Week 15 felt like a pivotal moment in the Kansas City Chiefs' dynasty. The Chiefs were defeated 16-13 by their AFC West rival Los Angeles Chargers. Coupled with results around the league, the loss officially eliminated the struggling 6-8 squad from postseason contention.
When it rains, it pours. Franchise quarterback Patrick Mahomes suffered a season-ending torn ACL that could threaten to hamper his 2026 season as well. Mahomes now faces a lengthy road to recovery, while veteran journeyman Gardner Minshew will take over at quarterback for the remaining (meaningless) three games.
The Chiefs' 10-year streak of qualifying for the postseason has officially concluded. They currently hold the No. 11 overall selection in the real-time 2026 NFL Draft order. With Mahomes now sidelined, their draft positioning may even improve in the final three weeks. With a critical offseason ahead, we've identified three prospects the Chiefs should target in the first round of April's festivities.
Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon
Travis Kelce should mull retirement after experiencing a wasted season at 36 years old. Mahomes' go-to target has clearly shown signs of decline over the 2024-25 seasons. Brett Veach must start preparing for life post-Kelce, and that could mean drafting Oregon's Kenyon Sadiq in the first round.
Sadiq is easily the best tight end in the 2026 NFL Draft. Where the Chiefs end up drafting could dictate their interest in the Ducks' playmaker. Though Sadiq is arguably a top-15 overall talent in this class, the positional value conversation comes into play if the Chiefs clinch a top-10 selection. Alternatively, a slight trade back to accumulate additional picks while still walking away with the ideal Kelce replacement qualifies as a realistic draft-day scenario.
Makai Lemon, WR, USC
A lack of playmaking weapons has been a massive issue for Reid's offense all campaign long. Rashee Rice is the only wide receiver who can consistently beat man coverage. Xavier Worthy has been an injury-prone gadget player this season, and Hollywood Brown is an underachieving pending free agent.
USC's Makai Lemon may be the best route runner and separator in the wide receiver class. His ability to quickly uncover in the short-to-intermediate areas, coupled with impressive contested-catch ability for his size and stature (5-11, 190), makes him a QB-friendly target. Mahomes and this Chiefs offense need more easy-button answers. Lemon would provide reliability.
Keldric Faulk, EDGE, Auburn
While the Chiefs' offense needs more difference-makers, the defensive line also has to be retooled this offseason. Steve Spagnuolo's unit has produced just 29 sacks in 14 outings. A ton of defensive linemen are pending free agents, including Derrick Nnadi, Jerry Tillery, Charles Omenihu, and Janarius Robinson.
Auburn's Keldric Faulk is trending toward being a top-10 selection. Faulk is still scratching the surface of his potential while being versatile, physical, and violent. He'd join George Karlaftis and Ashton Gillotte as long-term pieces up front.
