Most mock drafts try to deliver the maximum results with the best prospects available for the upcoming season. This four-round projection of the 2026 NFL Draft is a bit more than that for the Kansas City Chiefs.
The truth is that general manager Brett Veach should be pleased if the Chiefs come away with a rookie class that begins with the names listed below. However, a proposed trade in the second round would also maintain that excitement going into 2027, so that's where much of the value lies in this mock draft.
Let's take a look at our latest mock draft to see how the Chiefs could get better going into next season with significant help beyond that.
Round 1 (No. 9 overall) - David Bailey, Edge, Texas Tech
Reciting the Chiefs' needs at the edge position feels like a case of "stating the obvious", so let's just leave it at the fact that it's been Chris Jones and company for several seasons now. George Karlaftis is a reliable performer, and Ashton Gillotte looks like he's going to be a solid contributor for the next few years. However, the first-round miss in 2023 with Felix Anudike-Uzomah and the lack of any real ceiling at defensive end make this the easiest call of all.
David Bailey was a menace last season and profiles as a blue-chip pass rusher at the next level. Bailey led all college pass rushers with 15 sacks and had 81 pressures overall. Getting that kind of proven production is the one reward from turning in a miserable six-win season, but it's precisely this kind of pick that could allow the Chiefs to rebound in short order.
Round 2 (No. 40 overall) - Trade with Tennessee Titans
In this simulation, the Titans offered up a second-round choice in the 2027 NFL Draft along with their third-round pick in order to move up 26 spots and select R Mason Thomas, an edge out of Oklahoma.
For the Chiefs to forgo making a second top-40 selection in a draft would be a major opportunity missed (and disappointment for their fans), but it's hard to pass up the Titans' offer here. It's tough to watch key prospects slip through, but there's a lot to like about the pick they eventually make (see below) while picking up a key draft asset in the future.
Considering the Titans are likely to hover near the top of the draft order as the rebuild continues in Tennessee, this is a must-accept trade offer.
Round 3 (No. 66 overall) - Emmett Johnson, RB, Nebraska
After watching nearly a full round's worth of prospects slide by them, the Chiefs stepped up at the top of the third round to grab their anchor in the backfield in Emmett Johnson.
Johnson had a breakout season for the Huskers with 1,451 rushing yards on 251 carries and 12 touchdowns. However, his value at the next level comes in his ability to impact the offense as a well-rounded weapon, with excellent hands that caught 46 passes for 8 more scores through the air.
The Chiefs' ground game has been a non-factor for opposing game plans for a few years, and after years of throwing final-round picks and veteran reclamation projects at the position, Veach gets serious in this mock for the first time since taking Clyde Edwards-Helaire in the first round of the 2020 edition.
Round 3 (No. 74 overall) - Jack Endries, TE, Texas
The offensive revolution continues (that's a strong word for it, really) with the addition of Jack Endries, one of the draft class's most highly-regarded tight end prospects. Mel Kiper has him as his fourth-ranked TE overall, and it's not hard to find him higher on other lists. Scouts think he has pro-ready hands, which is good news for a Chiefs offense that needs more playmakers at the position.
Remember, Travis Kelce might or might not return in 2026, but the cupboards are barren in terms of any long-term projections. Jared Wiley is still a mystery after two full seasons. Jake Briningstool is a pipe dream. Noah Gray is coming into a contract year, and it's clear the Chiefs have to add something at the position.
Round 4 (No. 109 overall) - Eric McAlister, WR, TCU
Eric McAlister's final season was one of the strongest in TCU history, with 72 catches for 1,190 yards and 10 touchdowns. The All-American was a Biletnikoff finalist and enters the NFL Draft with an exciting size-speed combination that should test well in the pre-draft season.
When it comes to on-field production and enticing prospect traits, McAlister is an early-round pick who shouldn't even be around at the top of the third day of draft weekend. However, some serious character red flags arise, and there's just no way a team should use an early pick on a player who could be an off-the-field concern.
Enter the Chiefs in round four. Wide receiver remains a need, yet a pick outside of the top 100 is a reasonable risk to take for someone who could prove to be a strong value if he can keep his head on straight.