Latest Mock Draft Has Chiefs Making Wise Decision

With the 2025 season coming to an end on Sunday night, we are in the midst of mock draft season, and there have already been plenty of experts revealing their thoughts and analysis on how the 2026 NFL Draft could play out, specifically in the first round.

On Monday, NFL Draft Analyst Lance Zierlein released his first mock draft of the offseason, giving in-depth analysis for each selection. Which direction do the Chiefs go in this mock?

Chiefs Address Defense

With the No. 9 pick, Zierlein has Kansas City selecting Miami Hurricanes' pass rusher Rueben Bain Jr.

• "There are other needs, but Bain simply fits the mold of what Brett Veach and Andy Reid look for in a rugged QB hunter and two-way player off the edge," Zierlein states.

There are three pass rushers in the first round that the Chiefs should be thrilled to land with their first-round pick. Arvell Reese is unrealistic, but obviously, Kansas City would be pinching itself if the Ohio State edge rusher, by a divine miracle, fell all the way to the ninth-overall pick. Texas Tech's David Bailey is a more plausible option, but in this mock draft, the 6-foot-3, 250-pound pass rusher goes No. 4 to the Tennessee Titans.

As Zierlein states, Bain Jr. is the type of pass rusher that Reid would look to add to the roster. Arm length has been a knock on the pass rusher, but his performance in the National Championship game was staggering, as he wreaked havoc on Indiana's offensive line the entire game.

This would be a great selection by Veach and the front office, and if Bain Jr. is available at this spot, there should be no hesitation to turn in the card with his name on it.

Picks That Allowed Kansas City to Land Bain Jr. in This Mock

It is obvious, but certain picks have to transpire to allow a specific player to reach this point. The two picks in this mock draft that gave Kansas City an opportunity to select Bain Jr. were the Washington Commanders taking Auburn edge rusher Keldric Faulk and the New Orleans Saints taking Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love.

This would be the ideal scenario for the Chiefs, who need to land a cornerstone, franchise player with their first-round pick.