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Chiefs land the perfect player in a new 2026 NFL mock draft to give a new coach the best chance to get off to a hot start

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Destin Adams | Last updated Feb 13, 2026 6:08 PM ET

The NFL playoffs felt incomplete without Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs being a part of it this year.

They have to do everything in their power to ensure they don't repeat the failure that was the 2025 season. That makes the upcoming offseason one of the most important that the team has had during this dynasty.

A new A to Z Sports 2026 NFL mock draft has the team adding a dynamic talent on the offensive side of the ball to help fill one of their biggest weaknesses. As a cherry on top, it would also provide a new coach on staff, a fantastic player to help him get off to a fast start with the team.

Chiefs select Notre Dame star RB Jeremiyah Love in a new 2026 NFL mock draft

"With my top two tackles and No. 1 WR off the board here, I give the Chiefs the best running back in the draft. There was a time in 2025 when Patrick Mahomes led the Chiefs in rushing. That won’t be the case with a surefire back like Love behind him. Of course, Kansas City could address the running back position in free agency, but for the time being, I’ll give them the walking touchdown that is Jeremiyah Love.” - Rob Gregson, A to Z Sports NFL Draft Analyst

Nov 22, 2025; South Bend, Indiana, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish running back Jeremiyah Love (4) celebrates scoring against the Syracuse Orange during the first half at Notre Dame Stadium. Michael Caterina-Imagn Images

The Chiefs had multiple issues this past year, but their running game has to be at the top of the list of things to fix. They've already gotten that ball rolling a bit by hiring a new running backs coach in former NFL RB DeMarco Murray.

To get the most out of that hire, they need to give him a viable starting RB that can elevate the room as a whole. The clear top back in this upcoming class is Notre Dame’s Jeremiyah Love. He would be a major upgrade to Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt in the Chiefs' backfield.

Love was a Heisman finalist this past year and had been one of the best players in the country for the past two seasons. He is exactly what the Chiefs offense needs, and if he's on the board when the Chiefs are on the clock, it would be a no-brainer.