After watching prospects for a few months, I wanted to do a mock draft on how I would approach the 2026 NFL Draft if I were the Kansas City Chiefs’ general manager. Here is how I would handle this year’s draft:
Trade up from pick No. 9 to pick No. 3: Arvell Reese, Outside Linbacker, Ohio State
Chiefs trade picks No. 9 and No. 29 to the Arizona Cardinals for No. 3 and No. 104
Kansas City is in a rare position as a perennial Super Bowl contender picking in the top 10 after a down season, while also holding extra draft capital from trading cornerback Trent McDuffie. With an already strong
core in place, the Chiefs are one of the few contenders where moving up makes real sense.
The ninth pick offers a chance to secure a franchise cornerstone for the next decade, which should be the priority. Rather than addressing only short-term needs, the Chiefs should focus on sustaining the long-term championship window.
The biggest long-term concern is the defensive line. Chris Jones is 32 years old and nearing the later stages of his prime. Replacing his impact will only become harder when the team returns to drafting near the end of the first round. Acquiring that type of player later often requires multiple first-round picks for an older, more expensive veteran.
That makes trading up now the smarter move: give up less capital, land an elite talent on a rookie deal and develop him in-house through his prime years.
With the combination of multiple first-round picks and a high slot in each round, the organization can reasonably part with pick No. 29 knowing the 40th-overall selection is there. It gives the Chiefs the ability to target arguably the team’s top prospect of the class instead of waiting until the ninth pick.
My preferred target would be Reese. He would be an ideal fit in defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo’s unit because of his versatility. Reese could rush from multiple spots, drop into coverage, spy mobile quarterbacks, and create havoc on stunts. Whether he becomes a full-time defensive end or remains a hybrid weapon, his athletic tools would make him an immediate impact player. Paired with Spagnuolo’s creativity, Reese could become the future centerpiece of the Chiefs’ defense.
According to the Rich Hill trade value chart, this deal may be a slight overpay, but with competition to move into No. 3, it would be worth paying a premium for a talent like Reese.
Pick No. 40: Chris Johnson, cornerback, San Diego State
After trading up for Reese, the Chiefs’ priority should be adding as many starter-level players as possible. With tackle and wide receiver value lacking, cornerback makes the most sense. Johnson is a versatile defender who can thrive in man or zone coverage thanks to his footwork, instincts, and closing speed. Though undersized, he competes well at the catch point and has the tools to become a high-level starter. Landing him at pick No. 40 after moving back from No. 29 would be an ideal outcome.
Pick No. 74: Malachi Fields, wide receiver, Notre Dame
After the top six receivers, there’s a clear dropoff, making pick No.74 a good value spot. Fields offers intriguing upside as a big-bodied target with elite contested-catch ability, strong hands, and body control. He isn’t a burner, but he flashes separation skills on comebacks and hitches while showing a good feel for zone coverage. He can compete at X-receiver early, with long-term flexibility to move inside as a slot option. His blocking ability only adds to the appeal.
Pick No. 104: Jude Bowry, tackle, Boston College
Bowry stood out on a poor Boston College team and has the traits to develop into a right tackle. He shows explosive movement in pass sets, enough athleticism to run rushers past the pocket, and enough strength to handle power. He needs refinement in his pass-set technique, but his upside is clear. As a run blocker, he can move defenders in downhill schemes and reach targets in zone concepts.
Pick No. 109: Oscar Delp, tight end, Georgia
With major needs addressed, the Chiefs can target role players here. Delp fits as a true in-line tight end who can strengthen the run game with his size and blocking ability. He offers limited receiving upside but enough to threaten downfield when needed. He’d give the offense a physical blocking presence it has lacked for years.
Pick No. 148: Kaytron Allen, running back, Penn State
Even after adding running back Kenneth Walker, the Chiefs still need running back depth. Allen would complement Walker well with his short-yardage vision, contact balance, pass protection, and receiving ability. He lacks top-end speed, but paired with Walker, he’d upgrade the backfield rotation.
Pick No. 169: Aiden Fisher, linebacker, Indiana
The Chiefs lost linebacker Leo Chenal this offseason, so it’s important the front office replenishes the linebacker depth. Fisher is a smart player with plenty of experience in a very good scheme run by Indiana. He’s a limited athlete, but he will contribute on special teams and has a chance to play with his intelligence.
Pick No. 176: Zane Durant, defensive tackle, Penn State
Durant was getting some first-round buzz before the season, but didn’t have a breakout season. Still, I like what Durant offers. Durant is an agile athlete who can play with a low center of gravity and win upfield. His power isn’t overwhelming in his pass rush, but he does a good job playing with leverage vs. the run. Durant could play for the Chiefs’ defensive line quickly.
Pick No. 210: Louis Moore, safety, Indiana
I wish I were able to address safety earlier, but the board didn’t break the right way at safety. At this point, I’m trying to find depth, and Moore could be that. Moore is a centerfielder with good instincts and ball skills. He’s undersized, so he won’t do too much in the box, but there’s a chance he could contribute by playing deep in coverage.
