The Kansas City Chiefs are positioning themselves nicely to have a productive offseason.
Following their blockbuster trade that sent cornerback Trent McDuffie to the Los Angeles Rams in exchange for several draft picks, the Chiefs now have nine selections in the 2026 NFL Draft.
That also helped create a comfortable amount of salary cap space, along with restructuring quarterback Patrick Mahomes‘ contract and releasing expensive veteran players like defensive end Mike Danna and offensive tackle Jawaan Taylor.
Between the draft and free agency, the Chiefs have the opportunity to add several impact players to their roster. Now they have to figure out the best routes to get there. The folks over at Pro Football Focus recently shared what position groups they think are strongest between the draft and free agency. Let’s take a look at what they had to say about some of the Kansas City Chiefs’ top needs.
Running Back: Free agency
From PFF: “The free-agent class gets the edge here due to a number of players who have proven in different capacities that they can carry heavier workloads at an NFL level. The Jaguars‘ Travis Etienne Jr. is likely the most attractive option aside from Walker after his third career 1,000-yard season and 70.0-plus PFF rushing grade. Rico Dowdle, Tyler Allgeier and J.K. Dobbins should all garner interest as role players at the very least. Their experience gives them an edge over an unproven draft class.”
It would not be wise for the Chiefs to enter the draft having not addressed the running back position. Many have linked top RB prospect Jeremiyah Love to Kansas City, but it’s very possible that he does not fall to them at No. 9 overall. Investing in a veteran is a must for the Chiefs, even if they plan to take a RB relatively high in the draft.
Wide Receiver: Draft
From PFF: “Free agency offers some interesting pass-catching options, although the Cowboys franchise-tagged George Pickens, who was the market’s top potential option. Alec Pierce, Wan’Dale Robinson and Romeo Doubs are some of the top younger options. Veterans Mike Evans and DeAndre Hopkins still have plenty to offer, too.”
The Chiefs aren’t likely to give huge money to a veteran wide receiver, so they can go one of two ways. The first is stockpile on mid tier, affordable veterans and go by a WR by committee approach. The other is to draft a WR high and commit to developing him as the team’s top pass catching option.
Defensive Line: Draft
From PFF: “This year’s defensive line prospect cohort is arguably the most talented position group in the 2026 NFL Draft. Top-tier options include Texas Tech’s David Bailey and Miami’s Rueben Bain Jr., who are coming off elite college seasons with top-three rankings in quarterback pressures and PFF overall grade. Interior rushers Peter Woods and Caleb Banks should also be selected early.”
The crop of free agent defensive linemen this year is pretty good, but again, Kansas City may not want to over-invest financially. When it comes to a premium position like pass rusher, the Chiefs will likely want to go young. I would expect them to attack the defensive line with a mix of affordable free agents and high draft picks.
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