Kansas City, long used to picking late in the first round as perennial Super Bowl contenders, enters the 2026 draft in an unfamiliar spot after missing the playoffs, holding a first-round selection inside the top 10. With a chance to add impact talent early, the focus will be on fine-tuning a capable roster, addressing offensive issues exposed in 2025 and bolstering the pass rush and secondary.
This seven-round mock draft explores how the Chiefs could mix immediate contributors with rotational prospects to keep their championship window open in a stacked AFC West.
Round 1, Pick 9: RB Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame
What better way for Kansas City to begin revitalizing its offense, specifically an ineffective running game, than by selecting maybe the most dynamic offensive weapon in the 2026 class?
Love can turn nothing into something with a single touch, threatening defenses as both a home-run rusher and a natural receiving option.
As a true three-down hybrid back, he could help reshape the Chiefs’ offensive identity, giving Patrick Mahomes and the rest of that unit an added layer of freedom to operate at their best.
Round 2, Pick 40: DL LT Overton, Alabama
Overton’s versatility makes him one of the more intriguing defensive line prospects on a deep 2026 board.
The 6’5”, 278-pound lineman brings notable explosiveness and point-of-attack strength, allowing him to consistently impact the run while showing promise as a pressure generator at the next level.
His ability to line up both inside and outside gives defensive coordinators a lot of creative flexibility, presenting more opportunities to vary front structures and disguise pressures.
Round 3, Pick 74: TE Max Klare, Ohio State
This could be an intriguing option for the Chiefs as an eventual replacement for longtime starter Travis Kelce (36), whose NFL future remains uncertain.
The Ohio State tight end has always been a serious receiving threat, showing burst through his stems, excellent body control during in-stride adjustments, quickness and agility to evade defenders, and the strength to push through contact.
Klare has also made significant progress as a blocker, though the technique behind pad level and hand placement is still being refined.
Round 4, Pick 109: OT Brian Parker II, Duke
Parker II would bring a young, physical presence to the offensive line, able to contribute inside and provide depth as a high-quality swing option.
His combination of strength and balance allows him to recover and sustain blocks against top pass rushers, while his effort and aggressiveness also carry over into the run game.
At 6’5”, 305 pounds, the athleticism and toughness alone suggest Parker II could be a valuable mid-round prospect built to handle the physical demands of an NFL line.
Round 5, Pick 146: CB Tacario Davis, Washington
Davis uses his 6’4”, 200-pound frame to consistently disrupt passing lanes and challenge bigger receivers, as his quick feet and change-of-direction skills keep him attached through breaks.
He’s physical at the line, effective in both man and zone coverage, and maintains solid tackling fundamentals, with competitive toughness that could mold him into a respectable presence for a secondary group set to have Jaylen Watson, Joshua Williams, and Nazeeh Johnson all enter free agency.
Round 5, Pick 176: DL Rayshaun Benny, Michigan
Closing out Kansas City’s draft in the fifth round, currently with no picks in the sixth or seventh, Benny represents another strong, athletic addition to the defensive line who could contribute both inside and on the edge.
His power and hand technique allow him to shed blockers and stay balanced while making plays in the run game, and his physical tools project well as a developing pass rusher.
Benny’s three-down potential could complement Chris Jones, who turns 32 this summer, while helping keep the Chiefs’ front rotation fresh.
