You’re going to see a lot of final mock drafts for the Kansas City Chiefs this week, but I decided to make mine a little bit differently this year.

I wanted to give Chiefs fans an idea of what I would do while also adding a predictive element. What I settled on was a dueling mock draft against an AI trained to think like Chiefs GM Brett Veach.

How did I train my AI? First, I uploaded Veach’s draft history since he took over as general manager following the 2017 NFL Draft. Then, I fed it pre-draft and post-draft press conference transcripts to give the AI context on how Veach views the NFL Draft. I weighted the more recent press conferences more heavily. From there, I uploaded historical data on key thresholds at specific position groups. It had access to confirmed combine formals and pre-draft meetings with 2026 NFL Draft prospects, along with historical context on their importance.

I also uploaded the Chiefs’ stats from last season so the AI could quantify areas that needed improvement relative to NFL averages. The final piece of the puzzle was to upload the Chiefs’ 90-man offseason roster and team needs.

To execute the mock draft, I used the A to Z Sports NFL Mock Draft Simulator. I provided the AI with the list of the 10 best available players at a given pick. I made my picks before the AI, but I didn’t tell it who I had chosen. The AI was prompted to use all available data to make a decision for each draft pick. With all that in mind, here’s a look at how the mock draft competition turned out.

Final Kansas City 2026 NFL Mock Draft

Pick No. 9

Top available: Mansoor Delane, Caleb Downs, Jordyn Tyson, Spencer Fano, Makai Lemon, Monroe Freeling, Jermod McCoy, Kenyon Sadiq, Ola Ioane, and Keldric Faulk.

My pick: Arizona State WR Jordyn Tyson

Solving for the Chiefs’ need for “the guy” on offense in the future just feels like the right move for this draft class. Travis Kelce can’t play forever. Add Tyson and get back to scoring 30+ per game.

What AI Brett Veach did: Auburn DE Keldric Faulk

Edge rusher was the No. 1 need that I provided to the AI. At 6-foot-6 and 275 pounds with 34-inch arms, Faulk meets virtually every Chiefs threshold from a physical standpoint. It’s not an exciting pick for fans, but even a robot can see the upside here.

Pick No. 29

Top available: Kadyn Proctor, Akheem Mesidor, Caleb Banks, Cash Howell, T.J. Parker, CJ Allen, Denzel Boston, Chris Johnson, R Mason Thomas, and Colton Hood.

My pick: Tennessee CB Colton Hood

I’m becoming increasingly comfortable with the idea of taking a cornerback early. The old NFL adage goes that you can never have too many cornerbacks, and the Chiefs need bodies there. Not just for 2026, but also for the long term. Hood gives you a physical man coverage corner who can play outside, but probably crosstrains inside, too.

What AI Brett Veach did: Alabama OT Kadyn Proctor

Offensive tackle wasn’t rated as highly on the AI’s needs list. However, the Chiefs did have a top-30 visit with Proctor. I think it probably took note of Brett Veach’s comments about offensive tackle drying up by pick No. 35. He also hits some athleticism thresholds, despite missing on one key measurable (arm length).

Pick No. 40

Top available: Caleb Banks, Chris Johnson, R Mason Thomas, Denzel Boston, Chris Bell, Zion Young, Christen Miller, Chris Brazzell, D’Angelo Ponds, and Gabe Jacas.

My pick: Florida DT Caleb Banks

There are obviously some questions regarding the nagging foot injury. Plus, there’s still some development and pad-level issues to work out. I just think the 6-foot-6, 310-pound defender would really thrive by learning from Chris Jones.

What AI Brett Veach did: Florida DT Caleb Banks

What a copycat. Based on the information I gave the AI, this doesn’t surprise me. Banks had the medical top-30 visit with Kansas City. Veach, of course, mentioned needing two more defensive linemen in this class during his pre-draft presser. This just makes me feel even more strongly that this is a no-brainer pick if he’s available at pick No. 40.

Pick No. 74

Top available: Ted Hurst, Davison Igbinosun, Dom Orange, Antonio Williams, Jonah Coleman, Genesis Smith, Caleb Tiernan, Dani Dennis-Sutton, Will Lee III, and Keionte Scott.

