Chiefs Receive Same 1st-Round Picks From 3 Top Mock Draft Experts

Mel Kiper, Todd McShay, and Peter Schrager all have the Chiefs selecting WR Jordyn Tyson and CB Colton Hood in the first round.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 3:24pm

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A cubist, geometric painting in vibrant colors depicting fragmented scenes of a football game or NFL draft, conveying the strategic planning and high stakes involved in the Chiefs' first-round selections.Top draft experts see the Chiefs targeting key positions of need in the first round, setting the stage for a pivotal offseason as the team aims to build around its star quarterback.Kansas City Today

The Kansas City Chiefs are starting to see some consistency in their mock drafts, with three top draft experts - Mel Kiper, Todd McShay, and Peter Schrager - all projecting the Chiefs to select wide receiver Jordyn Tyson with the 9th overall pick and cornerback Colton Hood with the 29th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Why it matters

The Chiefs' first-round picks are crucial as they look to build around star quarterback Patrick Mahomes and compete for another Super Bowl title. Addressing needs at wide receiver and cornerback could significantly improve the team's chances, but the experts' consensus on these picks suggests the Chiefs may be zeroing in on their top targets.

The details

Tyson is considered by many to be the top wide receiver in the draft class, but his lengthy injury history has raised some concerns. Kiper and McShay both believe the Chiefs will be willing to take a chance on his talent, with Mahomes in his prime. Hood is a physical, aggressive cornerback who would fit well in the Chiefs' defensive scheme, and the experts see him as a potential high-level starter despite some developing instincts.

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

The players

Jordyn Tyson

A wide receiver prospect who is considered one of the most talented in the 2026 draft class, but has dealt with injury concerns throughout his college career.

Colton Hood

A cornerback prospect known for his physical, aggressive play style and the ability to turn and run vertically, though he is still developing his instincts when the ball is in the air.

Patrick Mahomes

The star quarterback of the Kansas City Chiefs, who is entering the prime of his career and will be looking to lead the team to another Super Bowl title.

George Karlaftis

The Chiefs' star defensive end, who will be looking for a new pass-rushing partner opposite him after the team's draft selections.

Chris Jones

The Chiefs' star defensive tackle, who will be looking for additional support on the defensive line after the team's draft selections.

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What they’re saying

“We can't ignore Tyson's durability concerns, considering he missed a third of his possible college games because of injuries, but we also can't ignore his fantastic skill set when he is on the field. He makes tough catches in traffic and had 711 yards last season. I'm already picturing Mahomes buying time in the pocket and firing 50-50 balls to Tyson in the end zone.”

— Mel Kiper Jr., ESPN Draft Analyst

“I've been getting a lot of questions from teams about Tyson and where he might land, which is typically my biggest indicator that a player's going earlier than expected. The long-term questions about his knee aren't as big a concern in Kansas City as they might be elsewhere, as the Chiefs are looking to win now with Patrick Mahomes still in his prime. A healthy Tyson is arguably the best wide receiver in the class. He's a 6-foot-2-plus target who consistently separates and is a reliable option (1.6 percent drop rate last season), traits that Mahomes desperately needs at the position.”

— Todd McShay, ESPN Draft Analyst

“Hood is long and physical, and he had 17 pass breakups over the past two seasons. Kansas City could still add to the position beyond Hood with one or two of its seven remaining picks outside Round 1.”

— Mel Kiper Jr., ESPN Draft Analyst

“If Hood—who would be a clean man-to-man fit in Steve Spagnuolo's system—falls into this range, the pick may be too good a value to pass up. Hood brings a physical, aggressive play style with the ability to turn and run vertically (verified 4.44-second 40 speed). He's still developing his instincts when the ball is in the air, but the traits, competitiveness, and confidence are all there for him to grow into a high-level starter.”

— Todd McShay, ESPN Draft Analyst

What’s next

The Chiefs will have a chance to address their remaining needs, such as edge rusher and right tackle, with their seven remaining picks outside of the first round.

The takeaway

The consensus among top draft experts on the Chiefs' first-round picks suggests the team has identified its top priorities and is zeroing in on the players it believes can best help the team compete for another Super Bowl title with Patrick Mahomes at the helm.