In the latest version, let\u2019s take a closer look at the early picks. Here are five prospects that could make sense for the Chiefs for each of their selections in the first three rounds.<\/p>\n
First round<\/p>\n
No. 9 pick prospects<\/p>\n
PlayerTeamPosition<\/p>\n
Rueben Bain Jr.<\/p>\n
EDGE<\/p>\n
Carnell Tate<\/p>\n
WR<\/p>\n
David Bailey<\/p>\n
EDGE<\/p>\n
Makai Lemon<\/p>\n
WR<\/p>\n
Jordyn Tyson<\/p>\n
WR<\/p>\n
Things can change, yes, but I\u2019d anticipate the Chiefs getting an edge rusher or wide receiver early if the draft falls their way.<\/p>\n
As mentioned in last week\u2019s mailbag,<\/a>\u00a0Rueben Bain Jr. is the type of high-intelligence player the Chiefs typically value. I\u2019d expect he\u2019s high up on their board as they look to solidify the defensive line.<\/p>\n David Bailey, meanwhile, has great speed and is considered by some to be the best edge rusher available. Still, there are questions about whether he\u2019d be a better outside linebacker in a 3-4 defense than a defensive end in a 4-3, which means the Chiefs will have to be convinced he fits into their 4-3 setup if they turn in their draft card for him.<\/p>\n Then there are the receivers. Carnell Tate \u2014 I had him going to the Chiefs in my last mock draft<\/a> \u2014 seems to be the consensus top wideout, even if there are legitimate questions about how his athleticism and skill set<\/a> will translate to the NFL. Makai Lemon is a QB-friendly option who could help the Chiefs fix some of their recent struggles against man coverage.<\/p>\n While Jordyn Tyson might seem like a reach at No. 9, given his injury history, he\u2019s been a huge riser in mock drafts according to GrindingTheMocks\u2019 data<\/a>, meaning he\u2019s back in a position where the Chiefs would be trusting their scouting ability (and medical reports) if they choose to go this direction.<\/p>\n What if there\u2019s a huge run early on edge rushers and receivers? The Chiefs, if there were no takers on trade-downs, could look toward some of the non-premium position players with the cleanest tape, like Ohio State safety Caleb Downs.<\/p>\n In an ideal world, though, this four-year, $31 million contract for the No. 9 pick would go toward a position that is otherwise expensive to fill in free agency.<\/p>\n No. 29 pick prospects<\/p>\n PlayerTeamPosition<\/p>\n Kayden McDonald<\/p>\n DT<\/p>\n Caleb Banks<\/p>\n DT<\/p>\n Peter Woods<\/p>\n DT<\/p>\n Denzel Boston<\/p>\n WR<\/p>\n Avieon Terrell<\/p>\n CB<\/p>\n After hearing Chiefs general manager Brett Veach talk at the combine, I\u2019m more convinced that the Chiefs are determined to use another high draft pick to bolster their interior defensive line.<\/p>\n This No. 29 pick looks to be a sweet spot for potentially addressing that. Kayden McDonald is more of a run stuffer, and though the Chiefs just signed Khyiris Tonga for that role, there is nothing wrong with adding D-line depth and trying to lock down that position for the long term. McDonald and Peter Woods, who both just turned 21, also fit Veach\u2019s preference for younger prospects, even if Woods didn\u2019t hit production levels most expected this season at Clemson. Caleb Banks broke his foot<\/a> at the combine and isn\u2019t expected back until June, which will be part of his overall evaluation.<\/p>\n There seems to be a pocket of depth at receiver in this late-first-round to early-second-round range, which means the Chiefs could remain patient on the position while believing a good one could still be available with their next pick at 40. Even considering that, Denzel Boston might be too good to pass up as an outside receiver with strong ball skills.<\/p>\n I don\u2019t think cornerback will be a huge focus here \u2014 the Chiefs have been great at developing late-round cornerbacks recently \u2014 but Avieon Terrell is a name worth watching because his play style is so similar to that of Trent McDuffie (he even says he models his game after McDuffie). I ultimately went with McDonald for the Chiefs in our latest beat writer mock draft<\/a>\u00a0at No. 29, but Terrell was certainly under consideration.<\/p>\n Second round<\/p>\n No. 40 pick prospects<\/p>\n PlayerTeamPosition<\/p>\n KC Concepcion<\/p>\n WR<\/p>\n Zion Young<\/p>\n EDGE<\/p>\n Christen Miller<\/p>\n DT<\/p>\n Lee Hunter<\/p>\n DT<\/p>\n Gabe Jacas<\/p>\n EDGE<\/p>\n Though perhaps it\u2019s optimistic to think KC Concepcion falls this far, a glut of receivers at this point in the draft means at least one could be available at No. 40. Concepcion is a separation specialist and would provide quarterback Patrick Mahomes with a potential quick option in the passing game.<\/p>\n The draft has some depth at edge rusher, with Zion Young and Gabe Jacas seeming like particularly good fits with the Chiefs. Young (6-foot-6, 262 pounds) has the type of size that defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo usually prefers, while Jacas is the type of high-character, win-with-power prototype who would draw immediate comparisons to current guys George Karlaftis and Ashton Gillotte.<\/p>\n If the Chiefs pass on a defensive tackle at 29, they could still get one here. Christen Miller and Lee Hunter both posted excellent run-stopping stats last season while also flashing upside for more pass-rush potential.<\/p>\n Third round<\/p>\n No. 74 pick prospects<\/p>\n PlayerTeamPosition<\/p>\n Mike Washington Jr.<\/p>\n RB<\/p>\n Domonique Orange<\/p>\n DT<\/p>\n Davison Igbinosun<\/p>\n CB<\/p>\n Max Klare<\/p>\n TE<\/p>\n Josiah Trotter<\/p>\n LB<\/p>\n This draft is thin on running backs, meaning the Chiefs would likely have to target Mike Washington Jr. here if they wanted him. Washington ran a 4.33-second 40-yard dash at the combine and appears to be a draft riser because of that.<\/p>\n![\"\"\/](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Jordyn_Tyson_STOCK_CARD.png\")
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