Given the multiple positions of need for the Kansas City Chiefs — edge-rusher, cornerback, wide receiver, safety — it’s a good thing the team has nine picks in the upcoming 2026 NFL draft.
Also fortunately for the Chiefs, they have multiple selections in Round 1 — No. 9 and 29 overall — which could help them replenish two positions and find possible Day 1 starters.
Many analysts believe edge-rusher and cornerback are the two positions Kansas City will target in the first round, and according to ESPN’s Mina Kimes, the draft could be set up for the Chiefs to fall into a dream scenario where they land Miami Hurricanes defensive end Rueben Bain Jr. with the ninth pick.
More News: Dianna Russini’s Questionable Past Resurfaces After Viral Mike Vrabel Photos
More News: Jaguars Make Key Decision on Travis Hunter’s NFL Future
“I think this would be a dream outcome for Kansas City, quite frankly,” Kimes stated. “In part because they really need pass-rush. Last season, their highest-ranked edge-rusher in pass-rush win was George Karlaftis, who ranked 25th at the position. They need juice there…and juice is exactly what Rueben Bain brings to the table.
“His get-off is extremely explosive. He plays with violent hands. The way he converts speed to power is special. His motor also runs hot versus the run. He fits their timeline because this is a team that should be competitive next year, and he’s a pro-ready player. … To me, this would be a dream pick for Kansas City, and they’d better be hoping it happens.”
More News: Colin Kaepernick Announces Big Career News After Failed NFL Comeback
More News: Jeremiah Smith Turned Down $10 Million to Leave Ohio State
Kimes isn’t the only one who feels this way.
ESPN draft guru Mel Kiper also predicted Bain Jr. to the Chiefs in his most recent mock draft, and he explained exactly why Bain would be a perfect fit in Kansas City opposite Karlaftis.
“The Chiefs now have two first-round picks, and Bain would be very tough to pass up at this spot,” Kiper wrote. “Despite 30⅞-inch arms that caused quite the stir at the combine, Bain is dominant off the edge. He simply finds ways to get to the QB, whether it’s with his speed, power or savviness. He had 71 pressures last season en route to 9.5 sacks and 18.5 tackles for loss.”
