Chiefs 3 Round NFL Mock Draft: Mahomes gets his dynamic RB, KC gets Kelce replacement, and defense gets potential superstar
The Chiefs need to nail this 2026 NFL Draft.
The Kansas City Chiefs’ 2025 season is officially over, with a Week 18 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders. That loss means the Chiefs are officially locked in with the No. 9 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Since KC isn’t a playoff team this year, for the first time since 2014, our jobs are getting less busy, earlier. Or, the busy part of the offseason starts earlier. It’s time to put together the first 2026 NFL Mock Draft of the offseason.
Chiefs 3 Round 2026 NFL Mock Draft
Round 1, Pick 9: Keldrick Faulk, Auburn Tigers defensive end
The Chiefs have needed a defensive end that can get to the passer for some time now. A Faulk fits the Steve Spagnuolo prototype. Everyone wants Jeremiyah Love at No. 9, but I am of the assumption he will be picked before the Chiefs are on the clock. There’s also a chance the top two WRs are taken. Faulk is the best option if that happens, and he may be the best option even if the top-two WRs are available.
Most of the edge rushers who are good at getting to the passer in this class are far too undersized for the Chiefs’ liking. He can be a star in this league. The sack numbers aren’t there, as he only has 10 in three years, but he’s had little help around him. Faulk can be a tackle for loss machine, and has elite pass rush – game wrecking potential.
Round 2, Pick 41: Jonah Coleman, Washington Huskies RB
This guy may be one of the most underrated running backs in the entire draft. The Chiefs will have to look for an underrated RB in the second round, rather than a guy like Love, who most want at No. 9. His production in college is outstanding, in both the run and pass game. At this time, Coleman has over 1,100 scrimmage yards. He had 17 scrimmage touchdowns this year, too. The production drop this year in the run game is what will make his stock drop, but Washington’s pass game has become more prevalent.
Coleman is a dynamic running back, something that Patrick Mahomes has never really had. A running back at 225 pounds that Andy Reid can hand the ball to in any situation would instantly help this run game. Then, he can also catch pretty well and isn’t too shabby in pass protection either.
Round 3, Pick 73: Eli Stowers, Vanderbilt Commodores
The assumption around the league seems to be that this is likely Travis Kelce’s last season. Even if it’s not, they could draft a tight end just to prepare for that next season. Finding a special tight end in this league is not easy; however, Stowers can be pretty good with some development.
Stowers played a very similar role to Diego Pavia that Kelce has played to Mahomes. He was Pavia’s safety blanket at times, and was often found getting open in zone coverage, kind of freestyling, or sitting down in a zone on an option route. He’s good at getting open and has some pretty sure hands. He would be a great get at 73, if he’s still there.
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