Kansas City Chiefs general manager Brett Veach may need to replace superstar tight end Travis Kelce during the 2026 offseason, and the draft could be his best opportunity to land the long-tenured pass-catcher's successor.
While the Chiefs have needs on both sides of the ball, Patrick Mahomes can't afford to be without a reliable safety valve when he returns to the field next season.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementTake a look at this full seven-round mock draft, which sees Veach target Kelce's replacement in Round 1 before turning his attention elsewhere on Days 2 and 3.
Round 1, Pick No. 9: Oregon Ducks TE Kenyon Sadiq
Dec 20, 2025; Eugene, OR, USA; Oregon Ducks tight end Kenyon Sadiq (18) looks on before the game against the James Madison Dukes at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn ImagesSadiq is the best tight end in this class and would be a relatively low-risk selection for Kansas City's No. 9 pick. Though Sadiq probably won't be able to replace Kelce's production as a rookie, Mahomes would benefit from this pick for years to come and may find a new favorite target in the 2025 Big Ten Tight End of the Year.
Round 2, Pick No. 40: Texas Longhorns LB Anthony Hill Jr.
Oct 18, 2025; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Texas Longhorns linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. (0) celebrates after the Kentucky Wildcats fail to score in overtime at Kroger Field. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-Imagn ImagesThe Chiefs fix the middle of their defense by taking Hill — easily the best linebacker available — off the board in Round 2.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementRound 3, Pick No. 74: USC Trojans WR Ja'Kobi Lane
Jan 28, 2026; Mobile, AL, USA; American Team wide receiver Ja'kobi Lane (89) of USC works in passing drills during American Senior Bowl practice at Hancock Whitney Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vasha Hunt-Imagn ImagesLane might not be the most coveted wide receiver prospect coming out of the University of Southern California this year, but his experience and soft hands make him the best fit for Kansas City on Day 2.
Round 4, Pick No. 109: Tennessee Volunteers EDGE Joshua Josephs
Arkansas quarterback Taylen Green (10) moves out of the pocket as Tennessee defensive lineman Joshua Josephs (19) approaches during an NCAA college football game on Oct. 11, 2025, in Knoxville, Tennessee.It may take a miracle for Josephs to fall all the way to Round 4, but Veach should jump on the opportunity to pick him up if he is available when the Chiefs make the No. 109 pick.
Round 5, Pick No. 146: Indiana Hoosiers RB Kaelon Black
Indiana Hoosiers running back Kaelon Black (8) celebrates after rushing in a touchdown Friday, Jan. 9, 2026, during the Peach Bowl and semifinal game of the College Football Playoff against the Oregon Ducks at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.Some fans may be disappointed if Kansas City waits this long to take a running back, but Black is exactly the kind of rusher who could take the Chiefs' ground game to the next level.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementRound 5, Pick No. 176: Minnesota Golden Gophers DL Deven Eastern
Nov 29, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers defensive lineman Deven Eastern (91) celebrates with Paul Bunyan’s Axe after the game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Huntington Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn ImagesEastern is an underrated run-stuffer who could fight for snaps in a rotational role as a rookie. This selection isn't particularly exciting, but helps shore up the interior of Steve Spagnuolo's defensive line.
This article originally appeared on Chiefs Wire: 2026 NFL Draft: KC moves on from Travis Kelce in latest 7-round mock
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