The Kansas City Chiefs are gearing up for the 2026 NFL Draft.
It could be the most important one of Brett Veach’s tenure as general manager. The Chiefs have more roster holes than ever, and need an injection of new life after a failure 2025 season.
If Veach and his staff hit a home run in this year’s draft, Kansas City could instantly return to elite status. There are needs at several positions to fill, such as defensive end, cornerback, and wide receiver. In ESPN NFL Draft expert Field Yates’ latest two-round mock, he has the Chiefs going high-risk, high-reward with their No. 9 overall pick.
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Kansas City Chiefs Select WR Jordyn Tyson Ninth Overall in Field Yates’ Mock Draft
Tyson is arguably the most talented receiver in this year’s draft class, possessing a nice blend of size, speed, and route running ability. However, he has a significant injury history. In 2022 while playing at Colorado, Tyson tore his ACL, MCL, and PCL. In 2024, he fractured his clavicle, which required surgery.
Tyson dealt with injuries to both of his hamstrings in 2025, costing him three games and the ability to work out at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine. Despite his lengthy injury history, Yates believes Tyson is worth the risk for the Chiefs at No. 9, who could develop into their top receiving option.
“The Chiefs are in desperate need of more big-play receivers, as Xavier Worthy hasn’t been a consistent spark plug for them the past two seasons. Tyson is the most explosive wide receiver in the draft and neck and neck with Carnell Tate for WR1 in my rankings. He has very good size, acceleration, unique run-after-catch skills and field-stretching ability. Tyson dealt with a hamstring injury in 2025 and previously suffered a broken collarbone and ACL tear, but he changes an offense when healthy. He had 50 catches, 732 yards and six touchdowns in the final six games of the 2024 season.”
Chiefs Go Defense With Next 2 Picks in Yates’ Mock Draft
GettyDE Cashius Howell
Kansas City has another pick in the first round (No. 29 overall) thanks to the trade of cornerback Trent McDuffie. With that selection, Yates has the Chiefs addressing a huge need by giving them defensive end Cashius Howell.
“The Chiefs haven’t had two first-round picks since 2022, when they drafted cornerback Trent McDuffie and edge rusher George Karlaftis. While the former was traded this offseason (to land this pick), the latter needs some help on the edge. Howell was the SEC Defensive Player of the Year after racking up 11.5 sacks in 2025, displaying an excellent first step, ability to bend the edge and closing speed. He lacks the optimal length for an edge rusher with just 30¼-inch arms, but that is offset by his ability to get underneath and around offensive tackles.”
The Chiefs not only need quality depth at defensive end, but one who can make an impact and open things up for Karlaftis and star defensive tackle Chris Jones. Howell should be able to provide that from a pass rushing standpoint, but there are concerns about how he will hold up against the run.
Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo usually likes his defensive ends with a bit more size than what Howell has. Rounding out Yates’ mock for Kansas City is linebacker Jake Golday in the second round (No. 40 overall).
“Kansas City saw Leo Chenal sign with the Commanders and could find his replacement in Golday, a former Central Arkansas star who wrapped up his career at Cincinnati. He’s instinctive and rangy, and he could provide legit pass-rush juice for coordinator Steve Spagnuolo. He registered 12 pressures on just 68 pass-rush snaps in 2025.”
Linebacker is a sneaky need for the Chiefs, but No. 40 may be a little rich given the other pressing needs they have throughout the roster. The linebacker position is pretty deep in this year’s class, so they may be better off waiting. Kansas City could go cornerback in the second round, or even double-dip at either receiver or defensive end.
Chiefs Take Risk on Talented but Injury-Prone Prospect in Latest Mock Draft