As we edge closer to the 2026 NFL Draft, the Kansas City Chiefs' ninth-overall pick is becoming a hot topic of discussion, especially now that free agency is winding down. With the recent signing of running back Kenneth Walker, the Chiefs have shifted their focus, and Notre Dame's Jeremiyah Love seems unlikely to be their top choice.
A deep dive into 27 mock drafts from nine different outlets reveals some intriguing patterns. The Chiefs' potential picks are shaping up, with two Miami standouts leading the charge: defensive end Rueben Bain Jr. and offensive tackle Francis Mauigoa, each snagging 26% of the selections. LSU cornerback Mansoor Delane follows, capturing 15% of the votes.
For fans invested in these predictions, it might be time to revisit some Miami Hurricanes games. A significant 54% of these mock drafts suggest the Chiefs are eyeing top talent on either the offensive or defensive line. This is a notable shift from mid-February, when 41% of mock drafts favored running back Jeremiyah Love.
Bain's connection to Kansas City has been consistent throughout the pre-draft process. The Chiefs have shown interest, meeting with him at the NFL Scouting Combine alongside Texas Tech's edge rusher David Bailey.
Interestingly, top wide receivers haven't been linked to the Chiefs in recent predictions. Out of the 27 drafts analyzed, only two favored a wide receiver, and each was different: Ohio State's Carnell Tate and Arizona State's Jordyn Tyson. Both were less popular choices than Delane, the LSU cornerback.
While national analysts highlight the Chiefs' defensive backfield as an area in need of reinforcement, the Chiefs' faithful seem confident in the front office's knack for building a strong secondary without a top-10 pick. This sentiment is reflected in the drop of Ohio State safety Caleb Downs from a popular choice in February to a rare mention now.
In summary, the Chiefs' draft strategy appears to be leaning towards strengthening their lines, with a keen eye on Miami's top prospects. As the draft approaches, these predictions offer a glimpse into the strategic considerations at play for Kansas City.