March 22, 2026, 1:09 p.m. CT
The Kansas City Chiefs will field a drastically different roster in 2026 than they did during the failed 2025 campaign that saw the team miss the playoffs for the first time in a decade.
While Chiefs general manager Brett Veach has already made bold moves to address Kansas City’s needs during free agency, the decisions he makes in the 2026 NFL Draft will ultimately prove to be the most consequential in determining his offseason performance.
Take a look at this full seven-round Chiefs mock draft, which projects that Veach will go all-in on fixing Kansas City’s offense before addressing his team’s depleted secondary:
Round 1, Pick No. 9: Notre Dame Fighting Irish RB Jeremiyah Love
Veach should have no problem making this pick if Love is available at pick No. 9. Fans can decide if Love is a hedge against Kenneth Walker III’s injury history — or if Veach’s master plan always included designs for the Chiefs to have two elite running backs. Either way, this pick would make Kansas City’s offense a force to be reckoned with, on paper.
Expert NFL picks: Exclusive betting insights only at USA TODAY.Round 1, Pick No. 29: Washington Huskies WR Denzel Boston
It should go without saying that Kansas City’s approach to the No. 29 selection pick will be determined by Veach’s first pick in Round 1. In this scenario, Veach takes Boston, who will compete for snaps against Rashee Rice and Xavier Worthy as a rookie.
Round 2, Pick No. 40: South Carolina Gamecocks DB Brandon Cisse
After targeting offensive playmakers on Day 1, Veach pivots to upgrade his defense. The selection of Cisse will give defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo some flexibility next season, especially when paired with Kansas City’s next selection.
Round 3, Pick No. 74: USC Trojans DB Kamari Ramsey
Ramsey and Cisse will both have a chance to force themselves into featured roles with strong performances in training camp and the preseason. Though he struggled to come away with interceptions as a collegian, Ramsey has experience that could help him excel early in his professional career.
Round 4, Pick No. 109: Florida State Seminoles DL Darrell Jackson Jr.
The Chiefs’ defensive interior has found itself short of depth in recent seasons, and it seems logical that Veach will choose linemen on both sides of the ball in the middle rounds. Jackson might not be the most exciting pass-rusher in this class, but he projects as a toolsy prospect who would be worth a shot here in Round 4.
Round 5, Pick No. 148: Boston College Eagles OT Jude Bowry
This is another unexciting selection, but it serves a purpose. Andy Reid needs a competent rookie to fight for a backup role behind whoever earns the starting tackle spots. Bowry should — at a bare minimum — be able to force his way onto Kansas City’s 53-man roster.
Round 5, Pick No. 169: Cincinnati Bearcats TE Joe Royer
Kansas City has been willing to spend Day 3 picks on developmental pass-catchers in the past, and it feels too good to be true that a Cincinnati Bearcats tight end might be available when the Chiefs are on the clock. This selection is pure narrative. Is Royer the next Travis Kelce? Probably not. But for a few months in July, we’d convince ourselves that he might be.
Round 5, Pick No. 176: Wisconsin Badgers EDGE Mason Reiger
After failing to select an edge rusher with his previous picks, Veach comes to his senses to land the best defensive end on his board in Round 5.