Chiefs News Happy Draft Day! Rueben Bain Jr. is ‘on KC’s radar’

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2026 NFL mock draft: 32 first-round predictions, plus intel | ESPN

9. Kansas City Chiefs

Miller’s pick prediction: Rueben Bain Jr., Edge, Miami

As one source in Kansas City told me, “We don’t expect to be drafting this high again for a long time,” and the Chiefs have inquired about moving up the board even more. While I wouldn’t completely rule it out, they’re likely to stick and pick at No. 9 unless Bailey slips a bit. Based on multiple conversations with scouts, Bain’s sub-31-inch arm length is not a concern, despite defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo historically preferring players with long arms. Bain’s speed and power off the edge are seen as difference-making traits.

Fowler’s intel: Bain is firmly on Kansas City’s radar. The Chiefs would like to address corner, wide receiver and possibly offensive line at some point early in the draft, depending on how things fall. It will be interesting to see if the Chiefs, who have worked the phones, sense the Saints would take Bain and try to maneuver. Some people I’ve talked to think that’s at least a possibility.

29. Kansas City Chiefs (via LAR)

Miller’s pick prediction: Chris Johnson, CB, San Diego State

Getting Bain at No. 9 allows Kansas City flexibility here. I believe wide receivers would be in play if the board fell differently, as a team source mentioned that Rashee Rice’s off-field conduct might prevent the Chiefs from re-signing him after his deal expires following the 2026 season. Xavier Worthy also has not broken out yet, but this mock draft is not favorable for K.C. getting a wideout here. Instead, Spagnuolo would get a fast, long-limbed cornerback with the tenacity to consistently win fights for the ball. With Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson off to the Rams, a need exists at outside corner.

Five trades that could shake up the 2026 NFL Draft: Kyle Pitts to the Chiefs, Cowboys fix secondary hole | CBS Sports

Chiefs get: Kyle Pitts
Falcons get: First-round pick (29th overall)

The Falcons would likely be open to this deal for two reasons: For one, they don’t have a first-round pick this year, so this would get them the chance to get back into the opening round. Also, Pitts is set to play under the franchise tag, which will pay him $15 million in 2026. If the Falcons trade him away, that will immediately free up $15 million in cap space.

The Falcons only have five picks in the draft this year, so you can bet they’ll be looking to add to that total and trading Pitts would certainly help.

On the Chiefs’ end, if they were to acquire Pitts, he would serve as the heir apparent to Travis Kelce. The Chiefs’ star tight end recently signed on for his 14th season in Kansas City, but at 36, it’s hard to see him playing past the 2026 season. If the Chiefs add Pitts, that would give Patrick Mahomes an almost unfair advantage in the passing game.

Kansas City Chiefs 2026 NFL Draft: Picks, biggest needs, best fit and trade predictions | USA Today

Kansas City Chiefs NFL Draft trade candidate: WR Xavier Worthy

Per USA TODAY’s Jack McKessy:

After a solid rookie season in 2024, the 2025 season made it appear that Worthy’s rookie production may have been a result of Rashee Rice’s injury-related absence. The young wideout took a backseat to Rice, tight end Travis Kelce and veteran Hollywood Brown in 2025. The future of the former first-round pick in Kansas City is more uncertain, but it’s been proven that NFL teams are willing to take chances on a field-stretching speedster like Worthy in their receiving corps. Perhaps one of those other teams will take that chance on Worthy in return for draft picks.

Nick Jacobs’ 2026 final first-round mock draft | KSHB 41

9. Kansas City Chiefs – WR Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State
Many mock drafts have paired the Chiefs with an offensive tackle at the nighth pick. The Chiefs should rarely be in this position. Tyson has some risk with his injury history, but he provides the Chiefs a different dynamic they lack at wide receiver. A receiver who can get open and create space with his size alone.

29. Kansas City Chiefs – CB Jermod McCoy, Tennessee
The Chiefs might be in play for an offensive tackle at this spot. Here is where I push back. From left to right, they have invested a first round pick at left tackle, second round pick at left guard, second round pick at center, sixth round pick at right guard who would have likely been ranked higher if not for his medical history. You want to invest another day one or day two pick in a potential right tackle? That line better play like the 2002-2003 Chiefs offensive lines if that is the case.

