Chiefs Prepare for 2026 NFL Draft, Focus on Top TE Prospects

With Travis Kelce's future uncertain, Kansas City looks to bolster tight end position in upcoming draft.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 10:36pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting fragmented football players and draft prospects, conveying the complex and multi-faceted nature of the NFL draft process.The Chiefs' search for their next star tight end takes center stage as the 2026 NFL Draft approaches.Kansas City Today

The Kansas City Chiefs hold the 9th and 29th overall picks in the 2026 NFL Draft, and tight end has emerged as a key position of need for the team. While veteran Travis Kelce is still on the roster, the Chiefs are scouting top tight end prospects like Oregon's Kenyon Sadiq, Vanderbilt's Eli Stowers, and Ohio State's Max Clare to potentially fill that role in the future.

Why it matters

The Chiefs' tight end position is in flux with Kelce nearing the end of his career. Drafting a top talent at the position could help ensure a smooth transition and maintain the team's offensive firepower in the years to come.

The details

Kenyon Sadiq from Oregon is considered the top tight end prospect in the draft, running a 4.39 40-yard dash and recording a 43-inch vertical jump at the combine. Other talented tight ends in this year's class include Eli Stowers from Vanderbilt and Max Clare from Ohio State. The Chiefs are also keeping an eye on several local prospects, including Jaren Kanak from Oklahoma, Miles Kitselman from Tennessee, and John Michael Gyllenborg from Wyoming.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft is just over two weeks away, taking place from April 24-26.
  • KSHB 41 will air its first draft special on Thursday, April 23 at 6:30 p.m.

The players

Travis Kelce

Veteran tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs who is nearing the end of his career.

Kenyon Sadiq

Top tight end prospect in the 2026 NFL Draft from the University of Oregon.

Eli Stowers

Talented tight end prospect in the 2026 NFL Draft from Vanderbilt University.

Max Clare

Tight end prospect in the 2026 NFL Draft from Ohio State University.

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What’s next

KSHB 41's first draft special is scheduled for Thursday, April 23 at 6:30 p.m., where reporters Matt Foster and McKenzie Nelson will provide live reports from Pittsburgh and the 2026 NFL Draft.

The takeaway

The Chiefs' need to find a long-term solution at tight end has become a priority heading into the 2026 NFL Draft. With several top prospects available, the team will have the opportunity to secure a talented player who can eventually replace the aging Travis Kelce and maintain the team's offensive firepower for years to come.