The Kansas City Chiefs will look quite different next season. Their defense took a big hit early in the offseason, and with some players leaving in free agency, GM Brett Veach will have to get creative in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Fortunately for him, the Chiefs will have nine picks in the event, including two in the first round and four in the first 110. Considering that, let's take a look at the three players they must strive to replace in the draft.
3 Players the Chiefs Need to Replace Through the NFL Draft
Trent McDuffie
Trading Trent McDuffie to the Los Angeles Rams worked wonders in terms of draft capital and the salary cap, but it left a huge void in the secondary. As one of the best cornerbacks in the game, finding his long-term replacement might be at the top of the Chiefs' priority list for the first round of the draft.
For weeks, they've been tied to LSU's Mansoor Delane at No. 9. He's the consensus CB1 in this class, and while he's not the biggest or fastest guy by any means, he's clearly the most efficient player in coverage. He's got a great nose for the ball and outstanding ball skills.
Jawaan Taylor
With Jawaan Taylor no longer in the building after his release, the Chiefs desperately need someone to line up opposite Josh Simmons. Jaylon Moore and Wanya Morris aren't good options, and finding someone late in the first round should also be on the table, depending on who's available.
The Chiefs can target someone like Clemson's Blake Miller, Georgia's Monroe Freeling, or Alabama's Kadyn Proctor with their No. 29 pick if any of those options fall. They can also roll the dice on Francis Mauigoa if, by any miracle, he happens to be up for grabs when they're on the clock at No. 9. Simmons can play left or right tackle, so they don't need to get fixated on any position.
Isiah Pacheco
Isiah Pacheco left the Chiefs in free agency to join the Detroit Lions as Jahmyr Gibbs' replacement. He had a down year in 2026, and the Chiefs already replaced him by signing Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III early in free agency. However, Walker is used to playing in a committee, and if the Chiefs want to establish the run, they can rule out adding another body to the mix.
Notre Dame's Jeremiyah Love will be the first running back off the board for obvious reasons, but the Chiefs can target the other half of the Fighting Irish's backcourt tandem. Jadarian Price will likely be available early in the second round when they're on the clock at No. 40, and he would be a seamless addition to Eric Bieniemy's school of running backs.
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