There are a few big questions that loom over the Chiefs as they prepare for the 2026 season, including Travis Kelce’s possible retirement, Trent McDuffie’s future with the Chiefs and salary cap space. By Pete Sweeney| Alexa Stone
After a disappointing, uncharacteristic 6-11 season, the Kansas City Chiefs find themselves in an unfamiliar position — inside the top 10 of the NFL Draft with the No. 9 overall pick.
It’s not where the Chiefs want to be, but it’s where they are, and the pressure to get it right couldn’t be greater.
On Tuesday, Chiefs general manager Brett Veach emphasized his desire to address what he identified as the team’s biggest weakness — a lack of explosiveness in the running game.
It has only added fuel to the idea that the Chiefs could select Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love, whose pre-draft hype has been matched by few in recent times — Bijan Robinson and Saquon Barkley come to mind.
But would Kansas City use what it hopes is a rare opportunity on a non-premium position? Veach also acknowledged that some of the top players in this class do not play in the trenches.
“When you look at the Ohio State linebacker (Arvell Reese), the Notre Dame running back (Jeremiyah Love), the safety at Ohio State (Caleb Downs) and those are really, really good players it’s hard to find faults with their tape,” he said. “I rarely saw it. Again, some of those more premium positions (like) interior d-line (and) edge rushers, they’re hard to find.
“With those guys — the problem with those guys is they’re hard to find, and then they don’t really become available in free agency. Some of those other positions, they’re good players, you’ll probably eventually get a chance to get some of those positions in free agency. That’s the thing you just have to go through and weigh out all the options.”
Sounds like Veach would ideally like a game-changer along the line of scrimmage.
And that brings us to 2026’s top two edge prospects: Miami’s Rueben Bain Jr. and Texas Tech’s David Bailey.
Last year, Bain finished 2025 with 83 pressures, while Bailey was right behind him with 81. Bailey led the nation in sacks (14.5).
Kansas City could use that kind of juice up front, especially after finishing 2025 tied for 22nd in the NFL with 35 sacks. Bain’s buzz out of Indianapolis has been mixed at best, largely because of his below-average arm length.
Bailey’s arm measurement of 33 3/4 is much more in line with the kind of profile Steve Spagnuolo has typically preferred. But at 251 pounds, he on the lighter side for a classic Spagnuolo defensive end.
Still, Bailey confirmed he formally met with the Chiefs in Indianapolis, saying he “really, really enjoyed the meeting” and would be honored to rush the passer alongside Chris Jones.
“It was a comfortable meeting, man,” he said. “I felt comfortable with them. They were extremely personal… I didn’t feel like stressed at all. Yeah, they made me feel welcome.”
Of course, as a product of Patrick Mahomes’ alma mater, Texas Tech, Bailey should feel welcome meeting with Chiefs brass.
Bailey said while he hasn’t met Mahomes personally, he is thankful for his donation of the “Patrick Mahomes Walkthrough Room” at the university, which he says helped him grow as a player.
The area is designed for off-field preparation, including film study, formation adjustments, and yes, walkthroughs.
“That was a big, big, big step in my success,” he said. “I’m a visual learner, so we were always utilizing the walk through room. We were in there a lot, and I know that helped me a lot for sure.”
What separates Bailey from the rest is his explosiveness, as evidenced by his first step and the 4.50 40-yard dash he ran at the combine.
Spagnuolo would likely value Bailey’s versatility, but Bailey has also admitted that run defense is an area where he can improve. Bailey’s case could shape up as a classic tape-production-vs.-scheme-fit debate on the opening night of the draft.
The discussion may not matter. If Bain slides because of the arm-length concerns, Bailey could be the first pass rusher off the board — and as the saying goes, you can always use another pass rusher, especially one that would be playing on an affordable rookie contract for five seasons.
But if Bailey does fall to KC, he will surely be considered, and it will be fascinating to see if the Chiefs go in that direction. Good to know he’s already comfortable.