After following the prospects for a while, I decided to outline my strategy for the 2026 NFL Draft as if I were the general manager of the Kansas City Chiefs. Here’s a look at how I would tackle this draft:
Trading Up to No. 3: Arvell Reese, Outside Linebacker, Ohio State
I’d suggest trading our No. 9 and No. 29 picks to the Arizona Cardinals for the No. 3 pick. The Chiefs are in a unique spot this year—typically a Super Bowl contender and now picking in the top 10 after a tough season. This is a golden opportunity to secure a game-changing player.
The Chiefs already have a solid core, so it makes sense to focus on the long term. Right now, the biggest concern is the defensive line. Chris Jones is 32, and replacing a player of his caliber won’t be easy. If we wait until later rounds, we might end up giving up multiple first-round picks for an older player. Trading up allows us to secure an elite talent while he’s still on a rookie contract.
Also, we still have pick No. 40, allowing a deeper draft approach. Moving from No. 29 gives us the chance to land top prospects without losing too much.
Arvell Reese would be my pick. His versatility fits perfectly in our defense. He can rush the passer, drop into coverage, and excel in various roles. His athleticism would make a quick impact, and under the guidance of our defensive coordinator, he could become the backbone of our defense.
Pick No. 40: Chris Johnson, Cornerback, San Diego State
After addressing our top need, I’ll focus on adding as many solid players as possible. With fewer strong options at tackle and wide receiver, cornerback becomes a priority. Johnson excels in man and zone coverage. While he might be a bit smaller, his instincts and speed make him a strong contender. Landing him at No. 40 would be a smart move.
Pick No. 74: Malachi Fields, Wide Receiver, Notre Dame
Once the top six receivers are off the board, Fields becomes a great value at No. 74. He has excellent hands and can make contested catches. While he’s not the fastest, he shows good separation skills and can play different roles, including as a blocker, which adds to his appeal.
Pick No. 104: Jude Bowry, Tackle, Boston College
Bowry stood out even on a struggling team. He has the potential to develop into a solid right tackle. His agility in pass protection is impressive, and he can also play well in the run game. While he needs some work on technique, his physical tools are exciting.
Pick No. 109: Oscar Delp, Tight End, Georgia
With key needs met, we can now target role players. Delp is a strong in-line tight end who can help our run game. While not the main receiving option, he can still pose a threat when necessary and bring the blocking power we’ve been missing.
Pick No. 148: Kaytron Allen, Running Back, Penn State
Even after adding Kenneth Walker, we still need depth in our running game. Allen has great short-yardage vision and balance. He might not be the fastest, but he complements Walker’s style well.
Pick No. 169: Aiden Fisher, Linebacker, Indiana
With the loss of Leo Chenal, it’s crucial to bolster our linebacker depth. Fisher brings intelligence and experience to the table. While he may not be the most athletic, his understanding of the game will make him valuable, especially on special teams.
Pick No. 176: Zane Durant, Defensive Tackle, Penn State
Durant was generating first-round buzz before a quieter season. He has the agility to win against blockers and plays with effective leverage against the run. He could quickly find a role on our defensive line.
Pick No. 210: Louis Moore, Safety, Indiana
I wish we had addressed safety earlier, but the draft didn’t fall that way. At this point in the draft, I want depth, and Moore could provide that. With good instincts and ball skills, he can contribute, especially in deep coverage.
In drafting, the Chiefs must blend immediate needs with future growth. Given the team’s status as a perennial contender, it’s time to prioritize long-lasting pieces to maintain that championship window.
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Kansas City Chiefs Draft
