Brett Veach Kansas City Chiefs
Getty
Brett Veach Kansas City Chiefs
By now the Kansas City Chiefs probably have most of their 2026 NFL Draft strategy set.
There is an element of unpredictability that all teams must be prepared for, but they’ll try to stick to a general plan. The closer we get, the more mock drafts keep rolling in. However, some carry more weight than others.
That is the case for ESPN NFL analyst Peter Schrager’s mock draft that he released Tuesday morning. Schrager was present during last week’s annual league meetings, and he sat down for a one-on-one interview with Chiefs general manager Brett Veach. Over the several years Schrager has had close ties to the happenings in Kansas City’s organization.
Kansas City Chiefs Select WR Jordyn Tyson With No. 9 Overall Pick in Peter Schrager’s Mock Draft
Jordyn Tyson.
GettyWR Jordyn Tyson.
Here’s what Schrager had to say about the possibility of the Chiefs taking Tyson with the ninth pick:
“With a top-10 pick for the first time since 2017 — when the Chiefs took some guy named Patrick Mahomes — Kansas City can go in a variety of directions here. Cornerback and edge rusher are certainly options. I still think finding offensive playmakers is a major priority, though, especially with Mahomes coming off the ACL injury. Tyson pops more than any other receiver in this draft class; he just needs to stay healthy.”
As Schrager alluded to, the only red flag on Tyson is his significant injury history. In 2022 he sustained a major knee injury, tearing his ACL, PCL, and MCL. Then in 2024 Tyson fractured his clavicle that required surgery to repair. During this past season in 2025, he battled through injuries to both hamstrings, which cost him multiple games.
Because of those injuries, Tyson could be considered a reach at No. 9, as many feel that he could slide to the bottom of the first round or top of the second. From a talent perspective, Tyson is considered by most to be the most talented receiver in this year’s draft class. He can play on the outside and in the slot, possesses a great blend of speed and size, and is a complete route runner.
Chiefs Select CB Colton Hood With No. 29 Overall Pick in Schrager’s Mock Draft
CB Colton Hood
GettyCB Colton Hood
Here’s what Schrager had to say about the possibility of Kansas City taking Hood at 29:
“Hood was highly productive last season, with 10 pass breakups despite Jermod McCoy being out of the lineup opposite him. Kansas City lost three key defensive backs in free agency (Trent McDuffie, Jaylen Watson and Joshua Williams), so there is a big need. Hood — the nephew of former pro Roderick Hood — brings a pro-style mentality and a knack for being around the ball.”
The Chiefs have had major turnover at the cornerback position this offseason. Gone are former starters McDuffie and Watson, but in are newly signed free agents Kader Kohou and Kaiir Elam. Second year man Nohl Williams and veteran Kristian Fulton are expected to take on larger roles in 2026 after showing promise last season.
However, Kansas City would be wise to still use a high pick on a cornerback. Williams, Fulton, and Kohou may be a solid trio, but there’s an element of unknown. Adding another corner to the mix that can make an immediate impact would round out the group nicely. The Chiefs have plenty of draft capitol to make it happen with four picks in the top 75 and nine in total.
ESPN
.@PSchrags projects all 32 first-round picks based on what he’s hearing 👀
Full first round mock draft: t.co/3t1v3ggvIs