The Kansas City Chiefs' 2025 season has come to a close, and with it, the franchise has the highest draft pick since the Patrick Mahomes era began. Sunday's 14-12 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders handed the franchise the ninth overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft. The draft positioning offers incredible flexibility, which is something the Chiefs haven't had in a while due to their always being in the Super Bowl mix.
KC Sports Network's Kent Swanson pointed this out, offering that: "The Chiefs picking 9th instead of 11th (and then the other picks in other rounds) gives them roughly the value of an additional pick in the late 90s in draft capital."
Swanson's conclusion is right on point in the fact that Kansas City now has incredible flexibility not just on the draft's opening night, but throughout the first two days of the event. That sets general manager Brett Veach up for one of his best drafts in a while, whether he chooses to hold on to his goods or sell them off to the highest bidder.
Chiefs' Draft Outlook Is Better than It Has Been in a Long Time
The Chiefs aren't just a single piece away from a Super Bowl, so their newfound draft outlook is certainly welcome. Spotrac lists Kansas City as being more than $43.7 million over the 2026 salary cap, so drafting higher than usual will make a real difference, especially if Veach can land some legitimate contributors.
While this is true in the draft's second and third rounds, the ninth pick is especially advantageous if top-tier talent begins to slide down the order. Someone who's at the top of the Chiefs' draft board might be lower on another's, opening the door to add someone whom head coach Andy Reid is infatuated with.
Looking at way too early mock-draft examples, fans will get an idea of what the ninth pick might garner. USA TODAY's Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz has the Chiefs selecting Texas Tech defensive end David Bailey, while NFL Spin Zone's Lou Scataglia has K.C. landing Clemson defensive lineman Peter Woods. Either selection would offer the Chiefs a chance to find a much-needed franchise-changing presence along the defensive line.
The Chiefs might also be more than comfortable with moving back in the draft if it means acquiring more capital. There might be a prospect that the teams picking behind Kansas City really like, and Veach can use that to his advantage — especially if a potential trade partner is willing to move a Day 2 selection or multiple picks to move up a few spots.
Regardless of what the Chiefs decide, the point remains that for the first time in the last decade, the franchise has a myriad of options ahead of the NFL draft. That will allow a chance to retool a struggling roster and explore trade possibilities that might help Kansas City surprise its doubters next season.