Most mock drafts project KC to address the secondary early, with a cornerback likely at No. 9 or No. 29 in the first round. If the board pushes other needs, a Day 2 target could come into play, with the 40th overall pick viewed as a potential spot to add a safety who can quickly fill Cook’s role.
One rising name linked to KC is Treydan Stukes from Arizona, described as a versatile defensive back who can line up at safety, nickel and outside corner. He posted a 4.33-second 40-yard dash and a 38-inch vertical at the combine, highlighting his athletic prowess and versatility.
Cook departed for Cincinnati on a three-year deal worth more than $40 million, returning to the city where he played college football. He finished as one of the league’s top safeties last season, tallying 85 tackles and six pass breakups, and ranking highly in evaluators’ safety rankings.
The Chiefs’ secondary also took a hit with Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson leaving for the Rams in free agency, further pressuring their draft plans to replenish starting-caliber talent at cornerback and safety.
With the depth chart thinning quickly, Kansas City could pursue cornerbacks early or consider a Day 2 safety to replace Cook. There’s also the possibility of trading up, potentially as high as No. 3 overall, to target one of the elite pass-rushers if the franchise decides to go all-in on that path.
