The Kansas City Chiefs hold nine total picks in the draft, including two first-round selections at No. 9 and No. 29. With several roster needs to address, the second first-round pick could play a key role in shaping the team’s next phase.
Chiefs Draft Strategy Could Include Trade Down at No. 29
One option for Kansas City at No. 29 is to trade down, according to CBS Sports. While it may not be the most exciting move, it could provide added value. Late first-round picks carry a fifth-year option, making them attractive to teams looking to move up, particularly for quarterbacks or specific position targets.
Recent drafts have shown teams willing to trade into this range, and a move down could allow the Chiefs to add more selections after already increasing their draft capital earlier in the offseason. If Kansas City uses the No. 9 pick aggressively, moving back from No. 29 could help balance the overall draft strategy.
Chiefs Could Target Offensive Tackle or Wide Receiver
If the Chiefs stay at No. 29, offensive line help remains a possibility. Max Iheanachor is one prospect who could be available. Iheanachor only began playing football in 2021 but has developed quickly and did not allow a sack last season.
He has played left tackle but could project as a right tackle at the next level. Selecting him would represent a long-term investment in protecting Mahomes, especially after the departure of right tackle Jawaan Taylor.
Wide receiver is another position to watch. Denzel Boston offers size at 6-foot-4 and brings a large catch radius. He has shown the ability to win contested catches and create yardage after the catch.
Kansas City’s offense had trouble against man coverage last season, and adding a bigger receiver could give the passing game another reliable option.
Defensive Prospects Could Address Chiefs’ Key Needs
Defensive line and secondary help are also areas the Chiefs are expected to address. Keldric Faulk is viewed as a high-upside edge rusher. He recorded two sacks in 2025, but his size and versatility make him a strong option. He can defend the run and also slide inside in certain situations.
The Chiefs’ defense struggled to generate pressure, particularly on third down, making edge depth an area to address early in the draft.
At cornerback, Avieon Terrell could be a natural fit following the departure of Trent McDuffie. Terrell is known for his aggressive play style and ball skills, and he has drawn comparisons to McDuffie. His experience and pedigree could help stabilize the secondary.
Chiefs Looking to Add Young Talent in Transition Year
The Chiefs are navigating a transition period after multiple roster changes. The team added players in free agency, including running back Kenneth Walker III, safety Alohi Gilman, and defensive tackle Khyiris Tonga, while also bringing back Travis Kelce on a one-year deal.
Despite those moves, the draft remains critical. Kansas City has not had a top-10 selection since drafting Patrick Mahomes in 2017, making this year’s No. 9 pick significant. Combined with the No. 29 selection, the team has an opportunity to add young talent at key positions.
With needs at defensive end, wide receiver, and defensive tackle, the Chiefs are expected to focus on building depth while maintaining competitiveness in the AFC. The decisions made with the No. 29 pick could play an important role in determining how quickly the team returns to contender status.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Chiefs Face Major Decision at No. 29 as 2026 NFL Draft Strategy Takes Shape appeared first on Heavy Sports.