2026 Kansas City Chiefs Mock Draft: 7-Round Projection
Draft Capital: 7 picks | Overall Grade: B Last Updated: December 30, 2025Executive Summary
Kansas City Chiefs enter the 2026 NFL Draft with 7 selections and critical needs at Running Back, Tight End, Edge Rusher. This mock has them addressing their biggest weaknesses while maintaining draft value.
Complete Draft Class:---
Complete Pick-by-Pick Analysis
Pick #36 - Kansas City Chiefs: Kayden McDonald, Defensive Line, Ohio State
Rank: #34 overall | Grade: B | Need Match: ⭐⭐⭐ Why This Pick:Arizona addresses their top need by selecting Isaiah World, an Oregon tackle whose elite athletic traits and 2,300-plus career snaps provide the experience-upside combination the Cardinals covet. World's improvement under Oregon's coaching staff—specifically cleaning up the 19 penalties from his Nevada days—suggests a player who responds to development. This pick protects their quarterback investment for years to come.
The Fit:World's 34.75-inch arm length and quick initial step give Arizona a tackle who can gain depth and width against speed rushers while maintaining a sturdy anchor. His improved strike timing maximizes his length, while his quickness to reach or overtake defenders in the run game adds offensive dimension. The play-strength concerns and occasional panic under pressure need continued refinement, but his Orlando Brown Jr.-like trajectory suggests franchise tackle potential.
Scouting Report:If Kayden McDonald was off the board, Kansas City Chiefs could target similar Defensive Lines in the second round range.
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Pick #40 - Kansas City Chiefs: Dillon Thieneman, Safety, Oregon
Rank: #43 overall | Grade: B | Need Match: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Why This Pick:Cincinnati addresses their top need by landing R Mason Thomas, an explosive edge rusher whose first-step quickness and speed-rush ability project immediately to third-down packages. Thomas' 5.5 sacks in 2024 earning Second-Team All-SEC honors prove he can produce against elite competition despite his undersized 249-pound frame. The Bengals are adding a designated pass-rusher who can help Trey Hendrickson terrorize AFC North quarterbacks.
The Fit:Thomas' rapid footwork and ability to threaten tackles vertically with speed create immediate problems on obvious passing downs. His well-timed chops, two-handed swipes, and closing burst on quarterbacks add a pass-rush dimension Cincinnati lacked, while his relentless motor and special teams experience provide value beyond designated rushing situations. The run-defense limitations—he gets displaced horizontally on wide zone—mean specialist usage, but his father Harvey's NFL experience suggests the football bloodlines for development.
Scouting Report:If Dillon Thieneman was off the board, Kansas City Chiefs could target similar Safetys in the second round range.
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Pick #67 - Kansas City Chiefs: Damon Wilson Jr, Edge Rusher, Missouri
Rank: #63 overall | Grade: B- | Need Match: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Why This Pick:Arizona addresses their third-ranked need with Justice Haynes, whose bloodlines as the son of former NFL back Verron Haynes and legendary high school production (7,574 yards, 95 touchdowns) suggest a player whose best football lies ahead. Haynes leads the Big Ten in rushing yards early in 2025 at 8.1 yards per carry after transferring from Alabama to Michigan for a featured role. The Cardinals are betting his explosive one-cut ability translates to their zone scheme.
The Fit:Haynes' exceptional contact balance and ability to shed arm tackles at the second level give Arizona a back who creates extra yards through physicality and pad level. His compact, dense frame provides advantages in short-yardage while his quick-twitch explosiveness creates problems for linebackers in space. The pass protection fundamentals need significant work before he's a three-down contributor, but his Chase Brown-like rushing profile fills an immediate need.
Scouting Report:If Damon Wilson Jr was off the board, Kansas City Chiefs could target similar Edge Rushers in the second round range.
See full Kansas City Chiefs 7-round draft →---
Pick #74 - Kansas City Chiefs: Davison Igbinosun, Cornerback, Ohio State
Rank: #71 overall | Grade: B- | Need Match: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Why This Pick:Kansas City addresses their third-ranked need with Zion Young, a Missouri edge rusher whose rare 6-5 length and exceptional anchor strength give him a foundation most pass rushers lack. Young's journey from Michigan State to Missouri has seen him transform into one of the SEC's most disruptive edge defenders, with 42 tackles and a 17-yard fumble return touchdown in 2024 demonstrating his impact potential. The Chiefs are adding a complement to their existing rushers.
The Fit:Young's active hands creating separation and ability to maintain gap integrity even against double teams give Kansas City a run defender who can hold up on early downs. His advanced hand-fighting technique with swim moves and rips and remarkable bend around the edge for his size provide pass-rush dimension, though the lack of elite burst off the snap limits his ceiling as a primary rusher. The team captain designation at Missouri signals the leadership traits the Chiefs value.
Scouting Report:If Davison Igbinosun was off the board, Kansas City Chiefs could target similar Cornerbacks in the Day 2-3 range.
See full Kansas City Chiefs 7-round draft →---
Pick #109: Trevor Lauck (Offensive Tackle, Iowa) - Grade C. Day 3 value pick. Depth addition with special teams potential. Pick #146: Cade Klubnik (Quarterback, Clemson) - Grade C. Day 3 value pick. Depth addition with special teams potential. Pick #176: Benji Gosnell (Tight End, Virginia Tech) - Grade C-. Day 3 value pick. Depth addition with special teams potential.---
Kansas City Chiefs Draft Class Summary
Overall Grade: B What Went Right:---
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