2026 mock draft gives Chiefs a terrifying defensive future at all three levels

While training camp is coming into view for the Kansas City Chiefs, we always try to keep one eye on the horizon to next year's draft. Mock projections are always fun to look at, which is why we appreciate the efforts of Mark Stolte at Pro Football Network, who recently released a new three-round 2026 mock draft.

This would be an interesting haul for the Chiefs in 2026 because it would mean another influx of impressive defensive talent at all three levels. Steve Spagnuolo would be thrilled, and given the rookie class of 2025, the Chiefs would have a dynamic foundation for the rest of the decade.

Round 1 - Caleb Banks, DL, Florida

Trenches. Trenches. Trenches.

If the Chiefs make this move, it will be yet another first-round investment in the lines, and it's hard to complain about such a roster-building strategy. Last year, the Chiefs used their first three picks along the trenches, including two on the defensive side, and that comes after using successive first-round choices in 2022 and 2023 at defensive end as well.

As for Caleb Banks, a behemoth tackle from Florida, here's what Mark Stolte had to say: "Caleb Banks is a traditional DT who was solid as a pass rusher in 2024, with four sacks and 29 pressures on 233 pass-rush snaps. At 6'5", 325 pounds, Banks surprisingly played a lot more 3-tech than expected. With that size on the interior, the Kansas City Chiefs should be pretty stout at stopping the run."

Jerry Tillery was just a one-year signing up front, and the Chiefs often lean on veteran one-year flyers to fill out the depth chart inside. Mike Pennel is another example. A player like Banks along with the Omarr Norman-Lott pick in 2025 could go a long way to making the interior into one of the NFL's best with Chris Jones anchoring the unit.

Round 2 - D'Angelo Ponds, CB, Indiana

After turning heads as a freshman at James Madison, Ponds landed with the Hoosiers and was such a force that he was recognized as the Big Ten's best cornerback by season's end. He'll only be a junior, but as a second-team All-American last year, Ponds is going to be in the crosshairs of every front office for the next several months.

The Chiefs are facing a pivotal year in the secondary with so many players scheduled to hit free agency in 2026. Jaylen Watson, Joshua Williams, Nazeeh Johnson, and Bryan Cook could all be gone. Trent McDuffie and Kristian Fulton will remain in place for 2026, and the Chiefs just drafted Nohl Williams in April. There's definitely room for another impressive rookie.

Round 3 - Drayk Bowen, LB, Notre Dame

The former four-start recruit stayed in his home state of Indiana to play for the Fighting Irish, and became a full-time starter at the beginning of his sophomore season. After leading the team in forced fumbles and working on a full year of starting experience, Bowen should be a proven playmaker for the Irish in the second level in 2025.

As for the Chiefs' interest here, it makes a lot of sense for the team to make a day two investment at the position. Drue Tranquill is only getting older and Leo Chenal is scheduled to hit free agency next spring. Jeffrey Bassa was brought in to compete for reps and could be an important contributor, but further depth and a higher ceiling is needed long-term.