2026 Kansas City Chiefs Mock Draft: How Brett Veach can retool the roster for Super Bowl LXI run
The Chiefs can help continue the dynasty by nailing the 2026 NFL Draft with this mock.
The Kansas City Chiefs missed out on the postseason for the first time in the Patrick Mahomes era. They can get back, though, despite Mahomes recovering from the ACL and LCL injury.
It starts with free agency. They have to free up cap space to make some roster moves that would help improve this team on paper. After that, it’s the draft, where they can get some players to help them retool for the postseason. However, they have to execute it perfectly.
I created a mock draft that would do exactly that—target the needs they currently have (pre-free agency) by getting players who could either contribute in Year 1 or down the road. A to Z Sports NFL Draft Analyst Rob Gregson helped me break down some of the players I selected for the Chiefs.
Chiefs 2026 NFL Mock Draft
Round 1, Pick 9: Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State Sun Devils WR
Jordyn Tyson has a chance not only to be the first wide receiver off the board, but also a top-5-7 pick when it’s all set and done come April. However, that will largely depend on what happens at the end of the month. The NFL Scouting Combine will be a major determinant in where Tyson goes, not because of interviews or on-field drills, but because of medical evaluations. After missing most of 2025 due to injury, teams will want to ensure Tyson is healthy enough to start the 2026 season. If so, you have a lanky deep threat who just so happens to be as smooth as butter in his transitions. Oh, and he plays above the rim better than anyone in the class. – Rob Gregson
Round 2, Pick 40: R Mason Thomas, Oklahoma Sooners EDGE
The Oklahoma Sooners didn’t get as much out of Thomas as they would have liked, considering this season was similar to the elite flashes we saw last season, but that’s largely due to the injury he sustained returning a fumble against the Tennessee Volunteers for 71 yards, as he stiff-armed someone for about 50 of those yards. Thomas is an elite pass rusher with a good combination of twitch, speed, and power. He’s a bit smaller than what DC Steve Spagnuolo likes, but his potential is too good to pass up here at No. 40.
Round 3, Pick 74: Darrell Jackson Jr., Florida State Seminoles DT
The Chiefs need help on the edge and at defensive tackle. They need to get to the passer, yes, but they also need a space eater in the interior—a guy who can stop the run and plug gaps. At the same time, you don’t want a DT who can only do that and is a liability in other areas. Jackson has the potential to be great in both areas. The 6’5, 335-pound player has six sacks and 35 hurries in the last two seasons. This past year, his numbers were down due to being on a very bad defense.
Round 4, Pick 109: Bud Clark, TCU S
I think Bud Clark is one of the most underrated prospects in the class. The safety/nickel is a new-age hybrid defender who primarily aligns as an apex player, but man, does he have an old-school mentality. He possesses length to re-route pass catchers and force pass breakups, but he can also rally from depth to make plays in the backfield. What really stands out to me is how effortless he makes coverage look. Most safeties struggle in man-to-man, but as you saw at the Senior Bowl a few weeks ago, Clark can do that too. I love the skill set and the pick for the Chiefs. – Rob Gregson
Round 5, Pick 146: Harold Perkins Jr., LSU Tigers LB
Harold Perkins Jr. was once a top-10 pick in mock drafts. Then a plethora of factors, largely beyond his control, began to plague his stock. Injuries, regression at LSU, and questions about his true position will keep him from going high in April. However, that athletic phenom who screams off the edge and plays some coverage is still there. He’s my kind of player in the mid rounds. You bet on the traits and upside and see if he can’t develop into a significant starter. – Rob Gregson
Round 5, Pick 176: Tanner Koziol, Houston Cougars TE
No one knows whether Travis Kelce is coming back. Regardless, they will need a tight end for when he does leave, which will be soon. Koziol is raw, but man, the potential oozes through the screen when you watch his tape. He can be elite in the red zone, is a willing blocker who can improve, and has someflashes of elite zone recognition in his route running. He would be a tight end, with some development, who fits this system perfectly.
NFL Draft
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The NFL offseason kicks off with an early look at the 2026 NFL draft class; mocking some of the next wave of future stars.
