When a fan base is forced to stop rooting for a team's climb to the summit, the tone immediately switches to the race to the bottom. Kansas City Chiefs fans haven't been in the latter category for quite some time, but when the Los Angeles Chargers officially ended their rival's postseason hopes in Week 15, the chants for "tanking" began in earnest.
It makes sense that fans want a team to be as bad as it can be when present glory is unattainable. After all, a lesser record is rewarded in the National Football League with a higher draft standing, providing a boost toward relevance—if a franchise uses the resources wisely.
Most of the clamor around the Chiefs' late-season plummet was around the team's first-round draft slot. That makes sense, because K.C. hasn't been in a spot to draft a true blue-chip target since they selected Central Michigan offensive tackle Eric Fisher as the No. 1 overall pick in 2013. Brett Veach, the team's general manager, certainly hasn't had anything close to the top pick since taking over for John Dorsey in 2017.
While there are scenarios that might keep the top targets at the most desired positions out of range fo the Chiefs, there's no denying that Veach is still in line to draft his first elite prospect in 2026. Some other players have fallen into range, but each has come with questions all the same. Trent McDuffie had elite traits as a corner with size concerns. Josh Simmons was a franchise left tackle with injury issues. That makes this year's draft exciting.
A rare high draft slot gives the Chiefs two premium picks and a chance to reset for their next title run.
But one wrinkle no one seems to be focusing on is what this draft spot means for other rounds. Given that the Chiefs are going to pick in the top third of each round, that also means that Kansas City's slot in the second round will come much earlier than normal as well. Typically, the Chiefs are picking only one player from the top 50 prospects of a particular draft class. This year, however, Veach will grab two of the top 40.
Remember, K.C.'s draft card is usually submitted at No. 32 overall, which means the biggest drama related to the pick is whether or not they might move down for an extra pick. This year, the Chiefs sit squarely in the mix for one of the top prospects available, while also sitting in a prime position for another high-ceiling lottery ticket who might come with a red flag of some kind.
The ability to raise the ceiling at key positions could be transformational for the Chiefs going forward in this pivotal offseason. The Chiefs have the most important piece already in place—a quarterback who can take them all the way—so the work required is to build the roster around him. If the Chiefs can add impactful players at places like wide receiver and pass rusher, it could usher in the next wave of championship runs. A losing season is never fun, but if it allows the team to establish a new foundation, it will have been worth it all for the Chiefs.