With the NFL Scouting Combine in the rearview mirror, the rumors around prospects have kicked up a notch. Various eye-popping performances helped prospects bolster their draft stock, including running back Jeremiyah Love, who made it harder for the Chiefs to select him.
Nonetheless, the latest quarterback rumor could work in favor of the Chiefs on night one of the draft. NFL analyst Todd McShay was a guest on FanDuel TV's "Up & Adams" show, and he revealed that Alabama QB Ty Simpson could go as high as sixth overall to the Cleveland Browns.
If that is true, that would be a massive win for the Chiefs and would push better prospects down the board.
Chiefs Could Be Big Winner From Browns' QB Draft Rumors
The 2026 NFL draft isn't top-heavy at quarterback, with Indiana's Fernando Mendoza being the projected No. 1 overall pick.
After that, there's no slam dunk answer on when the next quarterback will go, which is why the Simpson nugget is interesting. He has 15 college starts, but teams seem to like his mental makeup and potential to improve at the NFL level.
If the Browns do decide to draft him, it will give the Chiefs another talented option to pick from. Names like Miami's Reuben Bain Jr., Ohio State's Caleb Downs and Carnell Tate, and maybe even Texas Tech's David Bailey could still be on the board at No. 9.
Teams do the same thing every draft cycle, and that's fall in love with a quarterback, dreaming of what he could potentially do for them. That would be a blessing in disguise for the Chiefs, as they missed the playoffs for the first time since 2014. Having a top-10 pick isn't the norm in K.C., so they need to make sure they nab a building block for the future.
It could also give them room to trade back and collect more assets.
In his latest mock draft, NFL Network's Lance Zierlein had the Chiefs trading back with the New York Jets to No. 16, where they selected Georgia offensive tackle Monroe Freeling. While he didn't include the picks acquired, it would likely take a combination of picks between Rounds 3 and 5, giving Kansas City more chances to add young talent to this roster.
Things are going to change between now and draft night, but it's clear that Simpson boosted his stock during the combine. And if he, in fact, goes before the Chiefs' ninth overall selection, Kansas City would be the winner in that scenario, as it would push another good player down the board for them.
The Chiefs won't be in this good of a draft position often during the Patrick Mahomes era, meaning they must take full advantage of this opportunity.