Travis Kelce reveals what he’s looking for in a Chiefs’ draft pick

Travis Kelce and the Kansas City Chiefs are on a mission to reclaim their lost glory after missing the playoffs in the 2025 NFL season. 

The 2026 NFL Draft that begins Thursday presents a great opportunity for the Chiefs to add fresh talent they hope will aid their turnaround.

During a recent episode of the “New Heights” podcast, Kelce laid out a particular quality he’s hoping to see from the player Kansas City will take off the draft board.

Interestingly, it doesn’t relate to any actual football ability.

“I’m just hoping for a guy that loves ball, man,” Kelce said, as transcribed by Pete Grathoff of The Wichita Eagle.  “You know, I think one of the things that you just want to have when you get back into the building after a season like last year, you just want guys that love what they’re … doing. And I think it’s one of the things that I look for in these young guys when they come in: … How infectious is your energy? I need that out of these young guys, man.”

Under head coach Andy Reid and with Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce, the Chiefs have built a winning culture in Kansas City. Regardless of their recent struggles, the Chiefs remain a franchise others aspire to become, and that’s a standard Kelce wants to sustain.

Kelce isn’t the player he used to be, but he still wants to be inspired on the field, and he’s looking to get some of that from the incoming players Kansas City will add through the draft.

The Chiefs will pick twice in the first round, as they have the No. 9 and No. 29 (via the Los Angeles Rams) No. 29 picks overall.