The Kansas City Chiefs, holding the No. 9 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft after a 6-11 season, are a hot topic in mock drafts and fan discussions as of mid-February 2026.

Latest Mock Draft Predictions

Experts focus on bolstering the defense early while addressing long-term needs like offensive tackle, edge rusher, and wide receiver. Common first-round targets include versatile pass-rushers and linemen who could start immediately.

Round| Pick| Player (Position, School)| Source Rationale
---|---|---|---
1| 9| David Bailey (EDGE, Texas Tech)| Top-10 sack artist to revive Chiefs' pass rush; ideal DL reinforcement. 1
1| 9| Francis Mauigoa (OT, Miami)| Elite tackle prospect (6-6, 325 lbs) for right tackle stability post-Taylor release. 7
2| 40| Colton Hood (DB, Tennessee)| Secondary depth amid safety/corner concerns. 1
2| 40| Zion Young (EDGE, Missouri)| Local talent for continued edge rotation. 7

These mocks from USA Today Chiefs Wire and The Athletic highlight GM Brett Veach prioritizing defense first, then offense later.

Key Positions of Need

Chiefs face roster gaps at multiple spots before free agency. Arrowhead Pride ranks priorities based on contracts expiring and performance dips.

  • Edge/Defensive Line : Weak pass rush needs youth; Bailey or Clemson prospects often mocked here.
  • Offensive Tackle : Jawaan Taylor likely cut; Mauigoa fits as long-term right tackle.
  • Running Back/Wide Receiver : Free agents like Pacheco/Hunt may depart; RB Jeremiyah Love dominates some rundowns.
  • Secondary (CB/S) : Interior DL and corners also urgent amid 6-11 fallout.

Trending Fan & Forum Chatter

Fans on Reddit and Arrowhead Pride buzz with optimism for a top-10 bounce- back, echoing 2017 Mahomes vibes. Jeremiyah Love (RB?) leads prediction roundups, while some push Miami's Damien Martinez from older pods.

"The lone upside to a 6-11 season is the chance to pick earlier than normal... Veach has his work cut out for him."

Discussions blend excitement over No. 9 value with realism—free agency could shift targets. No combine yet, so projections evolve fast.

What's Next

Expect shifts post-free agency (March 2026) and pre-combine mocks. Mahomes' elite play keeps pressure on Veach for impact picks.

TL;DR : No official picks yet—mocks favor EDGE David Bailey or OT Francis Mauigoa at #9 to fix defense/line; RB Love trends in fan takes. Full draft in April.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.