ESPN’s Matt Miller has Chiefs ignoring the offense to build a dominant defense in latest two-round 2026 NFL Mock Draft
The Chiefs need help on offense in the draft, too.
The Kansas City Chiefs rarely have a chance to draft a blue-chip player early. They must capitalize on this opportunity at No. 9 to select someone who can contribute immediately and potentially start.
This team has many flaws, despite recent Super Bowl success. With limited free-agent money and currently over the cap, the 2026 NFL Draft becomes essential for acquiring talent.
The Chiefs must strategically address offense and defense with their top picks. Relying solely on defense for the first two selections, as ESPN’s Matt Miller proposes in his mock draft, may not be optimal given the offensive struggles.
ESPN’s Matt Miller takes the wrong approach for the Chiefs in a mock draft
Miller gives the Chiefs Texas Tech defensive end David Bailey with their first 2026 pick. Bailey is a top defensive player, but not the typical edge rusher under Steve Spagnuolo. Many available prospects, like Jordyn Tyson, Makai Lemon, and Keldrick Faulk, might fit better than an undersized Big 12 edge. Here’s Miller’s explanation for picking Bailey:
“The Chiefs find themselves in unfamiliar top-10 territory, but picking this high could give them the opportunity to quickly reload and get back to their usual place atop the AFC. Kansas City has needs at several positions, namely right tackle, edge rusher, and cornerback. And it could go with the highest-ranked player at those positions — which would be Bailey, who tied for the FBS lead with 14.5 sacks last season. Although he isn’t the big-bodied defensive end Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo prefers, the 6-foot-3, 250-pound Bailey has speed off the snap and the ability to chase down quarterbacks. The Chiefs had only 35 sacks as a team in 2025 (tied for 22nd in the NFL), so Bailey would give their pass rush a jolt with his agility and power.”
Ultimately, while this is not a terrible pick, it doesn’t seem to align with the Chiefs’ most pressing needs. Given the offense struggled the most — prompting significant coaching changes — it is reasonable to expect Kansas City to target offensive talent with at least one of its first two selections.
Miller chose USC safety Kamari Ramsey with the Chiefs’ second pick. Ramsey could develop into a star and fit Kansas City’s needs, especially considering its internal free agents. Still, this could also be an offensive pick with options like Omar Cooper Jr., Elijah Surratt, Antonio Williams, and Eli Stowers available. The Chiefs need offensive talent, but Miller justified his choice like this:
“With Bryan Cook set to hit free agency, the Chiefs have a hole at safety with no up-and-coming prospect ready to fill it. Ramsey is a ball-hawking, rangy free safety who can play in a split or single-high safety look.”
Regardless, these first two choices do not seem to address the Chiefs’ most urgent needs. While Miller may be correct, my main argument is that the Chiefs should use their early picks to target offensive upgrades, especially with upcoming free agency moves that could further impact their roster.
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