When I was first reminded that the Kansas City Chiefs had the ninth overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, I was trying remember what they traded to get a top-10 pick. It quickly dawned on me just how much of a disaster the 2025 season was for the Chiefs, and the reason they have a top-10 pick is because they were bad last year. They earned it all by themselves with a 6-11 season.
They’re up next in our 2026 Pride of Detroit Community Mock Draft, and it’s up to commenter sprtn66 to help get the Chiefs
back to dynasty territory.
Before we get into sprtn66’s pick, here’s a look at the first eight picks in the mock:
- Raiders: QB Fernando Mendoza
- Jets: EDGE Arvell Reese
- Cardinals: EDGE David Bailey
- Titans: RB Jeremiyah Love
- Giants: WR Carnell Tate
- Browns: OT Monroe Freeling
- Commanders: WR Makai Lemon
- Saints: EDGE Rueben Bain
With the ninth pick in the 2026 Pride of Detroit Community Mock Draft, the Kansas City Chiefs select Caleb Downs, safety out of Ohio State.
Here’s sprtn66 explaining the pick:
When I found out I’d be drafting for the Chiefs I thought the biggest need would be at CB after losing both Trent McDuffie and Jaylon Watson to the Rams. Fans and writers on Arrowhead Pride were seemingly unconcerned with that as the Chiefs always seem to find good CBs in the middle rounds of the draft. The fans were salivating for an edge rusher as there isn’t much besides George Karlaftis and Ashton Gillotte. Another big need is a RT. LB and safety are also options after the losses of S Bryan Cook and LB Leo Chanel in free agency. Also needed is a true X receiver that doesn’t necessarily have to be a speed demon, but someone that can get open and beat press man coverage.
The draft didn’t play out too well for me. Arvell Reese, David Bailey, and Rueben Bain are all gone. Pick 9 is too high for me to select from the next tier of edge rushers. My top two choices at WR are gone. I seriously considered Francis Mauigoa but most on Arrowhead Pride considered that a lower priority and I can find a RT later. My final two players on my wishlist were Sonny Styles and Caleb Downs. I went with Caleb.
Want a box safety? He does it as good or better than most safeties in this draft. Want to run two-high safety? He’ll excel on his side of the field. Want a nickel CB? He can blanket most TEs in man coverage. He would be a day one starter for any team in the NFL. He is an excellent tackler and can almost play like an extra LB as a box safety. He almost has the fluidity in his hips of a CB. He’s also an excellent blitzer. His ceiling? If he stays healthy I could see him as a contender for DROY and the defensive centerpiece of the Chiefs secondary for the next decade. He’s a Swiss Army Knife who excels in all areas needed from a safety. I’d take Caleb Downs over any CB in this draft and he’s one of my favorite players in this entire draft class.
Time to grade the pick. Vote in the poll below and share your expanded thoughts in the comment section:
