The Kansas City Chiefs enter the 2026 NFL Draft with their highest pick of the Patrick Mahomes era.
They will be on the clock with selections Nos. 9 and 29 and plenty of issues to address on the roster.
So far, most big boards and mock drafts have them taking either a wide receiver or a cornerback with their first selection.
However, decision-makers around the league are expecting the unexpected. As they told NFL insider Jason La Canfora of Sportsboom, they believe Andy Reid will look to strengthen the trenches instead.
The Chiefs might target an OT in Round 1
“You guys can write whatever you want in your mock drafts, but I know Andy Reid,” one executive told La Canfora. “I know how he thinks. And he knows his tackles aren’t good enough.”
The Chiefs released veteran RT Jawaan Taylor, and while Josh Simmons showed signs of promise as a rookie last season, they might choose to move him to the other side of the line and draft his replacement.
Considering that, Monroe Freeling, Kadyn Proctor and Spencer Fano could all be in play for the Chiefs.
“I think it could be Georgia (Monroe Freeling), or it could be Alabama (Kadyn Proctor). Either of those two looks like an Andy Reid left tackle. And the tackle from Utah, that’s where Andy is from. You don’t think he likes that kid (Spencer Fano)?” another executive said.
Should that be the case, it wouldn’t be shocking to see the Chiefs trade down to move into the middle of the first round, considering that all of them should be available in the 12-15 range.
Blindside protection has been a major concern for most of Mahomes’ tenure as a starter, so keeping their quarterback out of harm’s way should be priority number one, especially with him coming off the first major injury of his career.
Source:
www.yardbarker.com
