Analyst outlines dream NFL Draft scenario for Chiefs

Is this really the best outcome?

Apr. 16, 2026 at 1:37am

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a football game broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of color and abstract shapes, conveying the explosive energy and strategic planning of the NFL Draft.An abstract, cubist interpretation of the strategic planning behind the Chiefs' 2026 NFL Draft approach.Kansas City Today

The Kansas City Chiefs have two first-round picks in the upcoming NFL Draft, giving them flexibility to move up, trade back, or stay put and draft two starters. Sports Illustrated's Gilberto Manzano has outlined his dream scenario for the Chiefs, which includes adding tight end Kenyon Sadiq and edge rusher Akheem Mesidor.

Why it matters

The Chiefs are looking to bounce back after a disappointing season and need to address key positions like tight end, where they will eventually need to replace the aging Travis Kelce, and the defensive line, where they need to add depth and talent to support star Chris Jones.

The details

Manzano believes the Chiefs should wait to see if a cornerback falls to them, but then focus on adding Sadiq and Mesidor. Sadiq, an athletically gifted tight end from Oregon, could learn from Kelce while Andy Reid builds unique plays for him. With their second first-round pick, the Chiefs can add depth to the defensive line, an area that struggled last season.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled for April 2026.

The players

Kenyon Sadiq

An Oregon tight end prospect who ran a 4.39 40-yard dash at the scouting combine.

Akheem Mesidor

An edge rusher prospect that the Chiefs could target to add depth and talent to their defensive line.

Chris Jones

The Chiefs' star defensive tackle who will turn 32 in July and needs help on the opposite side of the defensive line.

Travis Kelce

The Chiefs' veteran tight end who Sadiq could eventually replace.

Andy Reid

The Chiefs' head coach, known as an offensive mastermind, who could build unique plays for the athletically gifted Sadiq.

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What they’re saying

“Kansas City should look ahead and add Sadiq to eventually replace Travis Kelce. He can learn from one of the best ever at the position while offensive mastermind Andy Reid builds a unique set of plays for the athletically gifted Oregon tight end.”

— Gilberto Manzano, Sports Illustrated Analyst

“As for their second first-round pick, the Chiefs can add depth to the defensive line, an area that struggled last season. Chris Jones turns 32 in July and George Karlaftis needs help on the opposite side.”

— Gilberto Manzano, Sports Illustrated Analyst

What’s next

The Chiefs will look to address their needs in the 2026 NFL Draft, which is scheduled for April 2026.

The takeaway

The Chiefs have flexibility with two first-round picks, and Manzano's dream scenario of adding a tight end to eventually replace Kelce and an edge rusher to bolster the defensive line could help the team bounce back from a disappointing season and set them up for a 2026 resurgence.