
Shades of: Tai Felton
Round 5, Pick 176- VJ Payne, S, Kansas State
Another name that buzzed around Mobile was VJ Payne. Highlighted by Dane Brugler on his podcast Building the Beast, Payne is an exciting size/speed combo at the safety position. At 6-3, 210 lbs., he brings a rangy and explosive profile to the middle of the field. Best in the box, he has a nice downhill trigger. Similar to the big nickel movement we’ve seen with players like Kyle Hamilton and Nick Emmanwori, Payne has the size to play in the box but the speed to cover out of the slot (over 400 career slot snaps).
Payne profiles as a Day 1 special teams contributor who can be insurance for both Jaden Hicks and Chamarri Conner. Regardless of whether the Chiefs let Bryan Cook walk, the Chiefs use three-safety sets often, which means they need depth at the position.
Shades of: Lewis Cine