Chiefs' Mock NFL Draft 5.0 Previews Top Picks

The Kansas City Star's latest projections for the Chiefs' 2026 draft selections

Apr. 14, 2026 at 11:03pm

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The Kansas City Star's latest mock NFL Draft for the Chiefs has the team taking a wide receiver with the 9th overall pick, addressing depth across the roster in the 10-round projection. The writers highlight the team's needs at wide receiver, edge rusher, tight end, and running back depth.

Why it matters

The Chiefs are coming off a Super Bowl championship and have the 9th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, their first top-10 selection since trading up for Patrick Mahomes in 2017. Their draft strategy will be closely watched as they look to reload the roster and remain a top contender in the AFC.

The details

In their latest 4.0 mock draft, the Star's writers project the Chiefs will select Arizona State wide receiver Jordyn Tyson with the 9th overall pick, citing his size and yards-after-catch ability despite some durability concerns. The team is also projected to target a cornerback, edge rusher, tight end, and running back depth on the second and third days of the draft.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled for April 23-25 in Pittsburgh.
  • The Kansas City Star will release its 5.0 mock draft for the Chiefs this week, ahead of the draft.

The players

Jordyn Tyson

A wide receiver from Arizona State University who stands 6-foot-2 and has shown big-play ability, though he has dealt with injuries including a multi-ligament knee injury in 2022 and a fractured collarbone in 2024.

Avieon Terrell

A cornerback from Clemson University who is the brother of Falcons first-round pick A.J. Terrell, and forced eight fumbles over his last two college seasons.

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What they’re saying

“The writers project Arizona State Sun Devils wide receiver Jordyn Tyson at No. 9, citing his 6-foot-2 size and yards-after-catch ability, though he has durability concerns — including a multi-ligament knee injury in 2022 and a fractured collarbone in 2024.”

— Blair Kerkhoff, Reporter

“The mock 4.0 addresses the Chiefs' need for an edge rusher in Round 3, with a Big 12 player who recorded 19 1/2 sacks in college and ran the second-fastest 10-yard split among defensive ends at the NFL Combine.”

— Pete Sweeney, Reporter

What’s next

The Kansas City Star will release its 5.0 mock draft for the Chiefs this week, ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft on April 23-25 in Pittsburgh.

The takeaway

The Chiefs' draft strategy will be closely watched as they look to reload the roster and remain a top contender in the AFC following their Super Bowl championship. Their projected selections in the Star's mock draft address key needs at wide receiver, cornerback, edge rusher, tight end, and running back depth.