The 2026 NFL Draft is just over a month away, and as the league prepares to gather in Pittsburgh on April 23, the football-watching world is rife with mock drafts and projections as to how the first round will play out.
Here’s a look at who some of the latest mock drafts from around the web have the Chiefs selecting with the No. 9 and No. 29 overall picks on April 23, and for reference, all previous roundups can be found below:
ESPN (Jordan Reid – March 5): Ohio State WR Carnell Tate at No. 9, Tennessee CB Jermod McCoy at No 29
ESPN’s Jordan Reid has Kansas City adding multiple skill-position players in Round 1, sending wide receiver Carnell Tate and cornerback Jermod McCoy to the Chiefs.
Here’s more from Reid on each pick:
Tate: “Tate is a silky-smooth route runner who has plenty of range as a pass catcher. He also has arguably the best hands in this class, with only one drop on 67 targets last season. He is a three-level threat who displays his polish on all branches of the route tree. While he wasn’t as productive in college, Tate reminds me of DeVonta Smith in body type and how they win routes and could be a similar high-end No. 2 receiver in the NFL.”
McCoy: “If we’re going strictly by talent, McCoy is a top-10 prospect in this class. But he hasn’t played a game since 2024, missing all of last season after suffering an ACL tear in January 2025. We’re still not sure where he’s at in his recovery, as he did not participate in testing or drills at the combine. But McCoy is an easy mover who has squeaky-clean technique. All eyes will be on Tennessee’s pro day on March 31, when McCoy is expected to participate in a full workout.”
CBS Sports (Josh Edwards – March 13): Miami OT Francis Mauigoa at No. 9, Clemson CB Avieon Terrell at No. 29
CBS Sports’ Josh Edwards has the Chiefs upgrading their offensive line and defensive secondary in his latest mock draft, selecting offensive tackle Francis Mauigoa and cornerback Avieon Terrell in Round 1.
Here’s a portion of Edwards analysis:
Mauigoa: “Kansas City is not often in a position to pick in the top 10. The Chiefs need to use that opportunity to add a player at a premium position.”
Terrell: “Kansas City addresses the position immediately but keeps its options open long term.”