The Kansas City Chiefs have two big holes to fill in the upcoming NFL Draft. An analyst has identified five prospects who could be the answer.

The Athletic’s NFL analyst, Jesse Newell, has laid out five prospects as per the Chiefs’ needs with both offensive and defensive players.

“Things can change, yes, but I’d anticipate the Chiefs getting an edge rusher or wide receiver early if the draft falls their way,” Newell wrote.

NFL analysts all over have been discussing the need for the Chiefs to sign an elite edge rusher, and Newell predicts the Chiefs might draft Rueben Bain Jr. or David Bailey, with their No. 9 first-round pick.

“As mentioned in last week’s mailbag, Rueben Bain Jr. is the type of high-intelligence player the Chiefs typically value," Newell said. "I’d expect he’s high up on their board as they look to solidify the defensive line.”

Despite measuring an arm length of 30 ⅞ inches, which is considered short by NFL standards, Bain is widely regarded as an elite edge prospect for the Draft.

The Ted Hendricks Award Winner 2025 has recorded 20.5 sacks, 33.5 tackles for loss, and 4 forced fumbles in his college years. In 2025, he helped the Miami Hurricanes to reach the National Championship Game.

Another edge prospect for the Chiefs, according to Newell, is the 2025 First-Team All-Big 12, David Bailey. During his 2025 breakout season, he recorded 52 tackles, 14.5 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, and 3 pass deflections. 

After struggling with receiver drops last season and a need to bolster the pass rush opposite George Karlaftis, the Chiefs are looking for immediate impact players

There’s another concern that needs to be addressed by the Chiefs: wide receiver.

Top Wide Receiver Prospects For The Kansas City Chiefs

According to Newell, Carnell Tate from Ohio State and Makai Lemon from USC are two top WR prospects the Chiefs could target with their No.9 overall pick.

Tate has played 39 games, recording 121 receptions for 1,872 yards and 14 TDs in his collegiate career. Despite sustaining a calf injury, he caught 51 passes for 875 yards in 2025.

Meanwhile, Makai Lemon is coming off a breakout 2025 season. He recorded 79 receptions for 1156 yards and 11 TDs, emerging as one of the top WR prospects in the draft.

During his time at USC from 2023-25, he has played 33 games, recording 137 receptions for 2,008 yards and 14 TDs.

Another reaching WR prospect could be Jordyn Tyson. But as per Newell, selecting Tyson could be seen as a reach due to his injury history.

However, his recent rise in mock drafts suggests the Chiefs would be trusting their scouting and medical evaluations if they make that pick.

For now, the team's interest appears serious. Reportedly, the Chiefs have already scheduled top-30 visits with both Tate and Lemon.

Read more at the Kansas City Chiefs Community!

Written by

Monika Khatai

Edited by

Aadesh Dhote