With the Kansas City Chiefs having the ninth and 30th overall selections in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft, there is no doubt that they are going to have options. Kansas City has a lot of holes on its roster. This roster fixing is going to take some time no doubt. The Chiefs have holes on the offensive line, the defensive line, and in the secondary as well.
USATSI 28454166 168422142 lowres
Jacksonville Jaguars defensive end Josh Hines-Allen (41) tackles Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco (10) in the first quarter during a Monday Night Football game at EverBank Stadium, Monday, Oct. 6, 2025, in Jacksonville, Fla.
General manager Brett Veach needs to rebuild the roster after having so many successful teams as of late. Kansas City missed the playoffs last season with a 6-11 record. It is going to take a couple of draft seasons to fix the holes on the roster. Will they address the line in the first-round or are they going to head in a different direction?
Latest NFL Mock Draft Has the Kansas City Chiefs Selecting Safety Caleb Downs Ninth Overall
USATSI 28643280 168422142 lowres
Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs (2) and defensive end Eddrick Houston (96) tackle Miami Hurricanes running back Mark Fletcher Jr. (4) during the Cotton Bowl at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas for the College Football Playoff quarterfinal game on Dec. 31, 2025. Ohio State lost 24-14.
Nick Baumgardner of the Athletic created his latest 2026 NFL Mock Draft. With the ninth overall selection, he has the Chiefs making a surprising selection by going with Ohio State Buckeyes safety Caleb Downs. Baumgardner said, “Tackle could be an option for Kansas City, depending on how the board shakes out. But Downs has the potential to help transform a defensive culture and give a D-coordinator new wrinkles almost immediately. He’s not Kyle Hamilton, but he’s the smartest defender — and best tackler — in this class.”
Downs might be gone by the time the Chiefs are on the clock ninth overall. He is 6’0″ and weighs 205 lbs. Downs recorded 68 tackles, one sack, two forced fumbles, two interceptions, and one pass deflection. He is no doubt the best safety in this draft class. This would be a good addition to Kansas City’s defense. With that being said, they are more likely to address the offensive line or the defensive line ninth overall in the 2026 NFL Draft.
For More Great Football Content
Follow me on Twitter at @glennkaplan13 more great content. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in college and professional football, click here!