The Kansas City Chiefs’ failure to make the postseason was one of the most surprising occurrences of the 2025 NFL season. However, it may be even more shocking that they not only missed the postseason but also ended up with the ninth overall pick in the NFL Draft.
Kansas City will look to retool in 2026, and one NFL analyst believes they will use their big draft chip on the defensive side of the ball.
Kansas City Chiefs Add DL Help in ESPN Mock Draft
The Chiefs have not picked in the top 10 since they traded up from 27 to 10 for Patrick Mahomes in the 2017 NFL Draft. The last time they finished with a record that gave them a top-10 pick was the 2013 NFL Draft, when they selected Eric Fisher first overall.
In his latest NFL mock draft, ESPN NFL analyst Jordan Reid has the Chiefs selecting Rueben Bain Jr. with the ninth overall selection.
“Bain’s game is all about power; he’s a heavy-handed defender who regularly overwhelms blockers at the point of attack,” Reid said of Bain. “At 6-foot-3, 275 pounds, Bain’s measurables might not fit every team’s wish list but would work well in Kansas City, where defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo has preferred dense and powerful pass rushers.”
As a Junior, the Miami defensive lineman had his best collegiate season yet, setting career highs in sacks and tackles for loss. During the season, he registered 45 tackles (23 solo, 19 assists), 13 tackles for loss, 8.5 sacks, one forced fumble, and an interception.
Bain ranks as the No. 15 edge rusher in PFSN’s College EDGE Impact rankings (EDGEi), while also presenting the versatility to play inside or outside on the defensive line. The 21-year-old defensive lineman would strengthen a unit that already features Chris Jones and George Karlaftis. Jones and Bain could be a lethal tandem for the Chiefs right away, before Bain ultimately serves as Jones’ successor, as the anchor on the defensive line.
While Kansas City’s defense was solid in 2025, Spagnuolo’s unit was not as dominant as it had been in years past. The Chiefs ranked No. 11 in PFSN’s Defense Impact (DEFi) rankings and finished with 35 sacks, tied for 22nd in the NFL.
Rueben Bain Jr — Miami DE .. IS A MONSTER!! 🧙🏾♂️
• High-level play strength that shows up consistently on film
• Strong, violent hands to control and discard blockers
• Heavy punch at the point of attack with the ability to reset the rep
• Clearly def… https://t.co/lzVv1VLdcv pic.twitter.com/fYrMQVSsqW— J Tuck (@jtuck151) January 6, 2026
Andy Reid and the Chiefs have some work to do in the 2026 offseason and will have their hands full. They are currently last in the league in salary cap space, sitting at just over $43 million over the salary cap. Kansas City will have to make some tough roster decisions before the start of 2026, and as a result, could have a very different-looking roster.
With such limited funds, the draft will be that much more important for Kansas City in 2026. All eyes will be on the Chiefs as they look to restructure their roster and make a run for a fourth Lombardi trophy and the Reid and Mahomes era.
