Chiefs Snag Defensive Monster in Latest Mock Draft

Texas Tech's David Bailey projected to go 9th overall to Kansas City

Apr. 12, 2026 at 9:56pm

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A fragmented, cubist-style painting depicting a football player in mid-sack motion, with sharp geometric planes in the Chiefs' colors of red, gold, and black, capturing the raw energy and power of the defensive play.The Chiefs' selection of a dynamic pass rusher aims to reinvigorate their defense and return the team to the playoffs.Kansas City Today

In a recent mock draft, the Kansas City Chiefs are projected to select Texas Tech edge rusher David Bailey with the 9th overall pick. The Chiefs' defense struggled in 2025, missing the playoffs for the first time in the Patrick Mahomes era, and the team is looking to bolster its pass rush and secondary through the draft.

Why it matters

The Chiefs' defense was a weak spot in 2025, and they have two first-round picks to address their needs at edge rusher and cornerback. Drafting a dominant pass rusher like David Bailey could help transform their defense and get them back to the playoffs in 2026.

The details

According to the mock draft by CBS Sports' Zachary Pereles, the Chiefs will select David Bailey, a standout edge rusher from Texas Tech, with the 9th overall pick. Pereles notes that Bailey's burst off the line and elite speed make him a nightmare for opposing offenses, and the Chiefs hope he can have a similar impact to when they drafted Patrick Mahomes out of Texas Tech in the first round.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled for April 24-26, 2026.

The players

David Bailey

A standout edge rusher from Texas Tech University who is projected to be a top-10 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Patrick Mahomes

The star quarterback for the Kansas City Chiefs, who was also drafted out of Texas Tech in the first round.

Jaylen Watson

A cornerback who previously played for the Kansas City Chiefs but is now with the Los Angeles Rams.

Trent McDuffie

A cornerback who previously played for the Kansas City Chiefs but is now with the Los Angeles Rams.

Chris Jones

A defensive tackle and key part of the Kansas City Chiefs' defensive line.

George Karlaftis

A defensive end and pass rusher for the Kansas City Chiefs.

Kenneth Walker

A running back who the Kansas City Chiefs signed in free agency to bolster their offense.

Zachary Pereles

A writer for CBS Sports who produced the latest NFL mock draft projecting the Chiefs to select David Bailey.

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What they’re saying

“The Chiefs have several options here -- wide receiver, right tackle, cornerback, safety, linebacker and pass rusher -- but ultimately go with David Bailey, whose burst off the line of scrimmage is second to none in this class. His speed gives opponents nightmares. The Chiefs got pretty good results the last time they took a Texas Tech star in the top 10 -- Patrick Mahomes -- and they take another Red Raider here.”

— Zachary Pereles, CBS Sports Writer

What’s next

The Chiefs will look to address their other needs, such as cornerback and wide receiver, with their second first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

The takeaway

The Chiefs' selection of Texas Tech edge rusher David Bailey with the 9th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft could be a key move to help revamp their defense and return to the playoffs after missing out in 2025. Bailey's elite speed and pass-rushing ability could make him an immediate impact player for Kansas City.