The first round of the 2026 NFL Draft is set to get underway on Thursday, April 23, with the Las Vegas Raiders on the clock with the No. 1 overall pick. The second and third rounds will then take place on Friday, April 24, before the final four rounds unfold on Saturday, April 25.
After trading All-Pro CB Trent McDuffie to the Los Angeles Rams this offseason, the Kansas City Chiefs are now one of the handful of teams with multiple first-round selections.
Below, we’ll conduct a Chiefs 2026 NFL Mock Draft for the first three rounds, totaling four selections. Additionally, some of the 2026 NFL Draft predictions can be turned into picks on PrizePicks.
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Chiefs 2026 NFL Mock Draft
In the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft, the Chiefs will have two selections, as they own the No. 9 and No. 29 overall picks. The 29th overall pick was acquired in the McDuffie trade, which gives the Chiefs a chance to move up in the draft if there’s a player they desperately want.
Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer recently reported that five teams that are picking ahead of Kansas City at No. 9 have shown a willingness to move back. Those teams are the Arizona Cardinals (No. 3), Tennessee Titans (No. 4), New York Giants (No. 5), Cleveland Browns (No. 6), and Washington Commanders (No. 7).
While the Chiefs’ options could change if they move up, we’ll assume Kansas City stays put at No. 9 and No. 29.
Here’s a list of the Chiefs’ selections in the first three rounds of the 2026 NFL Draft:
- Round 1: Pick 9
- Round 1: Pick 29
- Round 2: Pick 40
- Round 3: Pick 74
Which prospects could Kansas City have its sights on in the first three rounds?
All 2026 NFL Draft payout data is from PrizePicks Team Picks. It's live as of writing but is subject to change.\
Round 1, Pick 9: Rueben Bain Jr., Edge, Miami
According to Sumer Sports, the Chiefs have finished in the bottom half of the league in sack rate in each of the last two seasons. After leading the NFL in sack rate in 2023 (8.8%), Kansas City finished 22nd in sack rate in 2024 (5.9%) and 19th in sack rate in 2025 (6.0%).
Taking that into account, defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo would love to see the Chiefs’ pass-rushing unit generate more pressure in 2026. Plus, edge rusher Charles Omenihu left Kansas City in favor of the Washington Commanders in free agency this offseason.
Rueben Bain Jr. is a name to keep an eye on for the Chiefs at pick No. 9 or a potential trade up despite recent off-field concerns. Currently, Bain is carrying a 1.69x payout for “Yes” to be drafted in the top 10 picks of the 2026 NFL Draft, per PrizePicks Team Picks.
Aside from having shorter arms than some teams would prefer from an edge defender, Bain is still one of the premier pass rushers in this year’s draft. While Bain completed few drills at the NFL Combine and Miami’s pro day, his production of 33.5 tackles for loss, 20.5 sacks, and 4 forced fumbles across his three collegiate seasons says enough.
Kansas City First Position Drafted: Defensive Lineman/Edge - Yes 1.35x | No N/A
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Round 1, Pick 29: Chris Johnson, CB, San Diego State
Along with moving on from McDuffie via trade, the Chiefs watched CB Jaylen Watson sign with the Rams in free agency. McDuffie made 11-plus starts in four straight seasons, and Watson made 15 starts in 2025 for the Chiefs, so Kansas City will likely look to address the CB position at some point during the draft.
Spagnuolo loves corners who are versatile enough to seamlessly transition between both man and zone coverage schemes, and CB Chris Johnson out of San Diego State fits that description.
As a three-year starter at San Diego State, Johnson saved his best for last, posting 49 combined tackles, 4 INTs, 2 pick-sixes, 9 pass breakups, and 1 forced fumble in 2025.
Following an invitation to the Senior Bowl, Johnson showcased his athleticism at the NFL Combine with a 4.40 40-yard dash (third among CBs) and a 1.54 10-yard split (tied for third). If the Chiefs are targeting a CB near the end of the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft, Johnson is a perfect fit.
Chris Johnson Drafted in First Round of 2026 NFL Draft: Yes 1.49x | No 2.17x
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Round 2, Pick 40: Caleb Banks, DT, Florida
Excluding All-Pro DT Chris Jones, the Chiefs have experienced plenty of turnover along their defensive front of late. This offseason wasn’t any different, as along with Omenihu departing in free agency, DE Mike Danna, DT Jerry Tillery, DT Mike Pennel, and DT Derrick Nnadi are all either free agents still or have signed elsewhere.
To retool the defense for Spagnuolo, Kansas City could usea third straight pick on a defensive player by taking DT Caleb Banks out of Florida.
After impressing at the NFL Combine at his size, it was revealed that Banks suffered a broken foot before the event and underwent surgery. Banks dealt with a foot injury during the 2025 season, so there’s a chance he falls to the second round despite being a first-round talent.
Although Banks was limited to just three games in 2025, he flashed potential with 7 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, and 2 forced fumbles in 2024. With Jones turning 32 years old this summer, adding a running mate and potential long-term replacement isn’t the worst idea.
Round 3, Pick 74: Max Klare, TE, Ohio State
Kansas City TE Travis Kelce inked a one-year deal to return to the Chiefs this offseason, giving him at least one more season where he’ll be catching passes from QB Patrick Mahomes. There were understandably some signs of decline for Kelce at 36 years old this past season, so it wouldn’t come as a surprise if Kansas City takes his potential replacement during the 2026 NFL Draft.
Even though he didn’t put up gaudy numbers in 2025 at Ohio State, Max Klare showed receiving chops throughout his collegiate career.
After spending three seasons at Purdue and recording 51 receptions, 685 receiving yards, and 4 receiving TDs in 2024, Klare tallied only 43 catches, 448 receiving yards, and 2 receiving TDs at Ohio State in 2025. A lack of production can be largely attributed to the Buckeyes heavily utilizing WR Carnell Tate and WR Jeremiah Smith in their aerial attack.
Replacing Kelce is easier said than done, but Klare would bring a skill set that could fit what the Chiefs are looking for at the TE position.
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After failing to reach the playoffs in the 2025 season for the first time since 2014, addressing the defense in the earlier rounds of the 2026 NFL Draft may be a priority for the Chiefs. Which prospects could be ideal fits for Andy Reid’s squad?
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