The Kansas City Chiefs find themselves at a pivotal moment as they gear up for the 2026 NFL Draft. After a tough 6-11 season, they're sitting with the No. 9 overall pick-a spot they haven't occupied in quite some time. It's crucial for them to nail this one.
Pro Football Focus has weighed in, offering insights into what the Chiefs’ ideal first three rounds could look like. They've highlighted three players who could make a significant impact:
First up is EDGE rusher David Bailey from Texas Tech. If Bailey is available at the ninth pick, the Chiefs have a golden opportunity to snag one of the draft's most electrifying defensive talents.
Kansas City's pass rush struggled last season, ranking 27th in PFF's pass-rush grades. Adding Bailey, who boasts a stellar 93.8 pass-rush grade, could inject new energy alongside George Karlaftis and the veteran Chris Jones.
Next is tight end Eli Stowers, who shone at Vanderbilt. With Travis Kelce not getting any younger, Stowers could be the perfect successor. His impressive 85.3 PFF receiving grade signals a promising future in Kansas City's dynamic offense.
Finally, running back Jonah Coleman, who started at Arizona and wrapped up his college career at Washington, could be a savvy late-round pick. The Chiefs face potential gaps in their backfield with both Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt entering free agency. Coleman could fit seamlessly into Andy Reid's scheme, providing depth and versatility.
While there's been chatter about the Chiefs possibly targeting Notre Dame's Jeremiyah Love with their first pick, opting for Bailey could still allow them to bolster their running back corps later in the draft. This strategic approach could set the stage for a strong draft class, addressing both immediate needs and future potential.