The latest rumors and predictions on the Chiefs’ plans for the NFL Draft
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Chiefs hold two first-round picks at Nos. 9 and 29 heading into the draft.
- Multiple analysts have speculated Chiefs might try to trade up to Nos. 3 or 4.
- Some analysts included No. 29 in trade scenarios to gain additional picks.
After all the mock drafts, talk of trades and endless speculation, it’s finally time for the NFL Draft.
Day one begins Thursday night with the first round. A lot of attention has been on the Chiefs, because, well, they’re the NFL’s most popular team. But also because they hold two first-round picks (No. 9 and 29) and they are trying to bounce back from last season’s 6-11 record.
Here is the latest talk about the Chiefs heading into the NFL Draft.
Draft-day trade?
Like others, Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer said the Chiefs have talked about moving up from No. 9. But he also said another trade option has emerged for the Chiefs.
“Four that have at least explored moving up (with a caveat coming), in order of where they’re picking: the Chiefs, Cowboys, Rams and Eagles. ... But the twist to it is that I’ve heard that all four have also made calls on the idea of trading down,” Breer wrote, and he used italics for that word.
“The reality is that the best teams, the ones that go into the draft with flexibility, generally make calls both ways, and that’s what GMs (or de facto GMs) Brett Veach, Will McClay, Les Snead and Howie Roseman are doing in this case. Which is what they should be doing.”
Offensive line talk?
ESPN’s Dan Graziano mentioned the Chiefs might try to trade up to No. 3 (Cardinals) or No. 4 (Titans).
“I’m predicting at least seven and as many as 10 offensive linemen get picked in the first round,” Graziano wrote. “There’s a late-round zone loaded with teams that would love to come out of Thursday night with a new offensive lineman, including the Lions, Panthers, Steelers, Chargers, Eagles, Browns, Bears, 49ers, Chiefs and Patriots. Kansas City could even use its No. 9 pick on an offensive tackle and no one would be surprised.”
About that 29th pick
NFL Network draft analyst Dan Parr had the Chiefs sending the 29th pick to the Cardinals for the 34th overall choice, which would give KC another second-round pick. But that would be just one first-round choice for the Chiefs.
More Cardinals trade talk
Audacy Sports’ Bill Zimmerman sees a scenario in which the Chiefs try to move up to No. 3 if Ohio State star Arvell Reese is available.
Double Cowboys trade?
In his mock draft, ESPN’s Peter Schrager could see the Chiefs and Cowboys trading four first-round picks.
The Chiefs would send No. 9 and No. 29 to Dallas for the Cowboys’ picks at No. 12 and No. 20. Schrager sees the Chiefs taking two juniors in that scenario. That is, Miami edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr. and Indiana wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr.
More offensive-line chatter
Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network said on “The Rich Eisen Show” that he also has heard about the Chiefs possibly trading up. And for an offensive lineman.
“I would say if somebody moves up right now, I would go with the Chiefs,” Pelissero said. “They don’t have as far to go as the Cowboys and if you’re going to get one of those top tackles, the fact that Cleveland is sitting there at (No. 6) and is almost surely taking a tackle would motivate you to get ahead.”
This story was originally published April 23, 2026 at 9:50 AM.
