Chiefs mock draft drops three big names fans should track for 2026

To some, it might look a bit silly to peer forward to the 2026 NFL Draft right now. The 2025 NFL Draft is already completed, the 2026 version is still a long way off, and mock drafts are fodder only for the early spring months, right?

We don't agree.

We're always interested in what future draft classes might resemble for the Kansas City Chiefs, and a recent mock from Pro Football Network went three rounds deep into the 2026 draft class. To that end, we thought we'd round up the selections earmarked for Kansas City and see what a rookie haul could bring.

Round 1 - Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU

What to know: Two-year starter at Virginia Tech with 4 INTs and 7 PBUs in 2024. Now transferred to LSU. All-ACC Third Team last year.

They say: "With a change of scenery and a chance to showcase his talent against SEC receivers, Mansoor Delane will be a name to track in 2026. His length and hips make him a difficult defensive back to break away from."

We say: It's impossible to get too much into the particulars of a 2026 prospect here but a highly productive cornerback makes a lot of sense as an early investment for the Chiefs at that point in time. Trent McDuffie is set to get expensive on a likely extension. Meanwhile, Jaylen Watson, Joshua Williams, and Nazeeh Johnson all set for free agency.

Round 2 - Makhi Hughes, RB, Oregon

What to know: Ranked in top 20 nationally in both rushing touchdowns (15) and yards per game (100.8) for Tulane. Transferred to Oregon for the coming season, which should show what he can do against tougher competition away from the AAC.

We say: Hughes or another second-round running back would not be surprising given that the Chiefs were reportedly interested in adding a back earlier than they did in 2025 (7th-round pick Brashard Smith out of SMU). Isiah Pacheco is set to be a free agent, and Smith is the only back signed for 2026 and beyond. There will be a need for an every-down back next spring.

Round 3 - Trey Moore, EDGE, Texas

What to know: After setting pass-rushing records at UT-San Antonio (14 in a season), he transferred to Texas in 2024 and was third on the team with 6.5 sacks. Had 10.5 tackles for loss in his first year. Needs to bulk to hold up as an every-down end.

We say: This would be interesting for the Chiefs to continue to add early draft assets at the edge position. George Karlaftis was the first-round pick in 2021, followed by another in Felix Anudike-Uzomah in 2023. Ashton Gillotte was an early third in 2025. Moore would give the Chiefs a pipeline of youth and depth as others phase out—Charles Omenihu will be a free agent, and Mike Danna will be in a contract year in 2026.

The production is there to entice the Chiefs, even if he's not the prototypical grab for a Steve Spagnuolo defense in terms of build and length. Ashton Gillotte himself was a very productive outlier and proven effort/production guys should always add value along a line like this.