Kansas City Chiefs general manager Brett Veach
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INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MAR 01: Brett Veach, general manager of the Kansas City Chiefs speaks to reporters during the NFL Draft Combine at the Indiana Convention Center on March 1, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
The Kansas City Chiefs were at the center of many discussions during the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine.
For the first time since they traded up to select quarterback Patrick Mahomes in 2017, the Chiefs will be picking in the top 10 of the draft. They have become accustomed to picking at the bottom of each round for nearly the past decade, but will be in the top third with most of their selections this year.
Obviously the important pick they have is at No. 9 overall. There are several different position groups the Chiefs could choose from in that spot, including defensive line, wide receiver, and running back. During the combine last week, other teams worked themselves into a bit of a panic over the thought of Kansas City choosing the latter with one player in particular.
NFL Teams Dreading Possibility of RB Jeremiyah Love Being Selected by the Kansas City Chiefs
Jeremiyah Love
GettyNotre Dame RB Jeremiyah Love
While appearing on the Dan Patrick Show, NFL draft analyst Matt Miller revealed that he heard several fears from other franchises during the combine that Love will fall to the Chiefs at No. 9.
“Being here for two days now I can tell you one thing I hear from everyone else in the NFL – please do not let Jeremiyah Love fall to Kansas City,” Miller said. “Don’t let that happen. Do not give Patrick Mahomes Jeremiyah Love.”
Love is considered the best running back prospect in this year’s draft by a wide margin. Even more than that, he is being called my some the best prospect since Philadelphia Eagles‘ star Saquon Barkley.
Love is a well-rounded, workhorse running back who will be ready to carry the load from Day 1. He possesses outstanding speed, underrated power and balance, and excellent receiving skills. During his final season at Notre Dame Love racked up a whopping 1,372 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns, along with 27 receptions for 280 yards and three additional touchdowns.
Dan Patrick Show
The best player in the 2026 NFL Draft according to @nfldraftscout?
“Jeremiyah Love – I don’t think it’s particularly close.”
Would Drafting Love Be a Responsible Decision for Kansas City?
As great as Love might turn out to be in the NFL, Miller went on to say that the Chiefs may have more pressing needs to address with their first round pick.
“I think Kansas City has bigger issues than giving Patrick Mahomes a generational running back talent,” Miller said. “Can they draft a running back when the have no pass rush? Their best corner (Trent McDuffie) has one year left on his contract, he could be traded. The right tackle (Jaylon Moore) is terrible. Their tight end (Travis Kelce) is about to retire. Their No. 1 wide receiver (Rashee Rice) may be suspended. Can you take a running back?”
Miller makes some solid points there. Even if Kelce returns and right tackle (in this writer’s opinion) isn’t that bad, the Chiefs’ depth at wide receiver and defensive line is very bleak. When you also factor in that this year’s free agent crop of running backs is very strong, it makes the thought of drafting Love feel like it would be the wrong move.