Drafting a tight end in 2026 makes sense, as a young pass catcher could spend a year learning behind Kelce and the Chiefs’ coaching staff, easing the transition once Kelce retires.
In a seven-round mock, KC’s second-round projection at No. 148 envisions selecting Cincinnati tight end Joe Royer. Royer, 24, has two years as a starter with Cincinnati after transferring from Ohio State, bringing experience to the position.
Royer is described as a tight end with solid first- and second-level movement, capable of making competitive catches and contributing as a blocker. With continued polish, he projects as TE2 or TE3 now with a pathway to become a contributor as a future TE1.
Separately, the mock also places the Chiefs at No. 9 with an edge rusher, Rueben Bain Jr. from Miami, to bolster the defense. Bain is portrayed as a high-effort, versatile edge with the traits that defenses value, though concerns about short arms and off-field issues could factor into his draft trajectory.
Together, these scenarios illustrate a balanced KC approach: invest in a long-term tight end who can develop behind Kelce while adding an immediate, high-upside defender early in the draft to fortify the roster for the post-Kelce era.
