Chiefs seven-round 2026 NFL mock draft: Kansas City bolsters defense with two first-round picks, adds WR

The Chiefs are in an usual spot after a down 2025

Zachary Pereles

Mar 31, 2026

8:24 am ET

•

1 min read

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After 10 straight playoff appearances, nine straight AFC West titles and five Super Bowl appearances (three wins), the Chiefs finally had a true "down" year in 2025. The late-game magic (and luck) that defined them in 2024 went the opposite direction, and Patrick Mahomes tore his ACL in a Week 15 loss that officially eliminated Kansas City from playoff contention.

The Chiefs have been busy in their longer-than-usual offseason, sending Pro-Bowl cornerback Trent McDuffie to the Rams in a blockbuster trade and retaining tight Travis Kelce while adding Super Bowl MVP running back Kenneth Walker III and losing several key pieces, including cornerback Jaylen Watson, safety Bryan Cook and linebacker Leo Chenal. The McDuffie deal wasn't the only swap Kansas City made, either: With Mahomes on the mend, the Chiefs traded for Justin Fields as some quarterback insurance in case the face of the franchise isn't ready for the start of the season.

It all leaves the Chiefs in a strange spot. The secondary needs significant additions, as does the pass rush. The pass-catching groups may, as well. As things stand now, the Chiefs are picking in the top 10 for the first time since 2017, when they traded up to No. 10 to select Mahomes. The No. 9 pick -- if they stay there -- is the earliest pick since 2013, months after they hired Andy Reid. In some aspects, the Chiefs look like a win-now operation, what with Mahomes, Walker, Kelce and a strong offensive line. In other aspects, it looks like a gap year given the struggles of 2025, Mahomes' injury and some clear holes on the roster.

Whether it's returning to Super Bowl contention immediately or planting the seeds for the next Kansas City juggernaut, this Chiefs draft class -- currently set to feature nine selections -- is crucial. Using Pro Football Focus' draft simulator, we took a crack at projecting how things could play out for Kansas City in late April.

Chiefs' 2025 NFL Draft picks

- Round 1: Pick 9

- Round 1: Pick 29 (via Rams)

- Round 2: Pick 40

- Round 3: Pick 74

- Round 4: Pick 109

- Round 5: Pick 148

- Round 5: Pick 169 (via Rams)

- Round 5: Pick 176 (compensatory)

- Round 6: Pick 210 (via Rams)

Chiefs seven-round mock draft

Round 1, Pick 9

Mansoor Delane

LSU

• Sr

• 6'0"

/ 187 lbs

Projected Team

PROSPECT RNK

12th

POSITION RNK

2nd

The Chiefs are terrific at finding middle- and late-round cornerbacks and developing them into standouts, but here, they take a can't-miss talent in Delane. The first-team All-America selection allowed just a 31.3 passer rating when he was the primary defender last season, per PFF, with zero touchdowns allowed and two interceptions. He has the length (6-foot) and speed (4.38 40-yard dash at his pro day) to be the next star in Steve Spagnuolo's defense. It's worth noting that in this mock, prized EDGEs Rueben Bain Jr. and David Bailey (and LB/EDGE Arvell Reese) were already off the board.

Round 1, Pick 29

Denzel Boston

Washington

• Jr

• 6'4"

/ 210 lbs

Projected Team

PROSPECT RNK

34th

POSITION RNK

6th

REC

REYDS

881

YDS/REC

14.2

TDS

There were plenty of enticing options here, including EDGE Cashius Howell, but Boston feels like the right pick. The Chiefs desperately need to get bigger and better at outside wide receiver, and Boston fits both bills. He's 6-foot-4 and moves smoothly. He can win downfield and in the end zone (20 touchdown catches over the past two years). He can be a helpful piece in Year 1 and grow into more in the future, potentially becoming the go-to top target for Mahomes post-Kelce.

Round 2, Pick 40

Gabe Jacas

EDGE

Illinois

• Sr

• 6'4"

/ 260 lbs

Projected Team

PROSPECT RNK

66th

POSITION RNK

8th

The Chiefs like their EDGE defenders a bit on the bigger side, and Jacas (6-foot-4, 260 pounds) fits in well. A relentless defender with outstanding play strength and some versatility, Jacas would be an immediate contributor opposite George Karlaftis for a team that needs to produce more pressure in 2026.

Round 3, Pick 74

Kyle Louis

Pittsburgh

• Jr

• 6'0"

/ 220 lbs

Projected Team

PROSPECT RNK

55th

POSITION RNK

6th

Louis brings more speed to the linebacker corps after Kansas City lost Chenal in free agency. The Chiefs have done well with linebackers in the early middle rounds with Chenal, Nick Bolton and Willie Gay Jr. among those who went on to become starters. Louis' athleticism and production (24 TFLs, six interceptions, 10 sacks over past two seasons) bode well.

Round 4, Pick 109

Bud Clark

TCU

• Sr

• 6'2"

/ 190 lbs

Projected Team

PROSPECT RNK

179th

POSITION RNK

10th

Clark spent six years in college, recorded 15 interceptions from 2022-26 and was a capable tackler, as well. A 4.41 40-yard dash