My pick: Penn State DE Dani Dennis-Sutton

A member of the 2026 All-Juice Team, Dennis-Sutton feels like he was built in a lab solely for Steve Spagnuolo. He hits all of the physical thresholds, but also is quietly one of the more productive players at the position.

What AI Brett Veach did: Georgia State WR Ted Hurst

I think this might have been a “best player available” pick for the AI. Hurst took a pre-draft visit with the Chiefs, and wide receiver is pretty high on the needs list. It makes sense why the AI Brett Veach would value him here.

Pick No. 109

Top available: Brian Parker, Nick Singleton, Isaiah World, Oscar Delp, Dontay Corleone, Bud Clark, Kaleb Proctor, Harold Perkins, Emmett Johnson, and Charles Demmings.

My pick: TCU S Bud Clark

A versatile safety prospect for the Chiefs. Clark has ball skills for days, with four consecutive college football seasons with 3 or more interceptions. At 6-foot-1 and 188 pounds, he’s also a physical presence in run support. He fits the Spags mold.

What AI Brett Veach did: Stephen F. Austin CB Charles Demmings

Cornerback also ranked highly on the needs list, so I can see how the AI prioritized this position group at this pick. Veach also has a history of drafting FCS talent, including Fayetteville State CB Joshua Williams and Western Illinois DT Khalen Saunders. Demmings fits the mold for what K.C. likes at the cornerback spot in terms of physicality and athleticism.

Pick No. 148

Top available: Sam Roush, Kevin Coleman, Jalon Kilgore, Billy Schrauth, Kaleb Elarms-Orr, Ephesians Prysock, Justin Jefferson, Zane Durant, Logan Taylor, and Jeff Caldwell.

My pick: Stanford TE Sam Roush

I’m a big Roush fan. He’s already one of the better blocking tight ends in the class, but I also think there’s big upside as a pass-catcher. He has a 6-foot-6 and 267-pound frame. Plus, he’s a legacy player in Kansas City.

What AI Brett Veach did: South Carolina DB Jalon Kilgore

Nickel/safety versatility probably appealed to the AI here. There’s also really good ball production with eight career interceptions and 21 passes broken up. I think he’s rather role-limited in the NFL, but the AI could’ve done a whole lot worse at pick No. 148.

Pick No. 169

Top available: Landon Robinson, Josh Cameron, Caden Curry, Taureen York, Demon Claiborne, Domani Jackson, Eli Raridon, Cade Klubnik, J.C. Davis, and Keagen Trost.

My pick: Illinois OT J.C. Davis

I hadn’t taken an offensive tackle yet, so this felt right. This one is a bit of a homer pick as Davis played for my UNM Lobos before transferring to play for my Fighting Illini. If the Chiefs wait on offensive tackle, he’s the one I’d want them to target.

What AI Brett Veach did: Navy DT Landon Robinson

Doubling up on the pass-rushing interior defensive linemen. I see you, Brett Veach AI. Robinson is undersized, but his athleticism and production are absolutely worth taking a chance on. Being the top-ranked player on the list I gave to the AI probably played a part in this decision.

Pick No. 176

Top available: Jeremiah Wright, Ar’Maj Reed-Adams, Mikail Kamara, Marlin Klein, Adam Randall, Trey Moore, Jakobe Thomas, Nick Barrett, Kaelon Black, and Febechi Nwaiwu.

My pick: Michigan LB Jimmy Rolder

Call it a reach on my part, as Rolder is 201 on the A to Z Sports big board. Only a one-year starter. Instinctive with impressive closing speed at 6-foot-2 and 238 pounds. He’s someone who could slot in as a SAM linebacker in 2026, but potentially develop into the green-dot-wearer down the line.

What AI Brett Veach did: Indiana RB Kaelon Black

I noted three things the Chiefs still needed at running back in team needs for the AI: Pass protection, short-yardage, and return specialists. Black (5-foot-10, 210 pounds) can handle the first two, at the very least. The one thing I found interesting here is that running back was very low on my AI’s needs list.

Pick No. 210

Top available: Tyren Montgomery, John Michael Gyllenborg, Robert Spears-Jennings, Skyler Gill-Howard, Diego Pounds, Carver Willis, Caleb Douglas, Eli Heidenreich, Red Murdock, and George Gumbs Jr.

My pick: Florida EDGE George Gumbs Jr.

