Feb 27, 2024; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Kansas City Chiefs general manager Brett Veach speaks during a press conference at the NFL Scouting Combine at Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Chiefs Leaning Interesting Direction in Latest Mock Draft

Originally posted on Kansas City Chiefs on SI
By Michael Canelo | Last updated Jan 19, 2026 8:00 AM ET

The Kansas City Chiefs have some holes to fill this offseason. One major thing they are going to use to get better is the 2026 NFL Draft.

The Chiefs are going to have a higher pick than usual in most rounds in this draft, and they have to look to take full advantage of that. General manager Brett Veach has done a good job of finding the right players for the Chiefs in the draft. This time, he will look to get the better players at the top of each round.

The Chiefs have different areas on both sides of the ball that they need to make sure they address. Last year's draft, the Chiefs went on the offensive side around the first round.

The Chiefs are looking do anything that is going to help this team win next season. The early rounds for the Chiefs are going to be important, and it is going to be interesting to see which side of the ball the Chiefs prioritize more in this draft.

Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Trevor Ritchie of Pro Football Network has the Chiefs going on the offensive side of the ball in the early rounds in his latest 2026 NFL Mock Draft.

Round 1, Pick 9: RB Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame

What better way for Kansas City to begin revitalizing its offense, specifically an ineffective running game, than by selecting maybe the most dynamic offensive weapon in the 2026 class?

Love can turn nothing into something with a single touch, threatening defenses as both a home-run rusher and a natural receiving option.

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Round 2, Pick 40: DL LT Overton, Alabama

Overton’s versatility makes him one of the more intriguing defensive line prospects on a deep 2026 board.

The 6’5”, 278-pound lineman brings notable explosiveness and point-of-attack strength, allowing him to consistently impact the run while showing promise as a pressure generator at the next level.

His ability to line up both inside and outside gives defensive coordinators a lot of creative flexibility, presenting more opportunities to vary front structures and disguise pressures.

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Round 3, Pick 74: TE Max Klare, Ohio State

This could be an intriguing option for the Chiefs as an eventual replacement for longtime starter Travis Kelce (36), whose NFL future remains uncertain.

The Ohio State tight end has always been a serious receiving threat, showing burst through his stems, excellent body control during in-stride adjustments, quickness and agility to evade defenders, and the strength to push through contact.