With two first-round picks, the Kansas City Chiefs target a dynamic cornerback from Clemson, mirroring Trent McDuffie's versatility.
The Kansas City Chiefs saw a lot of departures in free agency on the defense, but there is a chance they can land some talented playmakers with a pair of first-round picks and another selection in the second round.
The Chiefs have the No. 9 overall pick, their highest selection in quite some time, and they also received No. 29 overall as part of the package that sent cornerback Tent McDuffie to the Los Angeles Rams, who quickly inked a new contract with LA.
The Chiefs have been linked to offensive playmakers such as Jordyn Tyson and Carnell Tate at No. 9, but edge rusher Rueban Bain Jr. from Miami is another option, depending on how the board shakes up during the draft.
At No. 29 is where things get interesting, and a lot of it depends on which position the Chiefs address with the 9th overall pick.
James Reber, a Next Gen Research Analyst for NFL.com, named an ideal fit for some teams in the first round.
Reber had Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq as the pick at No. 9, and at No. 29, he has them selecting Clemson star cornerback Avieon Terrell.
The Chiefs also saw Jaylen Watson leave in free agency, and he also joined the Rams, so there is a big need at the cornerback position.
Enter Terrell, who has played plenty of big games during his days at Clemson.
"Kansas City played man coverage at the 10th-highest rate in 2025 (30.8%), while Terrell starred on a Clemson defense that played man at the ninth-highest rate among Power Four teams last season. Terrell has a relatively similar play style to his brother, A.J."
His brother, AJ, has played well during his NFL career with the Atlanta Falcons, so if Avieon is anything like that, it will be a successful pick for the Chiefs.
And, Reber also mentions that Terrell has similarities to McDuffie.
"Terrell displays similarities to McDuffie, having demonstrated the capability to switch between inside and outside coverage, tackle in space and occasionally rush the quarterback."
Tennessee cornerback Colton Hood is another option, and there is also a chance that Kansas City lands an edge rusher here if they don't grab one at No. 9 overall, but again, everything depends on how things play out in front of them.
If Texas A&M edge Cashius Howell is off the board here, then Terrell or Hood figure to be a smart choice. And, in a perfect world, the player selected at No. 29 immediately slots in as a starting cornerback for the Chiefs in Week 1.
Trading McDuffie was a tough pill to swallow, but landing a young cornerback who can immediately contribute will help get rid of that sour taste in their mouths.