The primary excitement of NFL free agency has concluded, and fans are now eagerly anticipating the 2026 draft, set to kick off on Thursday, April 23rd.
The Kansas City Chiefs have emerged as a favorite in mock drafts, boasting a valuable collection of high picks. In Daniel Jeremiah’s “mock draft 3.0” for NFL.com, the Chiefs take a unique approach with their selections at No. 9 and No. 29.
Pick 9
Kansas City Chiefs
Spencer Fano — Utah, OL, JuniorFano is capable of stepping in as the starting right tackle and potentially moving to guard in the future. The Chiefs will likely have insightful knowledge about his skills due to Andy Reid’s connection with former Utah head coach Kyle Whittingham.
Pick 29
Kansas City Chiefs (via LAR)
Colton Hood — Tennessee, CB, Sophomore (RS)The Chiefs acquire one of the most versatile cornerbacks in the draft. Hood is proficient in both coverage and run defense, addressing a significant need for a reconstructing secondary.
Jeremiah anticipates that Kansas City will enhance the offense immediately, although top prospects like Notre Dame’s Jeremiyah Love and Ohio State’s Carnell Tate may not be available, especially after Miami’s Francis Mauigoa is picked third as the first offensive lineman.
Even with the top two defensive backs—Ohio State’s Caleb Downs and LSU’s Mansoor Delane—on the board, Jeremiah believes Kansas City will prioritize an immediate starter at right tackle.
Fano has been the Utes’ starting right tackle for the past two seasons and played left tackle the previous year. With his impressive collegiate stats reflecting 1,616 snaps at right tackle and 543 at left, he stands out as a strong prospect.
Notably, Fano enjoyed a stellar pass-blocking season, not allowing any sacks or hits over 382 snaps, which highlights his high level of performance at the college level, despite concerns about arm length that may impact his position in Kansas City’s roster strategy.
At pick 29, Colton Hood, who turned 21 on February 23, is recognized as an all-around cornerback despite only two years of substantial college play. He made a significant impact at Tennessee, proving valuable in coverage with an impressive play-to-snap ratio and a solid performance at the NFL Scouting Combine, showcasing his speed and agility.
