News of the Kansas City Chiefs’ expected 2026 NFL Draft plans surfaced on January 16, as The Athletic’s Jesse Newell debunked rumors that KC could make sense as a landing spot for Ohio State’s star safety Caleb Downs at No. 9 overall.
Several predictions have also sent Notre Dame’s star running back Jeremiyah Love to Kansas City in round one, but Newell didn’t seem to agree with those assessments either, stating confidently that he believes general manager Brett Veach will prioritize defensive line or wide receiver at No. 9.
“Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo and defensive backs coach Dave Merritt have a long history of turning late-round and undrafted players into solid contributors in the Chiefs’ secondary, so using a high pick on the position likely wouldn’t be an ideal use of resources,” Newell explained, regarding Downs.
Adding: “And they also aren’t likely to use a once-a-decade resource on someone who doesn’t play a premium position.”
In other words, no safeties, running backs or tight ends in round one — among other positions.
“We can’t ignore a team’s past when predicting how it might act in the future,” the beat reporter continued later. “Since [Clyde Edwards-Helaire]? The Chiefs have used their first-round picks on cornerback, defensive end, defensive end, receiver, and left tackle — all positions that command among the most money in free agency.”
Newell is willing to bet that Veach sticks to this recent draft strategy in 2026.
Concluding: “The Chiefs will face significant pressure to hit on this year’s first-round pick, given current salary-cap restrictions and limited ability to reshape the roster beyond their draft class. It’s why the expectation should be that the team has a defensive lineman or receiver at the top of its wish list come April.”
The Numbers Behind the Chiefs Selecting Defensive Line or Wide Receiver in Round 1 of the 2026 NFL Draft
GettyThe Kansas City Chiefs’ top decision-makers (left to right): President Mark Donovan, head coach Andy Reid, owner and CEO Clark Hunt, quarterback Patrick Mahomes, and general manager Brett Veach.
Newell’s informed theory comes down to a few factors: Veach’s aforementioned draft history, positional salaries, and the strengths of this 2026 draft class.
“Veach, in other words, seems to have completely bought into the notion of surplus value in the draft, correctly realizing that the upside of hitting on an early-round player at a premium position pays much greater dividends based on draft picks’ lower salary structure,” he noted.
“Per Spotrac, this year’s No. 9 selection is expected to make $5.6 million next season, with that number increasing to $9.8 million by Year 4. Getting an above-average safety at $9.8 million is … fine. … But what if that $9.8 million fourth-year contract was being used for an above-average receiver? Or defensive lineman? That would be more valuable, given the market and the higher salaries those guys command in free agency.”
Newell went on to point out that the 2026 NFL Draft is expected to have several top-rated pass rushers available around No. 9, and could also have at least two or three top-ranked wide receivers come off the board around then.
Obviously, this would line up with Veach’s recent emphasis on premium positions.
Who Might the Chiefs Look at With the No. 9 Pick at DL or WR?
Newell suggested multiple options at each highlighted position.
At defensive end or defensive tackle, he wrote about Miami’s Rueben Bain Jr., Texas Tech’s David Bailey, Auburn’s Keldric Faulk, and Clemson’s Peter Woods. The first three are likely to play defensive end or outside linebacker at the NFL level, depending on a 4-3 or 3-4 scheme, while Woods is a natural DT.
The Chiefs would “love [Bain’s] inside-outside versatility in a scheme that moves its defensive linemen often,” the KC reporter added.
At wide receiver, he focused on this year’s consensus top three: Carnell Tate (Ohio State), Jordyn Tyson (Arizona State), and Makai Lemon (USC). The most likely being Lemon (Tate and Tyson could be selected before No. 9 overall).
“Could the Chiefs find themselves enamored with USC’s Makai Lemon (16th), whom The Athletic’s Nick Baumgardner described as ‘the draft class’ most QB-friendly receiver?’” Newell pondered.
Any of these seven prospects would line up with Veach’s typical round one interests.
Chiefs Reporter Shuts Down NFL Draft Theory, Shares Expected Plan