Chiefs Prep for 2026 Draft with Picks at Nos. 9 and 29

The Kansas City Chiefs are preparing for the 2026 NFL Draft with two first-round selections at Nos. 9 and 29 overall, aiming to rebuild momentum after a 6-11 finish that ended their playoff streak and marked their worst season since 2014. The disappointing campaign, capped by quarterback Patrick Mahomes' season-ending ACL injury late in the year, has prompted a focused effort to address roster gaps and return to Super Bowl contention.

The Chiefs acquired the No. 29 pick in a trade that sent cornerback Trent McDuffie to the Los Angeles Rams. Free agency brought further changes, including the departures of cornerbacks Jaylen Watson to the Rams and Joshua Williams to the Tennessee Titans, as well as the release of offensive tackle Jawaan Taylor, who subsequently signed a one-year deal with the Atlanta Falcons. To offset these losses, Kansas City created significant cap space, re-signed tight end Travis Kelce, and added cornerback Kaiir Elam, while wide receiver Rashee Rice avoided a league suspension for off-field issues.

Team needs span both sides of the ball, with cornerback emerging as the most pressing after the secondary's overhaul. Officials and analysts have identified pass...