Chiefs Look to Fill Cornerback Needs in NFL Draft

ESPN analysts project an easy fit for the Chiefs to address their secondary in the upcoming draft.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 12:00am

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The Kansas City Chiefs have hit the reset button this offseason, parting ways with cornerbacks Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson. With two first-round picks, the Chiefs have an urgent need to fill those cornerback spots through the upcoming NFL Draft.

Why it matters

The Chiefs' secondary was a weakness last season, and the loss of their top two corners creates a significant hole that needs to be addressed. How the Chiefs approach the draft to rebuild their defensive backfield will be crucial to their chances of returning to the Super Bowl.

The details

After trading Trent McDuffie to the Los Angeles Rams and losing Jaylen Watson in free agency, the Chiefs have a glaring need at cornerback. With two first-round picks, they have the opportunity to target top defensive back prospects to immediately step in and contribute.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft will take place from April 24-26.

The players

Trent McDuffie

A former first-round pick of the Chiefs who was traded to the Los Angeles Rams this offseason.

Jaylen Watson

A cornerback who left the Chiefs in free agency to join the Rams.

Kansas City Chiefs

The NFL franchise based in Kansas City, Missouri that is looking to rebuild its secondary through the upcoming draft.

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What’s next

The Chiefs will look to address their cornerback needs with their two first-round picks in the 2026 NFL Draft, which takes place from April 24-26.

The takeaway

The Chiefs' offseason moves have created a significant hole in their secondary that they must address through the draft. How they approach rebuilding their cornerback group will be crucial to their chances of returning to the Super Bowl next season.