NFL 2026 Draft Review: Kansas City Chiefs

The Kansas City Chiefs ended up having a disastrous 6-11 record last season with franchise QB Patrick Mahomes tearing his ACL and his LCL in his left knee in December.

Watching Kansas City lose their last six games was absolutely shocking. Last season was the first losing record for the Chiefs since 2012. The Chiefs are looking to bounce back. Mahomes is planning to be back at QB for Week 1 of the new season, but he has not been physically cleared as of yet.

If he is not cleared, then newly-signed backup QB Justin Fields will start Week 1. This scenario would be disheartening for Kansas City fans because Fields does just enough for a team to lose by less than seven points at the end.

To remain optimistic about this upcoming season, here is a look at who the Chiefs selected in this year's NFL Draft.

Round 1, Pick 6: Mansoor Delane - CB - LSU. 6'0", 187 lbs (45 tackles, 2 INT, 11 pass deflections).

Delane was arguably the best cornerback in this year's draft. He has the size to go up against bigger and taller wide receivers, but also has the quickness to close on receivers and break up passes. Delane will start right away because Kansas City traded CB Trent McDuffie to the Los Angeles Rams during the offseason.

Round 1, Pick 29: Peter Woods - DT - Clemson. 6'2", 298 lbs (30 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, 1 pass deflection, 2 rush TD on offense).

Woods has the versatility to play at either defensive tackle or at defensive end. He should see some time along the defensive line in order to keep Chris Jones fresh throughout the game. You might also see him taking some snaps at the 1-yard line on offense, which will allow for Coach Andy Reid to draw up some new plays.

Round 2, Pick 8: R Mason Thomas - DE - Oklahoma. 6'2", 241 lbs (26 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, 1 pass deflection, 2 forced fumbles, 1 fumble return for TD, 1 safety).

Thomas should see plenty of time in the defensive end rotation for the Chiefs. He dropped to the second round because he is the size of a linebacker, but played at defensive end in college. He will either have to add about 10-15 pounds in order to deal with larger offensive lineman or will have to learn a new position at outside linebacker.

Round 4, Pick 9: Jadon Canady - S - Oregon. 5'10", 181 lbs (39 tackles, 2 INT, 6 pass deflections, 1 tackler for loss, 1 forced fumble)

Canady has the versatility to play either at safety, at slot corner, or at nickel back. He should see some time somewhere in the Chiefs secondary.

Round 5, Pick 21: Emmett Thomas - RB - Nebraska. 5'10", 202 lbs (251 rushes, 1,451 yds, 5.8 yds/rush, 12 rush TD, 46 rec, 370 yds, 8 yds/rec, 3 rec TD)

The Chiefs have been dealing with injured running backs over the past few years. Thomas will definitely see some time in the backfield throughout the entire season.

Round 5, Pick 36: Cyrus Allen - WR - Cincinnati. 5'11", 180 lbs (51 rec, 674 yds, 13.2 yds/rec, 13 TD)

Allen could see some time at slot receiver due to him causing separation from defenders in the middle. He could see even more time if Rashee Rice or Xavier Worthy do some more dumb stuff.

Round 7, Pick 33: Garrett Nussmeier - QB - LSU. 6'2", 203 lbs (194 comp, 288 att, 67.4 comp %, 1,927 pass yds, 12 TD, 5 INT).

Nussmeier dropped to the seventh round due to injuries and regressed from throwing for over 4,000 yards two seasons ago to throwing for under 2,000 yards last season. He will compete for the 3rd-string QB position. However, there is a scenario where he could start on Week 1 if Mahomes is not ready and if Fields plays like he always does in preseason.

Overview: The Chiefs draft is somewhat intriguing. Delane will start right away along with the rest of the players possibly contributing off of the bench.

Grade: B-.