There are over three months until the 2026 NFL Draft, but with the Kansas City Chiefs’ offseason underway, it’s time to consider what draft prospects the Chiefs could select with the ninth overall pick.
On Sunday, Pro Football Focus analyst Gordon McGuinness published a first-round mock draft that had two popular names for the Chiefs’ pick taken in the top 3. The New York Jets selected edge rusher David Bailey from Texas Tech, then the Arizona Cardinals drafted Ohio State safety Caleb Downs.
With the fourth selection, the Tennessee Titans are matched with Miami defensive end Rueben Bain Jr. In the remaining four spots before Kansas City’s selection, three wide receivers are taken.
9. Kansas City Chiefs: RB Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame
As long as Patrick Mahomes is the Chiefs‘ quarterback, opposing defenses will have reason to worry. A dynamic running back would only lift Kansas City’s attack in 2026. Love earned elite PFF overall grades of 91.1 and 93.9 over the past two seasons, and he averaged 4.5 yards after contact in 2025. He would instantly be the favorite to win Offensive Rookie of the Year if he landed in Kansas City.
My takeaway
In this scenario, the Chiefs miss out on the worthwhile defensive talent at the top of the draft class — except for Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese.
He is certainly a premier prospect for modern NFL defense, but that is not necessarily the brand that defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo plays with in the front seven.
With that misfit in mind, the best pick in this spot absolutely would be Jeremiyah Love. Kansas City needs to make the most of a top-10 pick, and he would be the most impactful pick here, all things considered.
