The final ESPN projection from Matt Miller and Jeremy Fowler pairs KC with San Diego State cornerback Chris Johnson at No. 29, while also noting receivers could be considered if the draft board falls a certain way. The mock points to Rice’s off-field history as a factor that might prevent the Chiefs from committing to him long term after the 2026 season, leaving room for other WR options if the board cooperates.
If KC sticks with the No. 29 pick, Johnson would bring positional versatility, able to play outside or in the slot. He posted strong 2025 numbers, including four interceptions, eight passes defensed, and 48 total tackles, and he earned the highest athletic score among cornerbacks at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine.
The mock also shows Rueben Bain Jr. as KC’s No. 9 overall pick, a name that has appeared in Chiefs-draft conversations throughout the pre-draft period. Bain is praised for his athleticism and production—seven-and-a-half sacks and three forced fumbles in his Miami career—but his profile is tempered by off-field concerns that have drawn scrutiny.
Bain’s background includes cited incidents of careless driving, one of which involved a fatality, highlighting the risk the Chiefs would weigh when targeting an edge defender early. Taken together, the mock underscores KC’s ongoing balance of defensive needs with the potential long-term implications of Rice’s status and other evaluative factors.
Ultimately, the Chiefs’ draft strategy may hinge on how the board falls and how they value Rice’s off-field history versus immediate help at corner, receiver, and possibly other positions. With two first-round picks, Kansas City remains positioned to address multiple needs as the 2026 draft unfolds.
