The tone inside Arrowhead Stadium has shifted this offseason.
After finishing 6-11 in 2025, the Kansas City Chiefs missed the playoffs for the first time since 2014, according to official NFL standings.
The defining moment came in Week 15 against the Los Angeles Chargers, when Patrick Mahomes suffered a torn ACL.
The team confirmed the injury shortly after the game, ending his season and forcing a recalibration of expectations.
Instead of preparing for January football, Kansas City arrived at the NFL Scouting Combine focused on roster repair.
A combine meeting that turned heads
Tennessee cornerback Jermod McCoy confirmed he met with the Chiefs in Indianapolis. On paper, it was a routine draft interview. In context, it carried weight.
Pro Football Focus ranks McCoy as the No. 2 cornerback and the No. 12 overall prospect in the 2026 NFL Draft. Kansas City owns the No. 9 pick, placing him squarely within reach.
Mahomes publicly acknowledged McCoy after his combine podium appearance, highlighting their shared roots in Tyler, Texas and Whitehouse High School. Years ago, before Super Bowl LIV against the San Francisco 49ers, McCoy posted a photo wishing Mahomes luck. This week, Mahomes returned the gesture, writing “Wild to see him at the podium. Good luck this year.”
It was brief. It was personal. And it amplified draft chatter.
“Wild to see @JermodMccoy at the podium at the combine. Good luck this year! #whitehousewildcats…
Why cornerback is now a priority in Kansas City
The Chiefs’ secondary enters uncertainty this spring. Jaylen Watson is projected to hit free agency, and defensive breakdowns were more visible during the 2025 campaign.
Kansas City surrendered too many explosive plays, particularly late in games. Analysts at ESPN and NFL Network have pointed to defensive back depth as an offseason priority.
“It was a great meeting, I mean, I really enjoyed it. I really love the defense they run… Pat is there right now. We went to the same high school….
For years, Mahomes’ production masked defensive inconsistencies. With the franchise quarterback rehabbing a major knee injury, that safety net is no longer guaranteed. Balance becomes essential. Selecting a top-tier corner at No. 9 would signal a structural shift.
A different draft slot, a different opportunity
Throughout the Mahomes era, Kansas City typically drafted near the bottom of the first round. The No. 9 overall selection reflects how much changed in 2025. It also opens possibilities.
High draft positions often deliver foundational defenders. McCoy, despite missing the 2025 season with a knee injury, remains widely viewed as a high-ceiling talent. His combine evaluations will shape how teams assess both durability and upside.
Mahomes continues his rehabilitation with hopes of returning early in 2026, though the Chiefs have not announced a firm timetable.
The draft alone will not erase a 6-11 season. But the connection between Mahomes and McCoy adds intrigue to Kansas City’s blueprint.
If the board aligns, a shared history from Texas could become part of the Chiefs’ next phase.
Reporting based on official NFL standings, team-confirmed injury updates, publicly available Pro Football Focus draft rankings, and statements from the NFL Scouting Combine. No social media posts were quoted verbatim.
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