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Mel Kiper Now Predicts Chiefs Take Controversial Prospect to Replace Chris Jones With First Pick
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- Mel Kiper Now Predicts Chiefs Take Controversial Prospect to Replace Chris Jones With First Pick
A new mock draft from one of the top experts for the event believes that the Kansas City Chiefs will use their first of two picks in Round 1 of next month's event on a controversial prospect in this year's class.
As we pass the midway point of March, we get even closer to the biggest event of April, the 2026 NFL Draft . After a rare losing season in 2025, the Chiefs' selections next month have taken on even greater importance. And after making a big trade this offseason that sent Trent McDuffie to the Los Angeles Rams for a return that includes another first-round pick this year, Kansas City has the chance to get two top 30 prospects.
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But who will the Chiefs take with their valuable selection at No. 9? There has been a lot of speculation about who they will take, and it would make sense to go after the best cornerback available to replace the All-Pro they just traded. They have also been linked to Heisman Trophy finalist Jeremiyah Love . A player that teams around the NFL are praying doesn't fall to them.
Could the Chiefs use pick at No. 9 on Rueben Bain Jr.?
Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Well, according to ESPN NFL Draft expert Mel Kiper, he expects general manager Brett Veach to go in a different direction. In his latest mock draft , the draft guru projects the Chiefs to select Miami star Rueben Bain Jr.
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The Hurricanes' defensive end became a controversial figure during the NFL Combine last month when it was revealed he had an average arm length of 30 7/8 inches. There hasn't been a player with arms that short taken in Round 1 of the draft since the Philadelphia Eagles used the 15th overall pick in 2003 on fellow Miami alum Jerome McDougle. His arm length was 31 3/8 inches.
McDougle was a notable draft bust from that year's class and only played parts of four seasons in the NFL. Nevertheless, Kiper believes the Chiefs can't pass on the opportunity to select Bain if he is still on the board when they are on the clock at No. 9.
"Bain would be very tough to pass up at this spot. Despite 30⅞-inch arms that caused quite the stir at the combine, Bain is dominant off the edge," he wrote. "He simply finds ways to get to the QB, whether it's with his speed, power, or savviness. He had 71 pressures last season en route to 9.5 sacks and 18.5 tackles for loss."
Star pass rusher Chris Jones has shown obvious signs of an age-related decline over the last couple of seasons. While he and Bain play different positions, the Chiefs must start to plan for life after Jones and develop a new top pass rusher. Bain could be that player.
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