Chiefs get two defenders in Mel Kiper’s new mock draft, including a divisive star
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Kiper projects Chiefs will draft edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr. at No. 9 overall.
- Bain’s 30 7/8-inch arms sparked debate despite 71 pressures and 9.5 sacks.
- With No. 29 pick Kiper forecasts Chiefs selecting cornerback Brandon Cisse.
You couldn’t be blamed for missing perhaps the biggest storyline to come from last month’s NFL Combine.
Much of what happens at the annual scouting combine is easy to miss unless you’re a hardcore football fan.
But there was a much-discussed number at the draft: 30 7/8. That is the length of Miami edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr’s arms. Believe it or not, the length of his arms went viral when that measurement was shared on X.
Fans were in two camps about the topic, with many saying it wouldn’t hurt Bain in the NFL. The Chiefs met with Bain, and The Star’s Sam McDowell called Bain the draft’s most polarizing prospect.
Could Bain end up in KC? That’s who ESPN draft expert Mel Kiper Jr. sees the Chiefs choosing with the ninth overall pick in next month’s NFL Draft.
Here is part of what Kiper wrote: “Bain would be very tough to pass up at this spot. Despite 30 7/8-inch arms that caused quite the stir at the combine, Bain is dominant off the edge. He simply finds ways to get to the QB, whether it’s with his speed, power or savviness. He had 71 pressures last season en route to 9.5 sacks and 18.5 tackles for loss.”
The Chiefs also have the 29th overall pick in the first round, which was acquired from the Rams in the Trent McDuffie trade.
Kiper sees the Chiefs picking a cornerback: South Carolina’s Brandon Cisse.
CBS Sports’ Garrett Podell wrote this about Cisse: “Cisse has ideal NFL size for a cornerback, along with the speed and agility to match. He trusts his vision and top-tier closing speed to shrink throwing windows and make plays on the ball. He can be more physical in press-man coverage and more consistent against the run.”
You can read more on what Kiper wrote about Cisse and the Chiefs here.
This story was originally published March 17, 2026 at 12:11 PM.
