The Kansas City Chiefs received a blunt reality check in between NFL free agency and the draft, and the news follows a recent trend.
The NFL community no longer fears the Chiefs. Or, perhaps, everyone is sleeping on the recent three-time Super Bowl champions for one of the first times since quarterback Patrick Mahomes II took over as the face of the franchise.
Pro Football Focus dropped a post free agency NFL power rank on March 19, and the Chiefs were left out of the top 10. Going one step further, KC didn’t even rank in the top 12.
Veteran PFF analyst Mason Cameron placed Kansas City 13th in the NFL ahead of the 2026 draft, and his explanation included a bit of a reality check for anyone expecting a quick bounce-back Super Bowl run.
“Heading into free agency, the Chiefs were staring down numerous roster holes, including a backfield absent their two leading rushers from 2025,” Cameron began.
Although he went on to praise the Kenneth Walker III signing at running back, Cameron added that “the Chiefs still have needs to address.” Putting a lot of pressure on the front office and KC’s incoming 2026 draft class.
The blockbuster Trent McDuffie trade could end up being a wise move, similar to the Tyreek Hill sell-off years ago. But it’s only smart if general manager Brett Veach makes the most of Kansas City’s draft capital.
With the All-Pro cornerback gone and very little being done to replace him, it feels like this draft class could be the determining factor as the Chiefs attempt to climb back into the top 10 in 2026.
Right now, as Cameron bluntly noted, they’re no longer a part of the NFL’s elite tier of teams.
Who Ranked Above Chiefs in Post Free Agency Ranking News?
Cameron’s bold 13th ranking might lead some to wonder, which franchises are above KC?
For starters, PFF’s current top 12 included six NFC teams and six AFC teams. It also ranked two division rivals above the Chiefs.
The Los Angeles Rams are Cameron and PFF’s No. 1 roster ahead of the NFL draft. Obviously, the McDuffie trade and Jaylen Watson signing helped secure the top spot. But, in general, the Rams appear to be all-in next year as quarterback Matthew Stafford creeps toward retirement.
The defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks were next. Seattle took some notable losses in free agency, like Walker, but they’re still considered to flaunt a top defense and a superstar wide receiver.
The AFC rival Buffalo Bills were given the top spot in KC’s conference. Shocker. Every year, Buffalo seems to head into the regular season as Super Bowl favorites despite their lack of playoff success.
The Baltimore Ravens, another AFC rival that has come up small in the postseason, were next. Followed by the Green Bay Packers, Detroit Lions, and Philadelphia Eagles.
In the No. 8 spot, there was a mild surprise as the Los Angeles Chargers were ranked atop the AFC West over the Denver Broncos (ranked 12th). The Houston Texans, San Francisco 49ers, and New England Patriots filled in the gaps between the Chargers and Broncos, in that order.
Cornerback, Edge Rusher & Wide Receiver Among Chiefs’ Top Concerns Heading Into NFL Draft Season
Cameron mentioned “numerous roster holes.” The running back need was addressed in free agency, and is no longer an issue, but other positions have been mostly ignored.
Cornerback has gotten significantly worse this offseason after multiple departures. Similarly, the edge rusher position has lost players like Mike Danna and Charles Omenihu, and the D-End depth was already an issue.
Wide receiver stands out as the final major need after another uncertain offseason for Rashee Rice. If the Chiefs cannot rely on Rice to stay out of trouble, then this unit desperately needs more star power.
Veach will no doubt attack these positions on draft weekend, but rookies can only be relied on so much. It’ll be interesting to see how Kansas City’s roster looks at these three positions — not to mention offensive tackle — when we hit Week 1 later this year.
Chiefs Hit With Blunt Reality Check Ahead of 2026 NFL Draft