Kansas City Chiefs GM Brett Veach
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Kansas City Chiefs GM Brett Veach has plenty of ammo for the 2026 NFL Draft.
Following a successful week of free agency, the Kansas City Chiefs will now turn most of their attention to the 2026 NFL Draft.
The Chiefs still have plenty of holes throughout their roster, but have nine selections to fill them with. Four of those will be within the top 100 picks, including two in the first round. Kansas City has set itself up for flexibility after acquiring several free agents.
Most would agree that the Chiefs biggest remaining needs are at defensive line, wide receiver, and cornerback. However, there has been a trend in recent mock drafts that have Kansas City spending its ninth overall pick on a position it has already invested heavily in.
Kansas City Chiefs Predicted to Go Offensive Tackle With No. 9 Overall Pick in Several Mock Drafts
There has been a lot of smoke surrounding the Chiefs and the offensive tackle position ever since the released Jawaan Taylor. There has been reported interest in them adding one in free agency, but that has yet to happen.
Now, there are multiple mock drafts that are featuring Kansas City using its ninth pick on a right tackle. NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah’s predicted that the Chiefs will select Utah’s Spencer Fano:
“Fano can start immediately at right tackle and eventually kick inside to guard if necessary. The Chiefs will have excellent information on him because of Andy Reid’s relationship with former Utah head coach (and former BYU teammate) Kyle Whittingham.”
Josh Edwards of CBS Sports mocked Miami’s Francis Maugoa to the Chiefs at No. 9:
“Kansas City is not often in a position to pick in the top 10. The Chiefs need to use that opportunity to add a player at a premium position: offensive line, edge rusher, etc. Jawaan Taylor was released, so the team needs a replacement. The Chiefs missed out on the top edge rushers but settle for offensive line help.”
Nate Davis and Ayrton Ostly of USA Today also have Maugoa going to Kansas City at No. 9:
“A three-year starter for the Hurricanes at right tackle, Mauigoa, a 6-foot-6, 329-pound mauler, could be a long-term solution opposite 2025 first-rounder Josh Simmons while vastly improving the odds Mahomes won’t continue running for his life in 2026. Mauigoa might also be the best choice for a team that’s invested so heavily in Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III, who should be Kansas City’s first 1,000-yard rusher since 2017.”
Chiefs Using No. 9 Pick on OT Would Be Disappointing
Latest news on Chiefs LT Josh Simmons wrist injury update vs Texans.
GettyChiefs LT Josh Simmons
Fans are right to be frustrated with seeing mock drafts sending offensive tackles to the Chiefs at ninth overall. Kansas City just spent a first-round pick at the position in Josh Simmons last year, and have a good offensive line in general. Right tackle is certainly the weak spot at the moment, but the Chiefs have options there in Jaylon Moore and Esa Pole.
It would be fine for Kansas City to take an offensive tackle with one of its later selections, but No. 9 is too high of a price given the other pressing needs it has. From a financial perspective, the Chiefs are already paying huge money to center Creed Humphrey and guard Trey Smith, with Simmons and guard Kingsley Suamataia potentially soon to follow.