The Kansas City Chiefs are waiting out the calm before the storm of the 2026 NFL Draft.
They are slated to make two selections during the first round on Thursday night. Teams and fans alike are happy for mock draft season to be over and see how the real thing actually plays out.
Until then, Matt Miller and Jeremy Fowler of ESPN put out one final first-round mock for us. It not only gave us some insight on who the Chiefs may pick, but also contained a notable tidbit of wide receiver Rashee Rice.
Tons of fun doing this one with @JFowlerESPN
Kansas City Chiefs Team Source Reveals 2026 May Be Last Season for Rashee Rice With the Organization
Miller sent San Diego State cornerback Chris Johnson to Kansas City at No. 29 overall, but noted that the Chiefs will also heavily consider a wide receiver in that spot. That’s because a source from within the organization admitted they may not want to commit to Rice long-term after his slew of off-the-field issues.
“I believe wide receivers would be in play if the board fell differently, as a team source mentioned that Rashee Rice’s off-field conduct might prevent the Chiefs from re-signing him after his deal expires after the 2026 season. Xavier Worthy also has not broken out yet, but this mock draft is not favorable for K.C. getting a wideout here. Instead, Spagnuolo would get a fast, long-limbed cornerback with the tenacity to consistently win fights for the ball. With Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson off to the Rams, a need exists at outside corner.”
Many have speculated that Rice won’t receive a second contract from the Chiefs, but the fact that it has been stated by someone with the team makes it very significant. The only path toward Rice remaining in Kansas City beyond 2026 is if he keeps his nose clean and puts up huge statistics as a legitimate No. 1 receiver.
As for Miller having the Chiefs select Johnson at No. 29, that would be a great choice. Johnson has the versatility to play out on the boundary or inside the slot. He also received the highest athletic score among all cornerbacks at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine. In 2025 Johnson recorded four interceptions, eight passes defensed, and 48 total tackles.
Chiefs select edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr. with No. 9 overall pick in mock draft
GettyMiami EDGE Rueben Bain Jr.
Here’s why Fowler has Bain going to Kansas City with the ninth pick:
“Bain is firmly on Kansas City’s radar. The Chiefs would like to address corner, wide receiver and possibly offensive line at some point early in the draft, depending on how things fall. It will be interesting to see if the Chiefs, who have worked the phones, sense the Saints would take Bain and try to maneuver. Some people I’ve talked to think that’s at least a possibility.”
Bain has been linked to the Chiefs more than any other prospect during the pre-draft process. Last season at Miami he recorded 7.5 sacks and three forced fumbles. Bain is highly athletic and plays with a high motor. His size, particularly his arm length, has been the only real knock on him as a player. Off the field, it was recently revealed Bain was cited for careless driving on two separate occasions, one of which resulting in his passenger dying.
Chiefs’ Final Mock Draft Reveals Notable Rashee Rice Tidbit