Gumbs felt like that developmental speed-rusher prototype that the Chiefs want, but haven’t really hit on. He’s long (6-foot-6 with 34-inch arms), springy, super-athletic, and the flash plays look really good. It’s just all about further development and consistency.

What AI Brett Veach did: Buffalo LB Khalil “Red” Murdock

The AI got a little sassy with me and spat out Red’s government name. I feel like Brett Veach’s recent comments about the linebacker position stuck with the AI here. I also feel like it valued Murdock’s production (364 tackles and 17 forced fumbles in his career).

Final verdict

Charles Goldman’s Final 2026 NFL Mock Draft:

• 9: Arizona State WR Jordyn Tyson
• 29: Tennessee CB Colton Hood
• 40: Florida DT Caleb Banks
• 74: Penn State EDGE Dani Dennis-Sutton
• 109: TCU S Bud Clark
• 148: Stanford TE Sam Roush
• 169: Illinois OT J.C. Davis
• 176: Michigan LB Jimmy Rolder
• 210: Florida EDGE George Gumbs Jr.

AI Brett Veach’s Final 2026 NFL Mock Draft:

• 9: Auburn DE Keldric Faulk
• 29: Alabama OT Kadyn Proctor
• 40: Florida DT Caleb Banks
• 74: Georgia State WR George Hurst
• 109: SFA CB Charles Demmings
• 148: South Carolina DB Jalon Kilgore
• 169: Navy DT Landon Robinson
• 176: Indiana RB Kaelon Black
• 210: Buffalo LB Red Murdock

Overall, I was surprised by how well the AI drafted. My draft feels a bit more top-heavy with the instant-impact contributors, but I think the AI might’ve actually done a better job on Day 3. That felt especially Brett Veach-like, given his history and penchant for finding late-round steals.

If I do this again next year, I think I’ll feed the AI some of our draft rankings at A to Z Sports to give it better context. It had access to prospect data, but not any specific set of rankings. That’s probably the one area this experiment failed. The only context it had for “best” was the order of the 10 players I gave it to choose from at each pick. If I had the ability to “reach” as I did at 176, the AI should be able to.

KSHB 41 reporter Tod Palmer covers sports business and eastern Jackson County, including Independence. Share your story idea with Tod.

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It’s not sexy. I know it’s not sexy. But I’ve come around to the idea that the Kansas City Chiefs will pick an offensive tackle in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft for the second consecutive year.

Trading back a few spots from No. 9 and picking up an extra second-round pick, an option that popped up on a couple mock-draft simulations, would be ideal, in my opinion, but it remains to be seen if the right scenario materializes Thursday in Pittsburgh.

Maybe the Chiefs get lucky and Ohio State wide receiver Carnell Tate falls into their lap. His downfield ball-tracking skills would energize Kansas City’s offense, but I don’t see him sliding that far.

General Manager Brett Veach singled out four positions Thursday when asked for his thoughts about Kansas City’s first first-round pick — defensive back, offensive line, edge rusher and receiver — so it’s a good bet that’s the player pool from which the Chiefs will be picking.

“We need help in all of those areas,” Veach said. “I do think that we will be in a position there to get one of those players and then add throughout the course of the draft.”

Chiefs GM Brett Veach looks ahead to 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh

The Chiefs may have some intriguing defensive-back options, including Ohio State safety Caleb Downs or LSU cornerback Mansoor Delane.

But the most mocked player to Kansas City is Miami (Florida) edge Rueben Bain Jr., who set the College Football Playoff on fire.

If the Chiefs aren’t sold on Bain and find a partner to move back a few spots, picking the top remaining offensive tackle on their board, USC wide receiver Makai Lemon or Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq would be solid choices in that 12 to 16 range.

But if Kansas City stays put, Veach seemed to hint that OL may be a priority.

“I think you’re going to get a massive run of offensive linemen from 10 to 20, 25,” Veach said. “I think there are numbers there, but when you get to pick 35, those numbers quickly diminish, and then there’s a big fall off.”

Veach suggested edge rusher as a position with depth into the third round, which could be a ruse, or signal that the Chiefs’ staff is locked in on adding to the offensive line earlier than expected.

