For this exercise, I fired up Pro Football Focus\u2019 Mock Draft Simulator<\/a> and selected the player I would take from the available choices.<\/p>\n Here\u2019s how it played out for each of the Chiefs\u2019 six selections \u2014 while not including potential compensatory picks they could still earn:<\/p>\n Round 1, No. 9: Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami<\/p>\n Also considered: Arizona State WR Jordyn Tyson, Clemson DT Peter Woods, Auburn Edge Keldric Faulk<\/p>\n This version of the mock draft didn\u2019t fall well for the Chiefs, with two defensive linemen (David Bailey, Rueben Bain Jr.) and two wideouts (Carnell Tate, Makai Lemon) going off the board in the first eight picks.<\/p>\n And it\u2019s this sort of scenario that illustrates why general manager Brett Veach prefers to cover all his base needs in free agency so he can feel free to pivot when the draft moves unpredictably.<\/p>\n To be clear: I think the Chiefs most need first-round draft help at defensive line and receiver<\/a>. For that reason, Arizona State\u2019s Jordyn Tyson (12th on our Dane Brugler\u2019s top 100 prospects list<\/a>) would be another tempting player at this spot.<\/p>\n However, I don\u2019t know how Veach could turn down Mauigoa if he slipped to No. 9, especially given how his addition would affect the Chiefs\u2019 long-term vision.<\/p>\n K.C. appears to have four of its offensive line spots secure for years to come with left tackle Josh Simmons, left guard Kingsley Suamataia, center Creed Humphrey and right guard Trey Smith. The first two are young players on their rookie contracts, while the latter two just signed long-term extensions.<\/p>\n Free-agent signing Jaylon Moore certainly would work as a stopgap option at right tackle this year following the expected release of Jawaan Taylor, but \u2026 what if the Chiefs could lock up that spot with the top tackle prospect in the 2026 draft instead?<\/p>\n Per GrindingTheMocks\u2019 data<\/a>, Mauigoa has an expected draft position of 6.1 based on current mocks. Brugler ranked Mauigoa as his 11th-best prospect, saying the 6-foot-6, 325-pound Mauigoa \u201cplays with a relaxed feel in space to mirror and put rushers in a vise.\u201d<\/p>\n Veach, to his credit, has always put proper value on premium positions with his early picks, understanding a team like the Chiefs must target players who aren\u2019t readily available in free agency.<\/p>\n Getting a right tackle for now and the future (Mauigoa played right tackle at Miami) certainly would fit that criteria. Though it might not be the top position the Chiefs would want to target with their first pick, the team\u2019s roster flexibility would allow a quick change of course if things fell this way.<\/p>\n \n Missouri edge rusher Zion Young\u2019s stock is on the rise. Could he stay in state to help shore up the Chiefs\u2019 defensive line? (Denny Medley \/ Imagn Images)<\/p>\n Round 2, No. 40: Zion Young, Edge, Missouri<\/p>\n Also considered: Louisville WR Chris Bell, Illinois Edge Gabe Jacas<\/p>\n It seemed like the entire season, the Chiefs defense was one pass rusher short<\/a> while too often failing to get off the field on critical third downs.<\/p>\n In this scenario, K.C. gets help in that area from a local player: Mizzou\u2019s Zion Young, whose stock has been rising in recent weeks.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/USATSI_27602126-scaled.jpg\")
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