The Kansas City Chiefs have whittled down the list of their favorite players in the 2026 NFL Draft and will soon be on the clock to make the No. 9 selection in the first round of the Annual Player Selection Meeting later this month.

The Kansas City Chiefs, for most, have an easy to-do list with the NFL Draft approaching, and that is to get as many defensive players as possible. With the Chiefs holding two first-round picks, the thought is both could be used on defensive players,

Sadiq, who is 6 foot 3 and 241 pounds, could be a long-term replacement for the Chiefs when Travis Kelce decides to retire. But Kelce isn’t ready to step away just yet. He announced earlier this year that he’d be returning for a 14th season with the Chiefs.

The Star's sports staff gave their predictions for who the Kansas City Chiefs will take in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft.

The Kansas City Chiefs have gained clarity with their starting tight end after re-signing Travis Kelce last month, but they still need to look ahead. In 2025, Kelce recorded 851 yards and 5 touchdowns on 76 receptions,

The Star’s 2026 mock draft projects the Chiefs making two first‑round trades. Chiefs would keep nine total picks and five selections in first three rounds. Mock assigns Kansas City selections including TE Kenyon Sadiq and EDGE Keldric Faulk.

A FOX Sports Analyst suggests a Kansas City Chiefs draft day trade with the Detroit Lions for tight end Sam LaPorta | @EdEastonJr

The Chiefs have a playoff-caliber roster and two first-round picks, which is why they need to hit on their 2026 draft class.