Will the Chiefs Select an Offensive Lineman in the 2026 NFL Draft?
The loss of a starting quarterback is devastating to a football team, let alone when the team is the Chiefs and the quarterback is a future Hall of Famer in Patrick Mahomes. During a miserable Kansas City 2025 season, in which Mahomes missed the playoffs for the first time since being a starter, he suffered the most serious injury of his career. In Week 15, in a game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Mahomes tore both his ACL and LCL in his left knee. This was the crescendo to a 6-11 season that is still resonating in the ears of Chiefs Kingdom. During the 2025 campaign, Mahomes was sacked 34 times, the second most of his career. For the Chiefs, the season was a continuation of Super Bowl LIX against the Philadelphia Eagles, when Mahomes was constantly harassed by a dominant Philly defense, throwing two interceptions and suffering six sacks. What can Kansas City do in the 2026 season to keep its three-time Super Bowl MVP upright and out of harm’s way?
With the signing of Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III at running back to a three-year deal worth $43.05 million, it appears the Chiefs have chosen to invest heavily in changing their usual pass-heavy philosophy. At least, it appears they will be running the ball more than one is accustomed to seeing in an Andy Reid offense. Effectively running the ball will definitely take some pressure off Mahomes, but will the Chiefs be satisfied with that, or will they fortify the offensive line even more with a high draft pick? The Chiefs haven’t had a top 10 pick since trading up with the Buffalo Bills to draft Mahomes at tenth overall in 2017. With other needs across the field, such as at defensive end, cornerback, and wide receiver, will KC spend their top pick on an offensive lineman to add further protection for their franchise quarterback and fortify their newly-acquired bell-cow running back in Walker? With the release of penalty-plagued offensive tackle Jawaan Taylor, it’s certainly a possibility.
The top two offensive tackle prospects in the draft are Spencer Fano, out of the University of Utah, and Francis Mauigoa, out of the University of Miami. Fano has played both left and right tackle, which is an attractive attribute, while Mauigoa spent his time in Miami honing his skills by practicing with Miami teammate and top defensive prospect Rueben Bain Jr. Alongside All-Pro center Creed Humphrey, Pro-Bowler guard Trey Smith, Fano, or Mauigoa could be vital high-end pieces to a blockbuster offensive line, along with 2025 first-round pick Josh Simmons. With Wanya Morris coming off a season-ending injury, and Kingsley Suamataia still developing, a top ten tackle may be the most important spot to fill for the Chiefs. Especially considering the injury Mahomes sustained to end his season in 2025.
There are multiple positions Kansas City must address. Given that wide receiver Rashee Rice could face suspension for misconduct off the field, and Xavier Worthy hasn’t been consistent, a true top receiver could be a priority, with Jordyn Tyson from Arizona State being a possibility, as well as Makai Lemon from USC. With the departure of All-Pro cornerback Trent McDuffie and the lack of pass rush in 2025, Mansoor Delane from LSU could be a target to add to the secondary, while Akheem Mesidor, the defensive end from Miami, could be KC’s answer at edge. Also, Travis Kelce is 36 years old, and though he just resigned with the Chiefs, his heir apparent may be on their minds, and Kenyon Sadiq, out of the University of Oregon, could be just that. Any one of these players, if chosen at ninth overall, could prove exceptional, but if Mahomes isn’t adequately protected, if the sacks and pressures aren’t reduced, it will slow down the dynasty, if not stop it altogether. Drafting a top offensive lineman, solidifying protection for the three-time Super Bowl Champion quarterback, in conjunction with a consistent run game through Walker, will give the Chiefs’ dynasty a better shot at continuing.
