The 2026 NFL Draft is in the books. The Kansas City Chiefs did surprise everyone with their sixth overall pick but the team did cater to their needs on the roster.

As per the Arrowhead Addict, here's a look at the "winners and losers" after the draft, as the team builds for this season.

Winner: Jaylon Moore

The front office released right tackle Jawaan Taylor earlier this year to save $20 million. Because the team did not select a single offensive lineman, the Chiefs' right tackle, Jaylon Moore, is completely locked in as the starter.

However, Moore is in the final year of his contract and carries a cap hit of $18.68 million this season, and it's a great chance for him to establish his dominance. 

Loser: Chris Oladokun

Many expected quarterback Chris Oladokun to stay while quarterback Patrick Mahomes rehabs a torn ACL. But the team drafted LSU prospect Garrett Nussmeier in the seventh round and acquired Justin Fields from the New York Jets.

And now Oladokun will likely land on a practice squad somewhere else after his 2025 performance of 235 passing yards with just one touchdown in three games and two starts.

Winner: Chris Jones

Team’s defensive tackle Chris Jones got exactly what he needed on the first day of the draft. The team drafted defensive tackle Peter Woods to draw double-teams away from the aging star.

Woods has 84 tackles (41 solo), 14.5 tackles for loss and five sacks over three years of his collegiate career. Now, Jones can take some rest during the 17 games this season.

Loser: Jaden Hicks

The team skipped drafting a safety, but grabbing cornerback Mansoor Delane at No. 6 has created a defensive impact.

Kansas City defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo appears ready to move safety Chamarri Conner out of the slot and next to safety Alohi Gilman. Those steps leave safety Jaden Hicks, clearly on the outside looking.

Winner: Rashee Rice

Many expected the front office to add a premium pass catcher early in the weekend. Instead, they waited until the fifth round to grab wideout Cyrus Allen.

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice now enters the final year of his $6.49 million rookie contract and is an unquestioned top target for Mahomes this season.

Winner: Steve Spagnuolo

The Team's defensive coordinator, Spagnuolo, has become the one of the biggest coaching winners in the league.

The front office gave him fresh talents, including top-flight cornerback prospect Mansoor Delane and elite defensive tackle Peter Woods. Spagnuolo now has the exact pieces needed to completely reset this defense in 2026.

Loser: Nikko Remigio

Adding running back Emmett Johnson with 161 overall pick is an indication of Nikko Remigio's ending time with the Chiefs.

The team can now use Brashard Smith for their benefit as the main kick and punt returner. This change can push Remigio down the order, as his main role was to be a return specialist and a gadget option on offense.

Winner: Ashton Gillotte

The Chiefs already have George Karlaftis as their starter at the defensive end spot. So, Gillotte is set to be the primary holdover for this season.

What are your thoughts? Let us know in the comments.

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Written by

Shreya Mishra

Edited by

Shubhi Rathore