With the Kansas City Chiefs officially eliminated from playoff contention following last week’s loss to the Los Angeles Chargers, Chiefs Kingdom is already starting to look towards the offseason.
After being the class of the AFC for several years, this upcoming offseason will be pivotal for the Chiefs. Kansas City must revamp its roster on both sides of the ball, especially at running back and the defensive line. Both position groups have let them down this season in more ways than one.
If the regular season ended today, the Chiefs would be projected to have the 12th overall pick, which puts them in a great position to land a game-changing player. For most fans, this means the opportunity to take Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love, who officially declared for the 2026 NFL draft on Tuesday (h/t @ChiefsBlitz).
Love was a Heisman finalist and the best running back in college football by far this season. He would be an instant upgrade over what Kansas City has in the backfield and the perfect running mate for Patrick Mahomes. This season alone, Love racked up 1,652 yards from scrimmage and 21 total touchdowns.
However, some fans are not keen on the idea of using a top-15/first-round selection with other pressing needs across the board.
Chiefs Fans Aren’t in Love with Using 1st-Round Pick on Jeremiyah Love
For example, a Chiefs fan asked Twitter whether Love is worth it in the first-round when you have Charmarri Conner at free safety, Kristian Fulton at CB2, not great options at nose tackle, and Noah Gray at tight end?
Granted, that fan wasn’t wrong to bring up those players, as the Chiefs could find a starter at those positions in the first round. However, some Kansas City supporters believe that Love is worth the risk, as he’s a game-changer. He has the speed to create big plays on the ground and has good enough receiving skills to be effective out of the backfield.
Nonetheless, the last time Kansas City took an RB in the first round was Clyde Edwards-Helaire in 2020, which looked like a great pick at the time. But Edwards-Helaire fell in the Chiefs’ RB rotation and was usurped by Isiah Pacheco, who's own future with the Chiefs is up in the air.
If the Chiefs wait to draft a running back, they can still find an instant impact player on the D-line, such as David Bailey or T.J. Parker, who are considered some of the best EDGE rushers in this year’s class. Or K.C. could go the offensive route and take Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq, who would become the heir apparent to Travis Kelce if he hangs up the cleats.
The next few weeks will be interesting for the Chiefs, as their record will determine where they will pick and whether Love could be a potential option for them when the 2026 draft rolls around.