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Two-Round Mock Draft: What the Chiefs Should Do
Jul 26, 2024; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) steps to the line as general manager Brett Veach watches in the background during training camp at Missouri Western State University. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images Denny Medley-Imagn Images

This is the first mock draft that I have conducted for the 2026 NFL Draft, and of course, we will focus on the Kansas City Chiefs.

After trading All-Pro cornerback Trent McDuffie, Kansas City has nine draft picks, including two in the first round. With the additional capital, general manager Brett Veach has maneuverability, which could be a tremendous factor for the Chiefs in this year's draft.

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With all of that being said, here is my first mock draft, and this is what I believe Kansas City should do in the first two rounds.

No. 9: Edge, David Bailey, Texas Tech

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No, that is not a typo. Last week, Senior NFL Insider Ian Rapoport reported that the Chiefs hosted David Bailey and Arvell Reese. Obviously, Kansas City will speak with players that they are interested in, but it is the case for every team; there are prospects that they meet with who are not realistic options and out of reach.

That stands true for these two pass rushers, but the Chiefs could pave a path to take Reese or Bailey off the board. Assuming the New York Jets select Reese, Kansas City should guarantee a difference-making pass rusher, and Bailey certainly fits the bill.

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Last season, the 6-foot-3, 251-pound edge rusher totaled 52 tackles, 14.5 sacks, three passes defended, and three forced fumbles. The Texas Tech product could develop into an elite pass rusher at the next level, and the Chiefs should make sure they leave this draft with an established presence off the edge.

No. 29: CB, Avieon Terrell, Clemson

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Assuming Kansas City moves up to No. 3 without giving up 29 and 40 may be wishful thinking, but in this mock, Veach is able to retain both picks. This pick was gained in the McDuffie trade, and while I am not the biggest fan of essentially trading McDuffie for a similar prototype, Terrell possesses similar qualities to the 2022 first-round pick.

The Clemson product plays sticky coverage, can line up in the slot and on the outside, and is one of the best tackling cornerbacks in the draft. Additionally, Terrell can also be incredibly effective as a rusher in disguise blitzes, which would fill the role McDuffie held last season. In 2025, the 5-foot-11, 180-pound cornerback compiled 48 tackles, nine passes defended, five forced fumbles, and three sacks.

No. 40: DT, Caleb Banks, Florida

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Prior to the foot injury that he suffered during the scouting combine in February, Banks was viewed as a top-15 pick in the draft. However, the injury has plummeted his draft stock, as the 6-foot-6, 327-pound defensive tackle is expected to be out until June.

If Banks enters Day 2 still on the board and is available when the Chiefs are on the clock, they should run to the podium with Banks' name on the card. Kansas City needs a contingency plan for life after Chris Jones, but in the meantime, pairing Banks with the 31-year-old defensive tackle would be a towering tandem that could dominate against opposing guards.


This article first appeared on Kansas City Chiefs on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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