The Kansas City Chiefs' kingdom came under attack in 2025, but it remains unclear whether the opposition succeeded in ending the team's reign over the NFL. It was the Denver Broncos that captured the AFC West crown last season as the Chiefs watched the playoffs from home.

While it looked like the Chiefs weren't playoff-bound for a majority of the season, it was a torn ACL for Patrick Mahomes in Week 15 that proved to be the fatal blow. The band is getting back together in 2026 after Travis Kelce announced his intention to play another season, but do the Chiefs have enough to keep up?

2026 NFL DRAFT: Finding the perfect prospect for every team

That answer won't come for some time and the 2026 NFL Draft is a big reason for that.

The Chiefs have the chance to begin infusing the roster with young talent, which notably comes cheaper than the high-priced veterans. If there is a way to keep that contention window open, the draft is the place where that would happen.

Here's what to know about the Chiefs' picks, needs and a mock draft for Kansas City ahead of the big event.

1. Las Vegas Raiders – Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana2. New York Jets – David Bailey, OLB/DE, Texas Tech

3. Arizona Cardinals – Arvell Reese, LB/DE, Ohio State

5. New York Giants – Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame

7. Washington Commanders – Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State

10. Cincinnati Bengals – Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee

11. Miami Dolphins – Francis Mauigoa, OT/G, Miami (Fla.)

12. Dallas Cowboys – Rueben Bain Jr., DE, Miami (Fla.)

13. Los Angeles Rams (from Atlanta Falcons) – Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia

15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Keldric Faulk, DE, Auburn

16. New York Jets (from Indianapolis Colts) – Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana

18. Minnesota Vikings – Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon

20. Dallas Cowboys (from Green Bay Packers) – Avieon Terrell, CB, Clemson

21. Pittsburgh Steelers – Olaivavega Ioane, G, Penn State

22. Los Angeles Chargers – Akheem Mesidor, DE, Miami (Fla.)