The 2026 NFL Draft presents a rare opportunity for the Kansas City Chiefs. Armed with two early selections, the franchise has the flexibility to address multiple needs and accelerate a roster refresh around quarterback Patrick Mahomes.
But not every possible strategy would move the team forward.
Several mock drafts circulating after the combine envision Kansas City taking a specific sequence of players in the first two rounds. While the individual prospects might be appealing, that particular path could create new problems for a roster that already has some clear gaps.
The Chiefs hold the No. 9 pick in the first round and another later in the round before selecting again early in Round 2. For a front office led by general manager Brett Veach and head coach Andy Reid, the draft represents a chance to inject young talent at positions that have become increasingly important.
One draft pick could cause future concerns
According to ESPN‘s Field Yates, not all of them come without risk.
The Chiefs are projected to use an early pick on Jordyn Tyson, a wide receiver from Arizona State who has generated significant buzz leading up to the draft.
Tyson is widely viewed as one of the most talented receivers in the class. His route running, body control, and ability to stretch the field have made him an intriguing option for teams searching for a potential No. 1 target.
However, there are concerns about whether he should be the choice for Kansas City, particularly with such a valuable selection.
“As much as I believe that Tyson is the best wide receiver in this year’s draft and possesses an elite ceiling, his injury history is concerning,” the analysis explained.
“Also, wide receiver is the one position on Kansas City‘s roster that has struggled with availability the last few seasons, and adding another variable to that equation is too risky with a top-10 pick.”
The concern is rooted in the Chiefs‘ recent offensive challenges. While the team remains one of the league’s most dangerous units with Mahomes under center, injuries and inconsistent production at wide receiver have occasionally forced the offense to adjust on the fly.
That reality has often placed additional pressure on tight end Travis Kelce, who continues to serve as the focal point of the passing attack even as the team attempts to develop younger options around him.
Selecting Tyson would certainly add upside, but it could also introduce another layer of uncertainty at a position where durability has already been a recurring issue.
Draft balance could determine Kansas City‘s success
In the same projection, the Chiefs would follow the Tyson pick by selecting Cashius Howell, an edge rusher from Texas A&M, later in the first round before addressing linebacker with Jake Golday early in the second.
While those additions might strengthen parts of the defense, the approach raises questions about whether Kansas City would be allocating its premium draft capital effectively.
“The Chiefs haven’t had two first-round picks since 2022, when they drafted cornerback Trent McDuffie and edge rusher George Karlaftis,” the analysis noted.
That draft class proved pivotal for the organization, helping solidify the defensive foundation under coordinator Steve Spagnuolo. Replicating that level of impact will be critical if the Chiefs want to remain contenders in an increasingly competitive AFC.
Spending a first-round pick on an edge rusher like Howell could provide long-term upside alongside star defensive tackle Chris Jones, but it may not address some of the team’s most immediate concerns.
Depth in the secondary, for example, remains an area that could require reinforcements, especially against the high-powered passing attacks that define the conference.
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