The 2026 NFL Draft will be a crucial one for the Kansas City Chiefs.

Things fell apart for them in 2025, resulting in an unforeseen 6-11 record. The Chiefs then lost many key starters throughout their roster during free agency. They have signed several new players, and also made a few notable changes in the coaching staff.

It seems as though Kansas City is on the right track to turn things around, but the biggest piece of the puzzle is still to come. The Chiefs have nine selections in this year’s draft, and they need to hit on several of them if they are going to return to prominence in 2026.

Kansas City Chiefs’ Main Goal in 2026 NFL Draft Is to Take Pressure off QB Patrick Mahomes

Players the caliber of Mahomes are always going to shoulder a heavier load than anyone else. However, as great as he is, Kansas City has asked Mahomes to make up for too many deficiencies over the past couple of years. For that reason, the Chiefs made Sports Illustrated’s list of teams who are under the most pressure heading into the draft.

“The Chiefs might have the ultimate advantage—quarterback Patrick Mahomes—but they have quite a few holes on their roster. Outside of Mahomes, the Chiefs’ core is shaky, particularly with Chris Jones and Travis Kelce in the latter stages of their careers. They’ve split with several defensive pieces this offseason, including Leo Chenal and defensive backs Bryan Cook, Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson. As such, they enter the draft with legitimate needs at receiver, corner and edge rusher. With two first-round picks and nine total selections, the Chiefs have the draft capital to address some of those needs, but must get those picks right to improve their roster. The Chiefs were too reliant on Mahomes in 2025, and he showed last year he can’t always carry the team on his own.”

The Chiefs are off to a good start getting Mahomes some higher quality help, signing free agent running back Kenneth Walker III. It can’t stop there, though. Kansas City could still use another impact pass catcher, whether it’s at wide receiver or tight end. There is also still a hole along the offensive line at right tackle. Even addressing needs on defense will ultimately help out Mahomes.

Patrick Mahomes will have input on Chiefs’ draft choices

Mahomes has earned some pull with the Chiefs’ brass over the years, which was confirmed by NFL insider and former quarterback Chris Simms a few weeks ago.

“I’ve been there in Kansas City, they ask him about everything because they know he’s working and involved,” Simms said. “I was there on a day where it was cut day. I was about to interview him and they (Chiefs officials) were like hold on, he’s in the meeting with Andy (Chiefs coach Andy Reid) and (Chiefs general manager) Brett Veach talking about who’s going to make the team and who’s not. I don’t even know if I was supposed to share that, but I just did. Regardless, that’s just the kind of guy he (Mahomes) is.”

Mahomes will be in the ears of his coaches and executives on what additions he would like to see on Kansas City’s roster. As he continues to rehab from the torn ACL he sustained last season, the Chiefs will strive to set him for success as well as possible when he’s ready to return.