We actually began to see some issues with the Kansas City Chiefs back in 2024. This team did win all of its one-score games, but the Chiefs were getting in one-score games with teams they should have otherwise blown out. It was not a recipe for success for the long-term.
And in the 2025 NFL Season, those slim margins flat-out disappeared. The Chiefs simply could not close out games, and during the season, people seemed to be overthinking this team a bit. At the end of the day, the roster just was not good enough. The Chiefs did not and do not have enough good players.
Multiple years of bad offseason by General Manager Brett Veach came to a bit of a boil in 2025, so the Chiefs have to get serious about directly address the most urgent needs in free agency and in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Kansas City Chiefs address key defensive needs in updated 2026 NFL Mock Draft
9. Peter Woods, DT, Clemson
The Chiefs have a ton of free agents along the defensive line, including Charles Omenihu, Mike Pennell, Derrick Nnadi, and Jerry Tillery. To be fair, most of those players were forgettable, but they were also eating up a ton of snaps.
The Chiefs need some blue-chip talent along the defensive line, so while fans might be clamoring for Jeremiyah Love, the smarter selection is hitting the trenches with Peter Woods.
40. Zion Young, EDGE, Missouri
Zion Young is an encouraging pass-rushing prospect who could be a future stud along the defensive line with the right development. He has the size, length, and athleticism to be a starter for years to come. The Chiefs will continue to suffer if they don't figure out how to toughen up along the defensive line, as their inability to get to the quarterback brought down the entire defense.
It starts and ends in the trenches. Two-straight defensive line picks for the Chiefs in this mock draft.
74. Elijah Sarratt, WR, Indiana
Elijah Sarratt is not a future no. 1 wide receiver in the NFL, but not many receivers are. Sarratt profiles as a late-down chain mover, and that's the kind of player the Chiefs could use on offense. It does seem like this team has thrived in those high-leverage third and fourth downs over the years, but getting a player who can help bring that magic back would be wise.
Sarratt won a national championship with Indiana this past season, so he surely understands the winning culture the Chiefs are usually wrapped up in.
109. Kaytron Allen, RB, Penn State
Kaytron Allen could immediately see a ton of action for the Chiefs as a rookie. Allen would insert into a backfield with a ton of changes likely coming. Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt are notably free agents this offseason, and there really isn't much of a need for either one to return.
The Chiefs could go shopping in the free agency market for some running back help, and with the deep class, it'd be a shock if they didn't. However, doubling-up at the position would be a wise idea, and Allen could profile nicely as a rotational piece on the offense immediately.
146. Josh Cuevas, TE, Alabama
Josh Cuevas might not be a future stud at tight end, but he could at least be a foundation for the post-Travis Kelce era. It doesn't seem like a guarantee that Kelce even returns for 2026, but if he goes for one more season, the Chiefs will buy a bit of time to put a plan in place. So much of the team's offense over the years was centered around Kelce.
176. Bryce Boettcher, LB, Oregon
Bryce Boettcher had a whopping 136 total tackles and also added 5.5 tackles for loss. The Chiefs could do a lot worse here. Leo Chenal is a free agent, so linebacker will need some reinforcements in free agency and in the NFL Draft.