The 2026 NFL Draft is almost upon us. In just over two weeks, the all of these prospects will find new homes in the NFL. For the Kansas City Chiefs, it’s a chance to add some pieces at key positions after an offseason that saw an exodus of sorts on defense.
We’re in the heart of mock draft season, and those are good exercises to mimic how teams might approach the draft if the board falls in various ways. I’ve been scouting this class since last summer and it’s almost surreal to think they’ll be NFL players in just a few short weeks.
I’ll be conducting a three-round Chiefs-specific mock draft. This will be a predictive exercise using PFF’s simulator to project who will be available at each pick. The Chiefs have four picks in the top 100, thanks to their recent trade with the Rams, and can add a lot of talent early.
Round 1, Pick 9: The Kansas City Chiefs Select Ohio State WR Carnell Tate
GettyANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN – NOVEMBER 29: Carnell Tate #17 of the Ohio State Buckeyes celebrates after a touchdown during the third quarter against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium on November 29, 2025 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)
An offensive engine for the Buckeyes this past season, Tate is built in the mold of modern-day dynamos at wide receiver in the NFL. He was a star for Ohio State, doing everything they asked of him and more. With insane body control and plus route-running skills, Tate can shoulder the load on offense for Kansas City.
The Chiefs could also go with LSU CB Mansoor Delane, Tennessee CB Jermod McCoy, Oregon S Dillon Thieneman, or Utah OT Spencer Fano in this spot. But it would be hard for them to pass on Tate after the struggles the offense went through last season.
Round 1, Pick 29: The Kansas City Chiefs Select Tennessee CB Colton Hood
GettySTARKVILLE, MISSISSIPPI – SEPT. 27: Colton Hood #8 of the Tennessee Volunteers returns an interception for a touchdown during the first quarter of a football game against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium on September 27, 2025 in Starkville, Mississippi. (Photo by Butch Dill/Getty Images)
At some point, the Chiefs will need to draft a cornerback — probably more than one. Hood fits exactly what Chiefs DC Chris Spagnuolo wants to do on defense. Extremely athletic, with great ball skills and fluid hips in space, Hood is built for man-heavy schemes and his awareness in zone coverage is a plus too.
Other options for Kansas City here include Clemson ED T.J. Parker, Arizona State OT Max Iheanachor, and Georgia DT Christen Miller. But Hood is such a perfect fit here it’s impossible to ignore.
Round 2, Pick 40: The Chiefs Select Central Florida ED Malachi Lawrence
Pass rush was another concern for the Chiefs last year, but Lawrence would go a long way towards addressing that. He blew up at the Combine, proving his plus athleticism and length. But if you watch his tape, it shouldn’t be a surprise: Lawrence is a great pass rusher, with natural bend and fluidity off the edge.
Round 3, Pick 78: The Chiefs Select Pittsburgh LB Kyle Louis
Linebacker isn’t high on the Chiefs’ list of priorities, but Louis offers something unique. He’s an undersized coverage linebacker who can play as a box safety and even in the slot against tight ends. He’s a defensive chess piece that Spagnuolo would love to use, and he’d inject some speed into that Kansas City linebacker corps.
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