The Kansas City Chiefs enter the 2026 NFL Draft with an unusual sense of urgency and anticipation. After suffering their first losing season since 2012, the Chiefs now find themselves in possession of a top-10 pick for the first time in years. This gives the franchise the rare opportunity to improve in ways they haven’t been able to in the Patrick Mahomes era. The Chiefs have nine total picks this year, the most since 2022, which allowed them to secure two Super Bowl victories in consecutive seasons.
Despite the talent still present on the roster, Brett Veach, the Chiefs’ general manager, has been quick to admit that the roster needs help in several areas. As much as the team has found success with Mahomes, it’s clear that a revamped roster is required to maintain that success. Specifically, the Chiefs’ offensive and defensive lines have shown to be vulnerable, and with the upcoming draft, it’s clear the team is focused on upgrading these positions.
Defensive Line: A Critical Need for Depth
While the Chiefs have made efforts to bolster their defensive line through the offseason, there’s a clear recognition that the unit remains lacking depth, especially when looking at long-term success. In Veach’s recent media appearance, he was candid about the state of the defensive line, citing it as a critical area that will need to be addressed, not just early in the draft, but possibly multiple times throughout the weekend.
“We’re a few short there,” Veach admitted, referencing the defensive line’s current state. The Chiefs’ most prominent name along the defensive line is Chris Jones, a two-time All-Pro who remains a dominant force. However, outside of Jones, there’s uncertainty. Omarr Norman-Lott, a talented prospect, is coming off an injury, and the addition of Khyiris Tonga via free agency, while helpful, hasn’t solved all the issues.
“Even with the addition of Tonga, I still think we’re a few short there,” Veach reiterated, emphasizing the need for more bodies in the trenches. The Chiefs struggled in 2025 to put consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks, ranking 23rd in the league in sacks with just 35. This inability to disrupt the pocket has been a recurring issue for the Chiefs and could be a significant factor in their downfall during the previous season.
Veach’s comments show a team aware of its weaknesses and intent on addressing them. He pointed out that rounds 3 and 4 could present solid opportunities to add defensive linemen who could make an immediate impact, adding that the Chiefs feel that there are some “really good, solid pockets” of talent in these rounds.
The Chiefs’ defense as a whole needs to improve in 2026, and the defensive line is where they plan to begin their renovation. Veach’s emphasis on depth is particularly important here. Kansas City needs to build a stronger, more consistent pass rush, and having quality rotational players could alleviate the pressure on Jones, who is often the sole focus of opposing offensive lines.
Offensive Line: Continuing to Build the Future
While the Chiefs’ defense has been the primary focus for improvement, the offensive line remains another area that’s still in flux despite recent efforts. Kansas City has invested heavily in this position in recent years, particularly with the drafting of Josh Simmons in the first round of the previous draft, who is slated to anchor the left tackle position in 2026. On the right side, however, the departure of Jawaan Taylor leaves a glaring hole. This sets up a potential competition for the starting right tackle position, with Jaylon Moore as a candidate to step in.
Veach acknowledges the need for more stability along the offensive line, especially in terms of depth. The Chiefs were aggressive in bolstering this unit in the past, but with Taylor’s release, and with Moore stepping into an unproven role, the offensive tackle position becomes one that needs further attention. Veach expressed confidence in the overall talent in the offensive tackle class of 2026, noting that there are multiple players who could be worth targeting if available. “There is certainly talent there,” Veach said of the draft’s offensive tackle prospects. He further explained that while several names have emerged as consensus top picks, the Chiefs’ strategy may involve seizing the opportunity to pick from this talent pool if the right player is available.
With the Chiefs’ top picks sitting at 9th overall and 29th overall, the team has the flexibility to either trade up to secure one of the top-tier tackles or possibly trade back to stockpile more picks later in the draft, depending on how the first few rounds unfold. If a highly rated offensive tackle slips beyond the first handful of picks, the Chiefs could be in prime position to swoop in and grab him.
But as Veach pointed out, the decision isn’t solely about raw talent. It’s about finding the right fit. “It will come down to the scheme fit and coaches’ analysis, the vision, the fit for these guys,” Veach explained. He noted that the Chiefs had made major strides in their offensive line but acknowledged that the right traits must align with the team’s system for the player to succeed.
A Turning Point for Kansas City
Entering the 2026 NFL Draft, the Chiefs find themselves at a critical juncture. Their dynasty is far from over, but a closer look at the team’s current roster reveals that improvements must be made if they hope to continue contending for championships. The defensive and offensive lines are two areas where the Chiefs are eager to add talent, with Brett Veach’s comments pointing to these units as a priority for the draft.
With Chris Jones anchoring the defensive line, the Chiefs are in a great position to add another top-tier pass rusher to complement him. Whether it’s through early picks or finding talent in the later rounds, the Chiefs are poised to make significant improvements in this area.
On the offensive line, the loss of Jawaan Taylor presents a challenge, but it’s also an opportunity to find a long-term solution at the right tackle position. The Chiefs’ focus will likely be on finding a player who can contribute immediately while also developing into a fixture for years to come.
As the Chiefs head into the draft, the strategy is clear: bolster both lines of scrimmage to protect their future and continue their Super Bowl aspirations. With their top picks and a strong draft class ahead, this is a pivotal year for the franchise to not only address current needs but also position themselves for future success.
The Chiefs have the pieces to extend their dynasty, but with the right moves in the 2026 NFL Draft, they could be poised to continue their reign of dominance in the league. The time to strike is now, and it’s clear that the front office is taking the necessary steps to rebuild the team’s foundation for the years ahead.
