Hailey
For most of the last decade, the Kansas City Chiefs have been a consistent playoff team, usually drafting late in the first round. The 2026 NFL Draft, however, looks very different for Kansas City.
After a difficult regular season, the Chiefs are projected to hold a top-10 first-round pick, something fans have not seen in years.
Early draft projections place Kansas City around the 9th overall pick. This estimate is based on the NFL’s draft order rules, which rank teams by regular-season record first and then apply tiebreakers when records are equal.
Because the Chiefs finished outside the playoff picture, their first-round position is already set among the non-playoff teams.
Where The Kansas City Chiefs Are Expected To Pick
As things stand, the Chiefs are projected to select 9th overall in Round 1 of the NFL Draft. Their final record placed them in the middle of the non-playoff group, and strength of schedule tiebreakers pushed them into the top 10 rather than the middle of the round.
This position is important because picks inside the top 10 usually provide access to elite prospects—players expected to start quickly and make an immediate impact.
Chiefs’ Projected 2026 First-Round Draft Snapshot
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Projected Round 1 Pick | No. 9 overall |
| Playoff Status | Did not qualify |
| Draft Tier | Non-playoff teams (Top 18 locked) |
| Draft Value | High trade and roster value |
| Likely Strategy | Best player available or trade-down |
How The NFL Draft Order Is Determined
Understanding why the Chiefs are picking early helps explain the projection:
- Regular-season record determines the base order, with worse records picking earlier.
- Strength of schedule is used as the first tiebreaker when teams have the same record.
- Non-playoff teams automatically receive the first 18 picks.
- Playoff teams pick later, based on how far they advance.
Since Kansas City did not reach the postseason, their draft slot falls into the locked non-playoff range, making the projected position far more stable than those of playoff teams.
What A Top-10 Pick Means For Kansas City
Holding a top-10 draft pick gives the Chiefs several powerful options:
- Premium talent access: Elite prospects at key positions are usually available in this range.
- Trade flexibility: Teams often trade up into the top 10, giving Kansas City leverage.
- Roster reset opportunity: A high pick allows the front office to address long-term needs quickly.
Team analysts expect Kansas City to focus on positions such as offensive line, wide receiver, cornerback, and tight end, depending on how the board falls. A top-10 pick allows them to avoid reaching and instead select a true impact player.
When And Where The 2026 NFL Draft Will Take Place
The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled for April 23–25, 2026, and will be hosted in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Kansas City’s first-round selection is expected to come on the opening night, making it one of the most-watched moments of the draft for Chiefs fans.
The Kansas City Chiefs are currently expected to pick around 9th overall in the 2026 NFL Draft, a rare and valuable position for a franchise accustomed to late first-round selections.
This projected slot reflects a challenging season but also presents a major opportunity. Whether the Chiefs use the pick to select a future cornerstone player or trade down for additional assets, a top-10 choice gives them flexibility, leverage, and a clear path toward reshaping the roster for the seasons ahead.