1 Disastrous Draft Scenario Chiefs Must Avoid

It has been well-documented that the upcoming draft is the most crucial one in the Patrick Mahomes era. An underwhelming performance by general manager Brett Veach and the front office, and it could be quite some time before we see the Kansas City Chiefs back in the Super Bowl.

Kansas City's roster is in a retooling phase, whichever one you think is more fitting. Regardless, the Chiefs must make significant improvements in several areas to re-establish themselves as contenders moving forward. Kansas City will always be included in that discussion with Mahomes in the equation, but the last couple of years have highlighted that the 30-year-old quarterback has not been supported enough. Quite frankly, the Chiefs have taken Mahomes for granted, and it was apparent in the roster construction.

Dec 14, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) is sacked by Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Odafe Oweh (98) during the second half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images | Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

On Thursday, ESPN's draft analysts Mel Kiper Jr., Field Yates, Matter Miller, and Jordan Reid collectively compiled a three-round mock draft. Here is how Kansas City fared in this exercise.

First Round

Jan 9, 2026; Atlanta, GA, USA; Oregon Ducks tight end Kenyon Sadiq (18) runs against Indiana Hoosiers linebacker Isaiah Jones (46)during the first quarter of the 2025 Peach Bowl and semifinal game of the College Football Playoff at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Imagesf | Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

No. 9: TE, Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon

No. 29: CB, Brandon Cisse, South Carolina

Second Round

Dec 21, 2024; Austin, Texas, USA; Clemson Tigers offensive lineman Blake Miller (78) against the Texas Longhorns during the CFP National playoff first round at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

No. 40: OT, Blake Miller, Clemson

Third Round

Jan 1, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Oregon Ducks quarterback Dante Moore (5) carries the ball as Texas Tech Red Raiders linebacker Romello Height (9) defends during the second half of the 2025 Orange Bowl and quarterfinal game of the College Football Playoff at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images | Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

No. 74: Edge, Romello Height, Texas Tech

Takeaways and Reactions

Feb 24, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Kansas City Chiefs general manager Brett Veach speaks at the NFL Scouting Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

From a Chiefs' perspective, missed opportunity is the common theme in this specific mock draft. Earlier this week, we discussed why Kansas City should avoid Sadiq in the first round, as his production profile was underwhelming, considering that the 6-foot-3, 241-pound tight end operated in a prolific offense at Oregon.

If the Chiefs were to select Sadiq at No. 9, there would be very little the front office could do to salvage this selection. This would be a terrible pick, especially if the board materialized similarly to this mock. Kiper Jr., who made the pick for Kansas City, took Sadiq ahead of Mansoor Delane, Carnell Tate, Rueben Bain Jr., and Jordyn Tyson, who would all be better options at this spot.

Aug 9, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Kansas City Chiefs guard Jaylon Moore (77) against the Arizona Cardinals during a preseason NFL game at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Kansas City's next selection highlights why a slip-up at No. 9 could derail the entire operation and result in reaching for a prospect at a position of need. Cisse is a solid prospect who is expected to be taken off the board in the late first, early second. Nonetheless, it would be underwhelming if the Chiefs exited the opening night of the draft with this combination.

No. 40 would be another missed opportunity for Kansas City to vastly improve a key area of the defense. Landing Miller at this point of the draft is a value pick, but I would argue that defensive tackle Caleb Banks provides even more value at a position that needs a boost. Yes, Chiefs' future at right tackle is murky, with Jaylon Moore entering the final year of his contract, but pairing Banks with Chris Jones is a proposition too good to turn down.

Nov 29, 2025; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Florida Gators defensive tackle Caleb Banks (88) celebrates recovering a fumble during the second quarter against the Florida State Seminoles at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Kupbens-Imagn Images | Bob Kupbens-Imagn Images

Overall, I was not impressed with Kansas City's four selections in this mock draft. This allotment of selections would be an uninspiring performance by the Chiefs' front office. However, based on Veach's comments earlier this week, I do not expect Kansas City to reach on players, such as Sadiq.