The 2026 NFL Draft is almost here, and while mock draft season is winding down, there's still time for one intriguing prediction that could shake up the AFC landscape. According to a unique exercise by ESPN's Matt Miller, the Kansas City Chiefs might be on the verge of adding a game-changing defensive talent with their top-10 pick.

For the first time since selecting Patrick Mahomes in 2017, the Chiefs hold a premium selection inside the top 10, picking at No. 9 overall. They also own the No. 29 pick, acquired in a trade that sent star cornerback Trent McDuffie to the Los Angeles Rams. After a disappointing 6-11 season that snapped their playoff streak, bolstering the defense, particularly the pass rush, is a glaring priority.

In Miller's annual scout-driven mock draft, where anonymous scouts predict picks for teams outside their own division, the Chiefs' fate was placed in the hands of an AFC North scout. The result? A perfect scenario where Miami's disruptive defensive end, Rueben Bain Jr., falls right into Kansas City's lap at No. 9.

The scout was reportedly thrilled with how the board unfolded, praising Bain as a powerful edge rusher with exceptional leverage and a non-stop motor. "He was unstoppable in the College Football Playoffs when you're seeing the best versus the best," the scout noted, highlighting Bain's ability to perform on the biggest stage.

This prediction makes strategic sense for the Chiefs. Adding a dominant force like Bain opposite George Karlaftis would instantly revitalize a pass rush that needs to pressure the elite quarterbacks in the AFC. While there are talented edge rushers projected later, securing a potential blue-chip defender at No. 9 could be the cornerstone move that helps Kansas City's defense return to championship form.