The Kansas City Chiefs are gearing up for the NFL draft with the No. 9 and No. 30 picks, and they have some clear targets in mind: bolstering the offensive line, defensive line, and secondary. After a lackluster 2025 season, the Chiefs are looking to bounce back and reclaim their dominant status.
The offseason kicked off with a bang as the Chiefs signed Kenneth Walker III, the reigning Super Bowl MVP and former Seattle Seahawks running back. This move addresses a glaring issue from last season: a lack of explosiveness in the running game. With Walker's dynamic speed and versatility, Kansas City aims to revitalize their ground attack, which struggled significantly over the past two years.
With free agency winding down, the Chiefs are turning their focus to the draft to fill crucial positions. Right tackle, cornerback, and edge rusher are top priorities.
The release of Jawaan Taylor, who was both a solid protector and the most penalized at his position, freed up $20 million in cap space. His replacement is expected to be a draft target in the early rounds.
Trading star cornerback Trent McDuffie to the Rams has left a gap in the secondary, and the Chiefs are eyeing LSU's Mansoor Delane as a potential successor. Delane impressed scouts with his blazing 4.38 40-yard dash at LSU's pro day, solidifying his status as a top draft prospect.
On the defensive line, Clemson's T.J. Parker is a name to watch.
Known for his power and fit within Steve Spagnuolo's scheme, Parker could be a perfect addition to the Chiefs' pass rush.
This draft strategy isn't new for Kansas City. They successfully used a similar approach in 2022, selecting key players like McDuffie and George Karlaftis. If they can replicate that success, the Chiefs could be poised for a strong comeback in the upcoming season.