KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A former college quarterback from Patrick Mahomes’ old stomping grounds. A player from Kenneth Walker’s high school who played collegiately in Travis Kelce’s neck of the woods. A tackles-for-loss machine who played with Xavier Worthy.
Oh, there’s also the other Justin Jefferson, plus Jeffrey Bassa’s former teammate at Oregon.
Sep 28, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Leo Chenal (54) breaks up a pass to Baltimore Ravens tight end Mark Andrews (89) during the first half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images | Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images
Those are five legitimate linebackers the Chiefs could draft to replace arguably the [biggest question mark](https://www.si.com/nfl/chiefs/onsi/biggest-question-kansas-city-didnt-address-in-free-agency) in their defense: The job vacated when Leo Chenal signed this month with the Commanders.
Kansas City addressed most of its holes in free agency, but not linebacker. As a result, the Chiefs clearly signaled a direction they’ll take in next month’s draft.
And after Ohio State linebackers Arvell Reese and Sonny Styles fly off the board, probably even before the Chiefs are on the clock at 9 overall, the draft has five attractive targets for the Chiefs on Day 2. Kansas City has the ninth, 29th, 40th and 74th overall selections.
Texas Tech players Lee Hunter (left) and Jacob Rodriguez (back) celebrate Romello Height's fumble recover against BYU during the Big 12 Conference championship football game, Saturday, Nov. 6, 2025, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington. | Nathan Giese/Avalanche-Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Jacob Rodriguez, Texas Tech
---------------------------
Mahomes [visited the Red Raiders’ pro day](https://www.si.com/nfl/chiefs/onsi/kansas-city-patrick-mahomes-stands-alone-among-5-early-candidates-comeback-player) on Thursday, but he knows all about Jacob Rodriguez. A 6-1, 231-pound rock, Rodriguez began college as a freshman quarterback at Virginia before converting to linebacker at Texas Tech in 2022. Including a medical-redshirt season, he played five years in college, leading the Big 12 in solo tackles each of the last two. He also posted six career interceptions, four in 2025.
Oct 11, 2025; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Bearcats linebacker Jake Golday (11) attempts to tackle UCF Knights quarterback Cam Fancher (14) in the second half at Nippert Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-Imagn Images | Aaron Doster-Imagn Images
Jake Golday, Cincinnati
-----------------------
Kelce left the Bearcats to join Andy Reid in 2013, but the tight end remembers every play Golday made at Cincinnati over the last two seasons. After transferring from Central Arkansas, Golday posted five sacks in two years in a Bearcats uniform. He seems to fit Steve Spagnuolo’s vision for the hybrid role Chenal played so well in Kansas City. Plus, he graduated from Arlington (Tenn.) High School, which also produced Walker. The two had the same high-school head coach, Adam Sykes.
Oct 11, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. (0) looks on during the game between the Texas Longhorns and the Oklahoma Sooners at the Cotton Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images | Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Anthony Hill, Texas
-------------------
Worthy’s teammate in 2023, Hill dominated at Texas over his three seasons. He led the SEC in tackles for loss with 16½ in 2024. He also posted three career interceptions and 17 sacks. The Chiefs will take a long, hard look at Hill before they’re on the clock in the second and third rounds.
Dec 19, 2025; Norman, OK, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Justin Jefferson (10) against the Oklahoma Sooners during the CFP National Playoff First Round at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Justin Jefferson, Alabama
-------------------------
Not to be confused with the Vikings’ All-Pro wide receiver, Jefferson is an intriguing prospect for the Chiefs. He’s smaller than the others (6-0, 223) but Spagnuolo would love his nose for the ball. He forced three fumbles during his Crimson Tide career. His ability to cover tight ends and larger receivers will be key in where the Chiefs grade him, whether he’s a Day 2 or Day 3 projection.
Bryce Boettcher, Oregon
-----------------------
One of the more fascinating prospects, Boettcher is a linebacker on some draft boards while other teams consider him a defensive back. Spagnuolo loves versatility in players, allowing the Chiefs to keep offenses off balance, so Boettcher should get legitimate consideration. Another unofficial Chiefs scout, Mahomes, will love Boettcher’s college baseball experience. The Houston Astros drafted Boettcher in 2024 but he opted to return to Oregon. Plus, he played with Bassa in Eugene, a player bidding to start in Chenal’s job with the Chiefs.
May 31, 2024; Santa Barbara, CA, USA; Oregon outfielder Bryce Boettcher (28) reacts after hitting a solo home run in top of the eleventh inning of an NCAA Baseball Santa Barbara Regional against the San Diego at Caesar Uyesaka Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images | Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images