The Kansas City Chiefs bolster their defense with a top edge rusher and solidify the secondary in this latest 7-round NFL mock draft.
The Kansas City Chiefs remain a very polarizing team going into the 2026 NFL Draft.
There are plenty of scenarios for Kansas City at No. 9 overall, depending on how the board plays out in front of them.
The big areas of need are on the defense, especially with large holes to fill at pass rusher and secondary, with free agency taking a toll on the roster from that aspect.
ESPN's Jordan Reid released a new seven-round mock draft on Monday, and here is a rundown of Reid's projections.
Round 1, No. 9 overall: Miami EDGE Rueben Bain Jr.
Ohio State WR Carnell Tate goes at No. 6, and Mansoor Delane from LSU goes right before Kansas City at No. 8, so Bain is the choice here.
"Bain is a rugged, high-effort edge rusher who brings an immediate identity to that position group. He checks every characteristic defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo likes on the edge as a densely built, heavy-handed playmaker with alignment versatility. Bain's short arms are a historical outlier, and teams are aware of the off-field issues that have surfaced, but I still believe he will go in the top half of Round 1," Reid wrote.
Round 1, No. 29 overall: Tennessee cornerback Colton Hood
There is a high chance the Chiefs go CB at No. 9, but Delane going at No. 8 means the top CB is gone at No. 9. So, Hood is a decent selection at No. 29, and this is the pick they acquired from the Trent McDuffie trade.
Reid calls Hood a "polished technician," and he figures to be able to slot right into the starting lineup from Week 1.
Round 2, No. 40 overall: Alabama WR Germie Bernard
The Chiefs land a WR who should see plenty of looks, and getting him in Round 2 is a big move for Kansas City.
Round 3, No. 74 overall: Florida State DT Darrell Jackson Jr.
Reid calls DT "one of the weakest positions on the Chiefs' roster," so finding another player makes sense.
Round 4, No. 109 overall: Boston College OT Jude Bowry
The Chiefs bring in some more depth to the offensive line.
Round 5, No. 148 overall: Cincinnati tight end Joe Royer
This is fun. The last Cincinnati tight end the Chiefs selected turned out to be an outstanding pick: Travis Kelce. So, why not let Royer learn from kelce for one year and see what happens?
Round 5, No. 169 overall: Kentucky WR Kendrick Law
Law is a fun player and a bit of a sleeper in this class. Eric Bieniemy will love using Law in a variety of ways on offense.
Round 5, No. 174 overall: Clemson running back Adam Randall
Isaih Pacheco left in free agency, and although Kenneth Walker III is in town, the Chiefs need to add some depth in the RB room.
Round 6, No. 210 overall: Arizona safety Dalton Johnson
The Chiefs signed Alohi Gilman in free agency, but they add another piece with this selection.