Updated Feb. 4, 2026, 9:56 p.m. CT

The Kansas City Chiefs can’t afford to be timid in their approach to the 2026 offseason. After failing to make the playoffs in 2025, Chiefs general manager Brett Veach is likely to maximize every tool he has to improve Kansas City’s roster and should be expected to be bold with his team’s No. 9 selection in the draft.

Take a look at this full seven-round mock, which predicts that Veach will target defensive needs first before taking exciting offensive prospects in the later rounds:

Round 1, Pick No. 9: Texas Tech Red Raiders EDGE David BaileyOct 18, 2025; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders linebacker David Bailey (31) reacts as he walks off the field following the game against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Mountain America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Bailey would be a perfect addition to the Chiefs’ uninspiring defensive line and may be just what Kansas City needs to get its pass-rush back in order. Already an elite sack-master, Bailey is almost certainly to come off the board in the top-10, and might not be available when the Chiefs make their No. 9 selection.

Round 2, Pick No. 40: Tennessee Volunteers DB Colton HoodSep 27, 2025; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Tennessee Volunteers defensive back Colton Hood (8) scores a touchdown after an interception against the Mississippi State Bulldogs during the first half at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Wesley Hale-Imagn Images

Kansas City has to find itself a promising defensive back during the 2026 NFL Draft, and Hood is among the top corners currently projected to be on the board early in Round 2. With this pick, the Chiefs add an exciting defender who can immediately help Steve Spagnuolo increase Kansas City’s turnover numbers next season.

Expert NFL picks: Exclusive betting insights only at USA TODAY.Round 3, Pick No. 74: Alabama Crimson Tide WR Germie BernardJan 1, 2026; Pasadena, CA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide wide receiver Germie Bernard (5) at press conference after the 2025 Rose Bowl and quarterfinal game of the College Football Playoff against the Indiana Hoosiers at Rose Bowl Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

While Bernard wasn’t the most productive pass-catcher in the 2025 NFL Draft class, his upside as a versatile all-around touchdown-scorer could entice Veach here in Round 3.

Round 4, Pick No. 109: Ohio State Buckeyes TE Max KlareOhio State Buckeye Scarlet Max Klare (86) goes out for a pass against team Gary Sonny Styles (6) in the 1st half during the spring game at Ohio Stadium on April 12, 2025.

This pick assumes that Travis Kelce retires at the end of the 2025 season. Klare isn’t the most exciting tight end prospect, but projects as the kind of toolsy pass-catcher that Andy Reid likes to experiment with at the position.

Round 5, Pick No. 146: Kentucky Wildcats RB Seth McGowanJan 29, 2026; Mobile, AL, USA; National running back Seth Mcgowan (32) of Kentucky runs the ball during National Senior Bowl practice at Hancock Whitney Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vasha Hunt-Imagn Images

The Chiefs finally land a running back here in Round 5 with their penultimate pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. McGowan scored 12 rushing touchdowns in an impressive 2025 campaign with Kentucky, and gets a chance to compete for starting reps as a rookie in Kansas City under Andy Reid’s.

Round 5, Pick No. 176: Texas Tech Red Raiders DL Skyler Gill-HowardTexas Tech defensive lineman Skyler Gill-Howard returns an interception for a touchdown against Kent State, Saturday, September 6, 2025, at Jones AT&T Stadium.

Veach targets another Texas Tech defensive lineman with the Chiefs’ final selection to round out Kansas City’s 2026 draft class. Though he was only credited with half a sack in six games with the Red Raiders last season, Gill-Howard was productive during his 2024 campaign with the Northern Illinois Huskies.