Chiefs Mock Draft: K.C. Targets Top DBs Early, Adds WR and RB Late

Kansas City looks to bolster secondary with first two picks before addressing other needs on offense and defense.

Jan. 31, 2026 at 11:15pm

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In this seven-round Chiefs mock draft, Kansas City is projected to target two promising defensive backs with their first two picks before selecting a wide receiver and running back on Day 3. The team is expected to take an unconventional approach to the draft, focusing on the best available players early before addressing more pressing positional needs later on.

Why it matters

The Chiefs are looking to build on their recent success and return to the Super Bowl. Strengthening the secondary with top defensive back prospects could help transform their defense, while adding offensive playmakers like a wide receiver and running back will give Patrick Mahomes more weapons to work with.

The details

In the first round, the Chiefs are projected to select Tennessee defensive back Jermod McCoy, who is expected to be one of the first cornerbacks off the board. In the second round, they could double down on the secondary by taking Toledo's Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, a versatile defensive back with impressive size and athleticism. On Day 3, the Chiefs are expected to target Indiana wide receiver Elijah Sarratt and Notre Dame running back Jadarian Price to bolster their offense.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled to take place in late April.

The players

Brett Veach

The general manager of the Kansas City Chiefs, known for his unconventional approach to the draft.

Jermod McCoy

A defensive back from the University of Tennessee who is projected to be one of the first cornerbacks selected in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Emmanuel McNeil-Warren

A defensive back from the University of Toledo with impressive size, athleticism, and instincts, making him a potential early-round target for the Chiefs.

Elijah Sarratt

A wide receiver from Indiana University who recently won the CFP National Championship, and could be a Day 2 target for the Chiefs as they look to rebuild their receiving corps.

Jadarian Price

A running back from the University of Notre Dame who was the 2025 Doak Walker Award winner, and could be a Day 3 option for the Chiefs if they miss out on other top running back prospects.

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What they’re saying

“While Kansas City has many needs to fill, Chiefs general manager Brett Veach is known for his unconventional approach to the draft, and may decide to take the best players who are available in the early rounds before focusing on more talent-hungry positions in Rounds 3-7.”

— John Dillon, Author (yahoo.com)

What’s next

The Chiefs will continue to evaluate prospects and finalize their draft board in the coming months, with the 2026 NFL Draft scheduled for late April.

The takeaway

The Chiefs' approach to the 2026 NFL Draft appears to be focused on building a well-rounded team, with an emphasis on strengthening the secondary early and then addressing other needs on offense and defense later in the draft. This strategy could help the team continue its recent success and make another deep playoff run.