McCoy’s medical history will likely cause some teams to pause. If the Chiefs medical staff signs off on it, take him. McCoy is a playmaking corner when healthy. His athletic ability paired with Chiefs Defensive Backs Coach Dave Merritt is a match made in football heaven. McCoy could arguably be a top ten pick if not for the knee issue.

Prisco’s ‘What teams should do’ mock draft: Giants take Dexter Lawrence replacement, Cowboys add to defense | CBS Sports

Round 1 — Pick 9
Rueben Bain Jr. EDGE
Miami (Fla.) — JR — 6’2” 263 LBS

Projected Team: Kansas City
Prospect Rank: 2nd
Position Rank: 1st

Yes, he has short arms. Yes, he had some off-field concerns. But he is a playmaker. The Chiefs have to amp up that pass rush.

Travis Kelce said there’s one trait he wants to see in any player Chiefs draft | The Kansas City Star

On the latest episode of the New Heights podcast, Kelce was asked by big brother, Jason, about the NFL Draft, which begins Thursday night. The Chiefs have the ninth and 29th picks in the first round.

Travis Kelce said he wants someone who will make an impact on the field, in practices and inside the Chiefs’ locker room.

“I’m just hoping for a guy that loves ball, man,” Kelce said. “You know, I think one of the things that you just want to have when you get back into the building after a season like last year, you just want guys that love what they’re … doing. And I think it’s one of the things that I look for in these young guys when they come in: … How infectious is your energy? I need that out of these young guys, man.

Around the NFL

Mike Vrabel to seek counseling, won’t be with Patriots for NFL draft Day 3 | ESPN

New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel won’t be with the team for the third day of the NFL draft Saturday.

“As I said the other day, I promised my family, this organization and this team that I was going to give them the best version of me that I can possibly give them. In order to do so, I have committed to seeking counseling, starting this weekend,” Vrabel said Wednesday night. “This is something that I have given a lot of thought to and is something I would advise a player to do if I was counseling them.

“I have always wanted to lead by example, and I believe this is what I have to do to be the best husband, father and coach that I possibly can be. This is not an easy thing for me to admit, but it is one that I know will make me a better person. I appreciate the support that everyone has given me and promise a stronger resolve as a result.”

Vrabel, who has two sons with his wife, Jen, plans to be with his family this weekend outside of Massachusetts.

Stephen Jones: There will be no long-term deal with George Pickens in 2026 | Pro Football Talk

After giving up a third-round pick last year for receiver George Pickens, the Cowboys had no plan to turn the remainder of his contract into a fair long-term deal, if he performed at a high level. (He did.) Instead, the apparent plan was to employ him at a salary of $3.65 million in 2025 and, if he has a big year, to take full advantage of the franchise tag in 2026.

The market for receivers dramatically outpaces the franchise tag, by nearly $15 million per year. And so, in lieu of giving Pickens the contract he has earned, the Cowboys will hide behind the CBA provision that allows them to pay Pickens $27.298 million in 2026 — even though the market has recently moved to $42.15 million per year, thanks to the Jaxon Smith-Njigba deal.

Cowboys executive Stephen Jones confirmed that plan during a pre-draft press conference on Wednesday.

“There won’t be negotiations on a long-term deal,” Jones said, via Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.

In case you missed it on Arrowhead Pride

Chiefs trade back with Cowboys in Peter Schrager’s final mock draft

Is trading up nine spots worth the opportunity cost of multiple draft picks later in the class for a Chiefs team that needs an influx of young talent at many positions?

According to the Rich Hill Trade Value Chart, the Cowboys’ first-round picks have 616 points of combined value while the Chiefs have 589 points. Kansas City is winning the trade on paper, but could there be a more valuable trade for the Chiefs to be had?

Unfortunately, the Cowboys do not have a second-round pick, so it is tough to find a worthwhile haul for more picks out of Dallas.

Could there be another trade-back partner out there? The Miami Dolphins have the 11th and 30th-overall selections, but could also send one of the team’s four third-round picks with the duo of Day 1 selections to trade up to No. 9 and No. 29. The Baltimore Ravens are also worth noting, holding the 14th and 45th selections in the first year of a new regime.