The latest2026 NFL mock draft: 32 first-round predictions, plus intel | ESPN
Miller’s pick prediction: Rueben Bain Jr., Edge, Miami
As one source in Kansas City told me, “We don’t expect to be drafting this high again for a long time,” and the Chiefs have inquired about moving up the board even more. While I wouldn’t completely rule it out, they’re likely to stick and pick at No. 9 unless Bailey slips a bit. Based on multiple conversations with scouts, Bain’s sub-31-inch arm length is not a concern, despite defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo historically preferring players with long arms. Bain’s speed and power off the edge are seen as difference-making traits.
Fowler’s intel: Bain is firmly on Kansas City’s radar. The Chiefs would like to address corner, wide receiver and possibly offensive line at some point early in the draft, depending on how things fall. It will be interesting to see if the Chiefs, who have worked the phones, sense the Saints would take Bain and try to maneuver. Some people I’ve talked to think that’s at least a possibility.
Miller’s pick prediction: Chris Johnson, CB, San Diego State
Getting Bain at No. 9 allows Kansas City flexibility here. I believe wide receivers would be in play if the board fell differently, as a team source mentioned that Rashee Rice’s off-field conduct might prevent the Chiefs from re-signing him after his deal expires following the 2026 season. Xavier Worthy also has not broken out yet, but this mock draft is not favorable for K.C. getting a wideout here. Instead, Spagnuolo would get a fast, long-limbed cornerback with the tenacity to consistently win fights for the ball. With Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson off to the Rams, a need exists at outside corner.
Five trades that could shake up the 2026 NFL Draft: Kyle Pitts to the Chiefs, Cowboys fix secondary hole | CBS Sports
Chiefs get: Kyle PittsFalcons get: First-round pick (29th overall)
The Falcons would likely be open to this deal for two reasons: For one, they don’t have a first-round pick this year, so this would get them the chance to get back into the opening round. Also, Pitts is set to play under the franchise tag, which will pay him $15 million in 2026. If the Falcons trade him away, that will immediately free up $15 million in cap space.
The Falcons only have five picks in the draft this year, so you can bet they’ll be looking to add to that total and trading Pitts would certainly help.
On the Chiefs’ end, if they were to acquire Pitts, he would serve as the heir apparent to Travis Kelce. The Chiefs’ star tight end recently signed on for his 14th season in Kansas City, but at 36, it’s hard to see him playing past the 2026 season. If the Chiefs add Pitts, that would give Patrick Mahomes an almost unfair advantage in the passing game.
Kansas City Chiefs 2026 NFL Draft: Picks, biggest needs, best fit and trade predictions | USA Today
Kansas City Chiefs NFL Draft trade candidate: WR Xavier Worthy
After a solid rookie season in 2024, the 2025 season made it appear that Worthy’s rookie production may have been a result of Rashee Rice’s injury-related absence. The young wideout took a backseat to Rice, tight end Travis Kelce and veteran Hollywood Brown in 2025. The future of the former first-round pick in Kansas City is more uncertain, but it’s been proven that NFL teams are willing to take chances on a field-stretching speedster like Worthy in their receiving corps. Perhaps one of those other teams will take that chance on Worthy in return for draft picks.
Nick Jacobs’ 2026 final first-round mock draft | KSHB 41
9. Kansas City Chiefs – WR Jordyn Tyson, Arizona StateMany mock drafts have paired the Chiefs with an offensive tackle at the nighth pick. The Chiefs should rarely be in this position. Tyson has some risk with his injury history, but he provides the Chiefs a different dynamic they lack at wide receiver. A receiver who can get open and create space with his size alone.
29. Kansas City Chiefs – CB Jermod McCoy, TennesseeThe Chiefs might be in play for an offensive tackle at this spot. Here is where I push back. From left to right, they have invested a first round pick at left tackle, second round pick at left guard, second round pick at center, sixth round pick at right guard who would have likely been ranked higher if not for his medical history. You want to invest another day one or day two pick in a potential right tackle? That line better play like the 2002-2003 Chiefs offensive lines if that is the case.
McCoy’s medical history will likely cause some teams to pause. If the Chiefs medical staff signs off on it, take him. McCoy is a playmaking corner when healthy. His athletic ability paired with Chiefs Defensive Backs Coach Dave Merritt is a match made in football heaven. McCoy could arguably be a top ten pick if not for the knee issue.
Prisco’s ‘What teams should do’ mock draft: Giants take Dexter Lawrence replacement, Cowboys add to defense | CBS Sports
Round 1 — Pick 9Rueben Bain Jr. EDGEMiami (Fla.) — JR — 6’2” 263 LBS