Last season’s first-round pick, Josh Simmons, showed flashes as a rookie after winning the left tackle job, but health has been an issue for him two years in a row now (at Ohio State and in the NFL). Jaylon Moore is a serviceable option at right tackle after Jawaan Taylor was released, but he needs to clean up his technique in pass protection.

Depth is a major issue with Esa Pole, Wanya Morris and Ethan Driskell listed as the primary backups at offensive tackle.

Some simulations I ran had the top eight OT prospects gone before the Chiefs’ second pick at No. 29, which is why adding another quality piece — even if it’s in the top 10 — would make a lot of sense.

“Offensive line, there is some talent there, but I do think it dries up quickly and by 35 it could be slim pickings,” Veach said.

FIRST ROUND

No. 9 overall — DE Rueben Bain Jr., Miami (Florida)

The Chiefs haven’t picked this high since snagging Eric Fisher from Central Michigan with the first overall pick in 2013.

If Steve Spagnuolo loves Bain’s motor and production enough to overlook questions* about his frame, I think he’s the pick, if available.

*Editor’s note: It doesn’t seem like the deadly March 2024 crash will impact Bain’s draft stock substantially. NFL evaluators apparently have known about it much longer than it’s been public.

Of the 11 NFL defenses with at least 100 quarterback hits last season, only Baltimore converted that pressure into fewer sacks.

Kansas City’s 35 sacks in 2025 were tied for 22nd in the league. Advanced metrics — like QB knockdown and pressure percentages, per Pro Football Reference — were more kind, but the Chiefs also had the third-highest blitz percentage (31.3%).

Generating pass-rush production from the front four would take pressure off the secondary and improve the unit’s third-down defense, which was a glaring weakness a season ago.

Bain was productive from the moment he walked onto the Hurricanes’ campus, racking up 33 1/2 tackles for loss and 20 1/2 sacks in 38 career games.

That said, if Tate or Downs are available, I would be tempted, even if Bain is there, given concerns that his short arms will limit his pass-rush ability in the NFL.

The Chiefs’ deep passing game has disappeared since trading away Tyreek Hill. Tate possesses the elite downfield ball-tracking skills to help Patrick Mahomes conjure magic again, especially if Kenneth Walker III forces teams to play the offense more honestly.

Meanwhile, Downs would be an ideal addition to Spags’ defense.

I get that safety isn’t a “premium” position and it would fly in the face of Veach’s traditional draft strategy, but Downs possesses the versatility, elite instincts, sure tackling, coverage skills, leadership and football IQ to thrive in Kansas City.

Safety is also a position of need with Bryan Cook’s departure and a position the Chiefs have splurged at in the past (Tyrann Mathieu and Justin Reid), so I wouldn’t rule it out.

If Bain, Downs and Tate aren’t available, I think Kansas City goes for its favorite tackle prospect, perhaps Utah’s Spencer Fano or Miami’s Francis Mauigoa.

Personally, I prefer Fano, who appears to be slightly quicker and was a better finisher on tape, but I trust the Chiefs’ evaluation. Given Simmons’ health/injury history and Moore’s inconsistency in pass protection, it wouldn’t be a bad decision, especially with Mahomes coming off major knee surgery.

Delane also would be an option, but — assuming Downs and Tate are gone — Bain or a tackle prospect seems more likely.

In reality, after the top three picks, the draft could get really weird, really fast, so it’s hard to forecast what the board will look like when the Chiefs pick.

Jacob Kupferman/AP

No. 29 overall — OT Blake Miller, Clemson

Acquired from Los Angeles Rams in Trent McDuffie trade

Obviously, the first pick will influence the Chiefs’ decision later, but I’m convinced Veach will address offensive tackle in the first round — and prepared to be wrong about that.

But Kansas City wants to build from the trenches, and Miller will push for the right tackle job immediately upon entering the building.

If the Chiefs prefer Utah’s Caleb Lomu, moving up could be an option.

Similarly, if Arizona State wide receiver Jordyn Tyson slides because of injury concerns, Veach may pounce. It’s too big a risk at No. 9, in my opinion, but Kansas City has shown itself to be more comfortable with complicated medical histories than a lot of teams.

Tennessee cornerback Colton Hood or Ohio State defensive tackle Kayden McDonald also make sense at the end of the first round.

SECOND ROUND

John Raoux/AP

No. 40 overall — DT Caleb Banks, Florida

The trend continues with another addition in the trenches.

