Chiefs facing major roster questions ahead of ‘most important’ 2026 NFL draft

Mar 17, 2026 - 19:30

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Chiefs facing major roster questions ahead of ‘most important’ 2026 NFL draft

The Kansas City Chiefs and their head coach, Andy Reid, have not just sat around watching other teams make moves this offseason. They have been busy retooling after losing key pieces through trades and free agency, and the front office has put itself in a good spot heading into the 2026 NFL Draft.

Monday’s trade for quarterback Justin Fields from the New York Jets in exchange for a 2027 sixth-round pick turned some heads. But there were bigger needs to fill. The backfield desperately needed a boost, and the Chiefs got that by landing reigning Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III on a three-year, $43.05 million deal.

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On defense, Alohi Gilman brings veteran experience to the secondary, and Khyiris Tonga gives them some much-needed depth behind Chris Jones. Travis Kelce is back too, so there is at least some continuity on offense.

Dan Orlovsky raises stakes for Chiefs 2026 NFL draft

Even with all that activity, not everyone thinks the roster is finished. ESPN’s Dan Orlovsky has already called out several spots that still need work, and he’s not exactly throwing confetti over what Kansas City has done so far.

During a recent segment of ‘Get Up,’ Orlovsky gave the Chiefs’ offseason a “B” grade. He did not trash the moves they made, but he made it clear this draft might be the most important one of the Patrick Mahomes era.

“I think this is the most important draft of the Patrick Mahomes era for Kansas City. I think the offensive line should be a better unit. But there’s question marks at the number two and number three wide receiver. There’s question marks in the secondary. There’s question marks off the edge with a pass rush, opposite Karlaftis,” Orlovsky pointed out.

"The most important draft of the Patrick Mahomes era for Kansas City."

—@danorlovsky7 grades the Chiefs' offseason as a B. pic.twitter.com/1wuclpn9aW— Get Up (@GetUpESPN) March 17, 2026

He acknowledged that Walker, Gilman, and Tonga are solid additions, but he’s not buying the idea that this roster is better than what several AFC rivals have built.

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Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid arrives prior to the game against the Houston Texans at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Amy Kontras-Imagn Images

He specifically mentioned the Los Angeles Chargers, Denver Broncos, Houston Texans, and Buffalo Bills as teams that look better constructed right now.

That is why this draft matters so much. The Chiefs are in a defining stretch that could determine how long they stay on top of the conference.