The Kansas City Chiefs are gearing up for a pivotal 2026 NFL Draft, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. After a disappointing 6-11 season, the Chiefs find themselves with the No. 9 overall pick, a spot they haven’t been in for a long time. This draft could make or break their future, and their first three picks are crucial.

The Chiefs’ Crucial 2026 Draft

The Kansas City Chiefs are no strangers to success, but after a nightmarish 2025 season, where they finished with a 6-11 record, the pressure is mounting for general manager Brett Veach and head coach Andy Reid to rebuild and reload the roster. With the No. 9 overall pick, the Chiefs find themselves in a position to make a statement with this draft, something they haven’t had the chance to do in recent years.

According to a new Pro Football Focus (PFF) article, the Chiefs’ “ideal haul” for the first three rounds of the draft could set them up for a bright future—a future that might include a potential superstar edge rusher, the eventual successor to Travis Kelce, and a versatile running back who fits perfectly into Andy Reid’s system.

Pick 1: EDGE David Bailey – A Potential Superstar Pass Rusher

One of the standout players in this projected draft is David Bailey, the explosive EDGE rusher from Texas Tech. According to PFF, if Bailey falls to the Chiefs at No. 9, they’ll be getting one of the most exciting defensive players available in this draft class.

“While taking Jeremiyah Love with the ninth pick is tempting, the Chiefs are more likely to invest in the trenches,” writes PFF. “After Kansas City finished 27th in PFF pass-rush grade at edge defender in 2025, adding a dynamic player like Bailey, who earned a 93.8 PFF pass-rush grade, would be a huge boost. He could be a game-changer, complementing George Karlaftis and the aging Chris Jones on the defensive front.”

Bailey would instantly upgrade the Chiefs’ pass rush and inject much-needed youth and explosiveness into their defensive line. His addition would be a critical piece of the puzzle for a team that is looking to compete for a Super Bowl in 2026 and beyond.

Pick 2: TE Eli Stowers – The Future of the Tight End Position

Perhaps the most intriguing pick for Kansas City would be Eli Stowers, a tight end out of Vanderbilt who could be the heir apparent to Travis Kelce. Stowers has all the tools to be an elite receiving threat at the tight end position. In his time at Vanderbilt, he formed a strong connection with quarterback Diego Pavia, making him one of the top tight ends in the draft.

With Travis Kelce nearing the end of his illustrious career, the Chiefs are likely looking for his successor, and Stowers could be the perfect fit. PFF notes, “Offensively, the Chiefs still need a successor to Travis Kelce — and Stowers (85.3 PFF receiving grade) would make tremendous sense.” Adding a young, dynamic tight end to the offense would allow the Chiefs to seamlessly transition when Kelce eventually hangs up his cleats.

Stowers is a prototypical tight end who can line up in the slot, on the line, or even out wide, creating mismatches all over the field. His skills as both a blocker and receiver would give Patrick Mahomes a versatile weapon in the passing game for years to come.

Pick 3: RB Jonah Coleman – A Late-Round Flyer Who Fits Reid’s Scheme

With their final pick in this draft, the Chiefs could target Jonah Coleman, a running back who has the potential to be a great fit in Andy Reid’s system. Coleman started his college career at Arizona before transferring to Washington, where he showcased his explosive ability as a dual-threat back.

PFF suggests that Coleman could be a perfect complement to Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt, both of whom are set to be free agents. “Instead of Jeremiyah Love, Coleman could be a late-round flyer that meshes well with Andy Reid’s offensive scheme.”

Coleman’s speed, vision, and ability to catch passes out of the backfield would add a new dimension to the Chiefs’ already dangerous offense. With the uncertainty surrounding Pacheco and Hunt’s future, adding Coleman would provide insurance and depth at a position of need.

Why This Draft Could Be a Masterpiece for the Chiefs

If the Chiefs follow this draft scenario, they would be addressing several key needs with potential superstars at each position. Bailey would solidify the defense, Stowers could be the tight end of the future, and Coleman would add depth and versatility to the running back room.

This draft would not only help the Chiefs contend for a Super Bowl in the short term but also set them up for continued success in the long term. With Mahomes at quarterback and Reid at head coach, adding these three players could provide the perfect balance of youth, talent, and leadership.

The Chiefs’ Future: Rebuilding for Another Super Bowl Push

The Kansas City Chiefs have always been a team built around offensive firepower, but the 2025 season showed that they need to bolster their defense and strengthen key positions for the future. This three-pick draft masterpiece could be the foundation for a new era in Kansas City, one that continues the legacy of Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce while transitioning to a new chapter with a dominant defense and an evolving offensive attack.

If the Chiefs can execute this draft strategy, they’ll not only be back in the Super Bowl hunt in 2026, but they’ll also be set up for sustained success in the years to come.

In conclusion, the 2026 NFL Draft presents an opportunity for the Chiefs to build a championship-caliber team. With picks like David Bailey, Eli Stowers, and Jonah Coleman, Kansas City could return to the top of the AFC, ready for another Super Bowl run. The future looks bright for the Kansas City Chiefs—and this draft could be the key to unlocking it.