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NFL 2026 NFL Draft Texas Tech's David Bailey is considered by some to be the best edge rusher in the draft, but would he fit in the Chiefs defense? Nathan Giese / Lubbock Avalanche-Journal After the first waves of free agency, it’s time to take an updated look at the Chiefs’ big board. In Version 1. 0, I projected 10 players for Kansas City on each of the draft’s three days. In the latest version, let’s take a closer look at the early picks. Here are five prospects that could make sense for the Chiefs for each of their selections in the first three rounds. Advertisement Things can change, yes, but I’d anticipate the Chiefs getting an edge rusher or wide receiver early if the draft falls their way. As mentioned in last week’s mailbag,  Rueben Bain Jr. is the type of high-intelligence player the Chiefs typically value. I’d expect he’s high up on their board as they look to solidify the defensive line. David Bailey, meanwhile, has great speed and is considered by some to be the best edge rusher available. Still, there are questions about whether he’d be a better outside linebacker in a 3-4 defense than a defensive end in a 4-3, which means the Chiefs will have to be convinced he fits into their 4-3 setup if they turn in their draft card for him. Then there are the receivers. Carnell Tate — I had him going to the Chiefs in my last mock draft — seems to be the consensus top wideout, even if there are legitimate questions about how his athleticism and skill set will translate to the NFL. Makai Lemon is a QB-friendly option who could help the Chiefs fix some of their recent struggles against man coverage. While Jordyn Tyson might seem like a reach at No. 9, given his injury history, he’s been a huge riser in mock drafts according to Grinding The Mocks’ data, meaning he’s back in a position where the Chiefs would be trusting their scouting ability (and medical reports) if they choose to go this direction. What if there’s a huge run early on edge rushers and receivers? The Chiefs, if there were no takers on trade-downs, could look toward some of the non-premium position players with the cleanest tape, like Ohio State safety Caleb Downs. In an ideal world, though, this four-year, $31 million contract for the No. 9 pick would go toward a position that is otherwise expensive to fill in free agency. After hearing Chiefs general manager Brett Veach talk at the combine, I’m more convinced that the Chiefs are determined to use another high draft pick to bolster their interior defensive line. Advertisement This No. 29 pick looks to be a sweet spot for potentially addressing that. Kayden Mc Donald is more of a run stuffer, and though the Chiefs just signed Khyiris Tonga for that role, there is nothing wrong with adding D-line depth and trying to lock down that position for the long term. Mc Donald and Peter Woods, who both just turned 21, also fit Veach’s preference for younger prospects, even if Woods didn’t hit production levels most expected this season at Clemson. Caleb Banks broke his foot at the combine and isn’t expected back until June, which will be part of his overall evaluation. There seems to be a pocket of depth at receiver in this late-first-round to early-second-round range, which means the Chiefs could remain patient on the position while believing a good one could still be available with their next pick at 40. Even considering that, Denzel Boston might be too good to pass up as an outside receiver with strong ball skills. I don’t think cornerback will be a huge focus here — the Chiefs have been great at developing late-round cornerbacks recently — but Avieon Terrell is a name worth watching because his play style is so similar to that of Trent Mc Duffie (he even says he models his game after Mc Duffie). I ultimately went with Mc Donald for the Chiefs in our latest beat writer mock draft at No. 29, but Terrell was certainly under consideration. Though perhaps it’s optimistic to think KC Concepcion falls this far, a glut of receivers at this point in the draft means at least one could be available at No. 40. Concepcion is a separation specialist and would provide quarterback Patrick Mahomes with a potential quick option in the passing game. The draft has some depth at edge rusher, with Zion Young and Gabe Jacas seeming like particularly good fits with the Chiefs. Young (6-foot-6, 262 pounds) has the type of size that defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo usually prefers, while Jacas is the type of high-character, win-with-power prototype who would draw immediate comparisons to current guys George Karlaftis and Ashton Gillotte. Advertisement If the Chiefs pass on a defensive tackle at 29, they could still get one here. Christen Miller and Lee Hunter both posted excellent run-stopping stats last season while also flashing upside for more pass-rush potential. This draft is thin on running backs, meaning the Chiefs would likely have to target Mike Washington Jr. here if they wanted him. Washington ran a 4. 33-second 40-yard dash at the combine and appears to be a draft riser because of that. Domonique Orange — a K. C. kid nicknamed “Big Citrus” — said he met with the Chiefs at the combine. He was a fun media interview and profiles as a run stopper right away. The Chiefs tend to start targeting cornerbacks in this third-round range, and Davison Igbinosun is the exact type of player they gravitate toward: tall, physical and with an aggressiveness that they embrace more than many other NFL defenses. Max Klare has the type of athleticism you can dream on as a potential Travis Kelce successor. Josiah Trotter, meanwhile, can’t be ignored for a few reasons; his father, Jeremiah, was a Pro Bowl player for Spagnuolo with the Eagles, and Josiah is often compared to current Chiefs linebacker Nick Bolton, who could be a 2027 cut to clear salary-cap space. Spot the pattern. Connect the terms Find the hidden link between sports terms Play today's puzzle Jesse Newell is a staff writer for The Athletic covering the NFL's Kansas City Chiefs. Before joining The Athletic, Jesse worked as a staff writer for the Kansas City Star, Topeka Capital-Journal and Lawrence Journal-World while covering the Chiefs and University of Kansas Athletics. Jesse has won an EPPY for best sports blog and previously has been named top beat writer in his circulation by AP’s Sports Editors. He is originally from Emporia, Kansas. Follow Jesse on Twitter @jessenewell