One Prospect's Meteoric Rise Would Be Massive Win for Chiefs

Kansas City could reap the benefits from a team reaching on a prospect early in the draft.

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

While the Kansas City Chiefs would prefer to be drafting at the end of the first round, they are in an advantageous position to expedite the rebuilding process.

At the same time, the Chiefs' decision with the No. 9 pick is dependent on what transpires during the first eight picks of the draft. However, on Tuesday, NFL draft analyst Todd McShay released some intel that he is hearing about a specific team and prospect that would affect Kansas City.

McShay's Report

Dec 19, 2025; Norman, OK, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide offensive lineman Kadyn Proctor (74) against the Oklahoma Sooners during the CFP National Playoff First Round at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

• "What if I told you that Kadyn Proctor, offensive tackle, Alabama, could be the No. 6 overall pick to the Cleveland Browns? I got a text from somebody who's talked to somebody who actually has information," McShay said. "I was asked, 'What are you hearing about Proctor and the Browns?' I was like, it wouldn't surprise me; they pick at 24. But, I also responded with, 'kind of hearing that Proctor could go a little bit earlier than 24, so I'm not sure he would still be there.'"

• "Then, in the last 72 hours or so, I had another person that I trust say, 'Hey, there's some real stuff with the Browns and Proctor,'" McShay continued. "So, I circle back to the first person who texted me a few weeks ago, and I said, 'When you were talking about Proctor and the Browns, were you talking about 24 or 6?' He responded, 'My understanding was six.'"

What This Means for the Chiefs

Oct 25, 2025; Lubbock, Texas, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders defensive end David Bailey (31) pressures Oklahoma State Cowboys quarterback Noah Walters (12) in the second half at Jones AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Michael C. Johnson-Imagn Images | Michael C. Johnson-Imagn Images

This could be a smokescreen, but if the Browns were to take an offensive lineman who has been evaluated as a mid-first-round pick, it would benefit Kansas City. For one, while offensive tackle has been a subtle suggestion by multiple draft analysts, the Chiefs are unlikely to invest a top-10 pick on a right tackle. Secondly, if an offensive tackle, other than Francis Mauigoa and Spencer Fano, went inside the first 10 selections, there is an increased chance that one of the top pass rushers is available when general manager Brett Veach and the front office are on the clock.

It would be shocking if Kansas City traded up from No. 9, which would be a risk for the organization to miss out on its top targets. However, if Proctor, or any other surprising prospect, is selected sooner than expected, the Chiefs' patience could pay dividends. Again, this could be a smoke-in-mirrors tactic, but it provides hope for Kansas City to land one of the top prospects at a position of need.