Depending on how the board falls, Missouri’s Zion Young could be an option if the Chiefs haven’t addressed edge rusher yet. Veach made it clear the team needs to get younger and add multiple pieces on the defensive interior as well, even after signing Khyiris Tonga.

Banks offers uncommon athleticism for the position, giving him a degree of pass-rush upside from defensive tackle that the draft is lacking overall.

Honestly, it’s a terrible draft for DTs, but Banks might have the most raw talent of the bunch. He didn’t break out as expected in 2025, and the history of foot injuries is a concern, which may push him into the Chiefs’ range early in the second round.

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THIRD ROUND

Mark Humphrey/AP

No. 74 overall — WR Ted Hurst, Georgia State

This feels like the sweet spot for a potential impact wide receiver if Kansas City doesn’t land one in the first round.

I went with Hurst, a 6-foot-4 late bloomer with an insane catch radius. He’s been climbing draft boards fast after a strong Combine showing, and there are concerns about drops, but he’s improved every season in college and brings natural ball-tracking skill combined with size and speed.

Ole Miss’ De’Zhaun Stribling and Indiana’s Elijah Sarratt also could be options in this range, if the Chiefs want to add a big-bodied receiver.

Stribling is the fastest of the bunch, while Hurst has a ridiculous 79 7/8-inch wingspan in addition to being the youngest of the bunch.

Meanwhile, all Sarratt did was produce, including 118 catches for 1,787 yards with 23 touchdowns in two seasons at Indiana. He had 44 touchdown catches overall in four seasons, including a season at Saint Francis (Pennsylvania) and one at James Madison, before joining Curt Cignetti when he moved to the Hoosiers.

If the Chiefs are looking for a smaller receiver with elite speed, Mississippi State’s Brenen Thompson fits the bill. He didn’t do much as a freshman at Texas or in two seasons at Oklahoma, but Brenen broke out last season with the Bulldogs.

This is also the projected range for Georgia’s Zachariah Branch, who is smaller but could handle slot-receiver duties, unlike Thompson.

FOURTH ROUND

Lindsey Wasson/AP

No. 109 overall — CB Tacario Davis, Washington

“Bobo” Davis has the size and aggression the Chiefs covet at the outside corner spot.

After trading McDuffie to the Rams, who also signed Jaylen Watson, Kansas City needs to address the cornerback spot.

The Chiefs, with Dave Merritt providing instruction, have thrived with middle- to late-round talent in the secondary and have some unique clay to work with in Davis.

FIFTH ROUND

Julio Cortez/AP

No. 148 — DT Kaleb Proctor, Southeastern Louisiana

Proctor is a raw prospect and on the small side, but he’s got some athleticism and instincts to blossom with NFL coaching.

Veach won’t hesitate to take multiple bites at the D-line apple if needed — and it’s needed.

Julio Cortez/AP

No. 169 — CB Charles Demmings, Stephen F. Austin

Acquired from Los Angeles Rams in Trent McDuffie trade

Demmings has good size (6 feet, 1 inch) and speed (4.41 40-yard dash) for the position.

Despite playing at a lower level, he showed the production you’d expect from a future NFL contributor with 31 passes defended and eight interceptions in 32 games across his last three college seasons.

Vera Nieuwenhuis/AP

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No. 176 — LB Aiden Fisher, Indiana

Compensatory pick

He’s not an elite athlete by NFL standards, but he was a tackling machine and unquestioned leader for the national champion Hoosiers.

That pedigree, production married with intangibles, has worked for the Chiefs before.

Fisher has drawn comparisons to Drue Tranquill.

BYU’s Jack Kelly might also be an option in this range among linebacker prospects.

I also wouldn’t be stunned if the Chiefs explore a running back in the fifth round.

SIXTH ROUND

Adam Hunger/AP

No. 210 — S Jalen Huskey, Maryland

Acquired from Los Angeles Rams in Trent McDuffie trade

Based on previous picks, there are several ways I could go here — safety feels like the most glaring unplugged hole, but a running back or another receiver also makes a lot of sense.

It’s a dart throw at this stage of the draft, so I went with Huskey.

He had 11 interceptions in 36 games during his last three collegiate seasons, including his second season at Bowling Green and two as a starter for the Terrapins.

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