Jan. 13, 2026, 8:00 p.m. CT
The Kansas City Chiefs won’t have to wait long to make their first pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, and after a disappointing regular-season campaign last year, general manager Brett Veach can’t afford to squander the team’s early selections.
With needs on both sides of the ball, Veach will need to take a methodical approach as he looks to balance raw talent with positional values across the draft’s seven rounds.
Take a look at this full seven-round mock draft, which projects that Veach will target two Miami Hurricanes stars with two of Kansas City’s first three picks:
Round 1, Pick No. 9: Miami Hurricanes OL Francis Mauigoa
The Chiefs further reinforce their offensive line by selecting Mauigoa in Round 1. While this pick may be a bit of a reach, Mauigoa has all the traits that scouts look for in elite offensive linemen and may prove to be the most prudent selection.
Expert NFL picks: Exclusive betting insights only at USA TODAY.Round 2, Pick No. 40: Missouri Tigers EDGE Zion Young
Veach stays close to home with Kansas City’s second selection and gives Young an excellent opportunity to develop into a dynamo edge rusher under defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo.
Round 3, Pick No. 74: Miami Hurricanes WR C.J. Daniels
Daniels’ selection marks the Chiefs’ first entry into the pool of talented skill position players. Though he isn’t the top wide receiver in this class, Daniels has experience that could help make him a viable target for Patrick Mahomes next season.
Round 4, Pick No. 109: Wake Forest Demon Deacons RB Demond Claiborne
Claiborne could be one of the best players left on the board here in Round 4. It may take Claiborne some time to earn snaps in Andy Reid’s offense, but his upside would make him an intriguing rookie to watch in 2026.
Round 5, Pick No. 148: Missouri Tigers LB Josiah Trotter
With this pick, Veach effectively locks in the Columbia-to-Kansas City pipeline. Trotter joins Nick Bolton to bolster the middle part of Spagnuolo’s defense while developing into an every-down contributor.
Round 5, Pick No. 176: Oklahoma Sooners DL Gracen Halton
Halton earned second-team All-SEC honors in 2025, but falls all the way to the Chiefs here in Round 5. His addition to Kansas City’s defensive line might not be consequential in 2026, but could pay dividends for the Chiefs after he adjusts to life in the NFL.
Round 7, Pick No. 223: Ole Miss Rebels DB Wydett Williams Jr.
It is hard to know exactly how Kansas City’s front office will approach the 2026 NFL Draft, but if a player of Williams’ caliber is available in Round 7, fans should expect Veach to show interest.