Coming off a disappointing 6-11 season, the Kansas City Chiefs have as many roster holes to fill as they’ve had in a very long time.
Most would agree that the Chiefs’ top two needs are at running back and pass rusher. They currently have just two running backs under contract for the 2026 season – Brashard Smith and ShunDerrick Powell. Kansas City is expected to significantly remodel its defensive line after ranking 25th in sacks last season with only 35.
The Chiefs have a golden opportunity to add an impact player during the 2026 NFL Draft with the No. 9 overall pick. With the team having multiple needs throughout the roster, they could face a difficult decision when they hit the clock. That was the case in ESPN NFL analyst Field Yates’ latest mock draft that he released on Wednesday.
Kansas City Chiefs select RB Jeremiyah Love at No. 9 overall in Field Yates’ mock draft
GettyNotre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love.
Here’s what Yates had to say about the Chiefs selecting Love:
“While I don’t know if Love will fall to this pick in April, I would be surprised if he makes it past the Chiefs,” Yates wrote. “Simply put, Love is the biggest non-QB difference-maker in the class. As a runner, he has terrific explosiveness and vision. As a receiver, his routes from the slot look no different from a wideout. The Chiefs need a major boost to their backfield after ranking 25th in rushing yards per game (106.6). And I’d imagine general manager Brett Veach would be tempted to sprint the card in himself to make this pick.”
Love has been linked to the Chiefs for some time now, but as Yates pointed out, it’s very possible he is selected before Kansas City hits the clock. Love racked up a whopping 1,372 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish last season, while also adding 27 receptions for 280 yards and three touchdowns.
Love is a complete, workhorse running back who will be ready to carry the load from Day 1. He possesses outstanding speed, underrated power and balance, and excellent receiving skills. While Love would be a tremendous addition to the Chiefs, here’s where things got really interesting in Yates’ mock draft.
Chiefs pass on EDGE Rueben Bain Jr.; Cincinnati Bengals select him with the following pick
GettyRueben Bain Jr. #4 of the Miami Hurricanes
Bain has all the physical gifts you want in a pass rusher, and utilizes them by playing with a high motor. Last season at Miami he recorded 7.5 sacks and three forced fumbles. Having to choose between Love or Bain would be a very high pressure situation for Kansas City. Both could certainly turn out to be great NFL players, but if the Chiefs select the lesser of the two, it could set them back a bit.
What would be even worse is Love being a disappointment and Bain thriving with the AFC rival Bengals. The Chiefs could also go with a player of a different position entirely, or even trade down. Regardless of what they do, having success in this year’s draft will be crucial to them getting back to being a Super Bowl contender.
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