Pass Rusher Prospects Chiefs Could Target Past No. 9

• "While there were some good solid additions - obviously [Kenneth] Walker III , Alohi Gilman, and Khyiris Tonga are important parts - I still look at this roster, and I say 'Not as good as the Chargers, not as good as the Broncos, not as good as the Texans, not as good as the Bills,'" Orlovsky continued. "So, I think it's a massively consequential draft for the Chiefs."

As Orlovsky states, the Chiefs have several holes on the roster they must fill heading into next season, and pass rusher has been one of the most-discussed issues for Kansas City this offseason. The Chiefs would love to grab one of the premier edge rushers at No. 9, but if Arvell Reese, David Bailey, and Rueben Bain Jr. are all gone, who would general manager Brett Veach target in the 29-40 range?

Keldric Faulk

Kansas City would most likely have to move up from No. 29 if the front office feels that the Auburn edge rusher is a great consolation prize to the three players named above. Faulk's 2025 production did suffer a downtick from 2024, as the 6-foot-5, 276-pound edge rusher recorded only two sacks last season after a seven-sack campaign in 2024.

Because it would require Kansas City to jump several teams and climb into the early 20s, late teens, Veach may feel inclined to wait for better value.

T.J. Parker

Like everyone at Clemson, Parker underwhelmed in 2025, but the Chiefs could stay at No. 29 and still draft the 6-foot-3, 263-pound edge rusher.

Parker can contribute against the run and pass, which is an important quality for a pass rusher. At this point in the first round, edge rushers who can provide production in both facets need to be the priority over a one-trick pony, who can only rush the passer. Teams are far more likely to tolerate those types of defensive linemen if they are elite at generating pressure, but those players will be taken in the top 10.

Cashius Howell

The Texas A&M product totaled 11.5 sacks last season, which was a career best for the 6-foot-2, 253-pound edge rusher. However, Howell's arms measured at 30 and 1/4 inches, which is lower than Bain's.

If teams are sliding Bain Jr. - who was unstoppable in the College Football Playoff - outside the top 10, then Howell could be a red flag late in the first round. Howell sliding into the second round, and potentially being available at No. 40, is a much more attractive proposition for the Chiefs.