The Kansas City Chiefs are accustomed to picking near the end of the first round of the NFL draft, given their consistent status as Super Bowl contenders for nearly a full decade. Eliminated from playoff contention heading into Week 17 of the 2025 season, they’re set to be in the unfamiliar position of drafting in the top 15 in 2026.
The Chiefs aren’t in desperate need of a personnel overhaul, but rather slight roster tweaks, with Patrick Mahomes foremost in mind. They have needs across much of the offense, except — in a recent draft irony — at wide receiver. Defensively, bolstering the pass rush will be the priority.
Here’s a look at the six prospects the Chiefs should target most in the draft, assuming they hold the No. 12 overall pick.
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Chiefs' best 2026 early draft targets
Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon (6-3, 245 pounds)
Travis Kelce looks like he is playing the final two games of his NFL career. The Chiefs had good contributions from backup Noah Grey, but he has limitations with an elevation in role. Sadiq can give Mahomes the ideal athletic playmaker to help replace what he had for many seasons with Kelce.
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Francis Mauigoa, OT, Miami (6-6, 315 pounds)
The Chiefs need to stop messing around with Jawaan Taylor at right tackle, with some potential solutions still developing at left tackle. Mauigoa is a natural, big, all-around blocking fit on that side, flanking star right guard Trey Smith.
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Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame (6-0, 214 pounds)
The Chiefs have done well to piece together a semblance of a running game and a reliable backfield with Kareem Hunt, Isiah Pacheco and others. But Hunt is getting up there and provides mostly hard running with little explosiveness. Pacheco has struggled to stay healthy. Love can offer a sturdier, still powerful and more explosive element with fresh legs, while also contributing on passing downs.
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David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech (6-3, 250 pounds)
Bailey is a devastating pass rusher for an elite CFP defense but he also can help out Steve Spagnulo with his strong run-stopping frame and unique coverage abilities. Bailey would be the ideal lead bookend opposite George Karlaftis.
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Spencer Fano, OT, Utah (6-6, 302 pounds)
Fano and Mauigoa are running neck and neck, with similar size and skill sets, to emerge as the best right tackle prospect in the class. The Chiefs are also thin at left guard, so Fano could line up as a force on the interior.
Caleb Banks, DT, Florida (6-6, 330 pounds)
Chris Jones is getting up there and slowing down a bit with his dominance inside. He will turn 32 in the summer. Banks would be another great consideration for Spagnulo's latest defensive reboot with his versatility and ability to get to the QB.