Chiefs Mock Draft: KC replaces Travis Kelce with bold pick in Round 1
· Yahoo Sports
Kansas City Chiefs general manager Brett Veach may need to replace superstar tight end Travis Kelce during the 2026 offseason, and the draft could be his best opportunity to land the long-tenured pass-catcher's successor.
While the Chiefs have needs on both sides of the ball, Patrick Mahomes can't afford to be without a reliable safety valve when he returns to the field next season.
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Take a look at this full seven-round mock draft, which sees Veach target Kelce's replacement in Round 1 before turning his attention elsewhere on Days 2 and 3.
Round 1, Pick No. 9: Oregon Ducks TE Kenyon Sadiq
Sadiq is the best tight end in this class and would be a relatively low-risk selection for Kansas City's No. 9 pick. Though Sadiq probably won't be able to replace Kelce's production as a rookie, Mahomes would benefit from this pick for years to come and may find a new favorite target in the 2025 Big Ten Tight End of the Year.
Round 2, Pick No. 40: Texas Longhorns LB Anthony Hill Jr.
The Chiefs fix the middle of their defense by taking Hill — easily the best linebacker available — off the board in Round 2.
Round 3, Pick No. 74: USC Trojans WR Ja'Kobi Lane
Lane might not be the most coveted wide receiver prospect coming out of the University of Southern California this year, but his experience and soft hands make him the best fit for Kansas City on Day 2.
Round 4, Pick No. 109: Tennessee Volunteers EDGE Joshua Josephs
It may take a miracle for Josephs to fall all the way to Round 4, but Veach should jump on the opportunity to pick him up if he is available when the Chiefs make the No. 109 pick.
Round 5, Pick No. 146: Indiana Hoosiers RB Kaelon Black
Some fans may be disappointed if Kansas City waits this long to take a running back, but Black is exactly the kind of rusher who could take the Chiefs' ground game to the next level.
Round 5, Pick No. 176: Minnesota Golden Gophers DL Deven Eastern
Eastern is an underrated run-stuffer who could fight for snaps in a rotational role as a rookie. This selection isn't particularly exciting, but helps shore up the interior of Steve Spagnuolo's defensive line.
This article originally appeared on Chiefs Wire: 2026 NFL Draft: KC moves on from Travis Kelce in latest 7-round mock