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The Kansas City Chiefs could attempt to sign right guard Trey Smith to an extension before NFL free agency.
Speculation over what the Kansas City Chiefs will do with their two first-round picks in the 2026 NFL Draft is running rampant.
No one knows exactly which positions they will address, but we can piece together some clues. While joining the Pat McAfee Show on Tuesday, NFL insider Peter Schrager shared various bits on intel he has gathered ever since he released his mock draft last week. With the Chiefs’ first selection coming at No. 9, they could be impacted by the things he revealed.
GettyTexas Tech edge rusher David Bailey
One of the Chiefs’ biggest needs is an edge rusher, and they hosted Bailey on a top-30 visit recently. However, Schrager is confident that the New York Jets will select Bailey with the second overall pick.
“I will back up what I said, I believe Bailey is still the target at No. 2 for the Jets,” Schrager said. “It’s the production score. A 98 production score out of 100. He had arguably the greatest college football pass rushing season we have seen, with maybe the exception of Myles Garrett in 2017 at Texan A&M, and Aiden Hutchinson a few years back with Michigan. Everyone seems to think that if you’re building a team right now and you need to hit it right on the fairway and need a guy who’s going to produce, it is David Bailey. And that seems to be the Jets at 2.”
Kansas City could attempt to trade up for Bailey, but moving up to No. 2 would be costly. If the Chiefs are set on taking an edge rusher early, it appears they’ll have to go after someone other than Bailey.
GettyOhio State S Caleb Downs
Because safety isn’t considered a premium position, where Downs will end up has been a bit of a mystery despite being labeled as one of the best players in this year’s draft class. Schrager had him going to the Dallas Cowboys at No. 12 in his mock, but now knows that Downs will not be available after the top 10.
“I have been told by numerous teams, there is no chance in bloody hell that Caleb Downs will be around at 12 overall,” Schrager stated.
That could make the Chiefs an option to take Downs at No. 9. They signed Alohi Gilman during free agency, but don’t have a lot of quality depth behind him. If Kansas City selects Downs, as well as a cornerback later on, it’s secondary would be rebuilt in strong fashion.
GettyArizona State WR Jordyn Tyson.
Schrager sent Tyson to Kansas City in his mock draft at ninth overall. Tyson could easily go in the top 10 based solely off his talent, but his medical history could cause him to slide down.
“Right now, he is viewed as the biggest wildcard in the first round,” Schrager said. “If you just watch the tape, there is no one better. That includes Carnell Tate. There is nobody better than this guy (Tyson) right here. However, MCL, ACL, collarbone, and now hamstring (injuries), what sort of health is he in? There is a good chance this guy, if he clears it all, is top 10. But if he doesn’t, suddenly there are other receivers who have produced more. That’s Carnell Tate, Makai Lemon, even Omar Cooper, who can leap him in the pecking order if teams aren’t comfortable about his health.”
With Rashee Rice’s off-the-field issues now in the clear, the Chiefs may be more willing to take a risk on Tyson than before. Tyson is holding a workout on Friday, April 17, to show how healthy he is. If it is a success, chances are a team will take him relatively early in the draft. If not, Kansas City could have a shot at him at No. 29.
Nick Roesch Nick Roesch covers the NFL for Heavy Sports, with a focus on the Kansas City Chiefs, Green Bay Packers, and Los Angeles Chargers. He previously covered the Chiefs for USA TODAY Sports' Chiefs Wire, and all 32 NFL teams for A to Z Sports. Roesch's career in sports media spans 10 years. More about Nick Roesch
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