Kansas City Chiefs Eye Caleb Downs with Ninth-Overall Pick in 2026 NFL Draft

As the 2026 NFL Draft approaches, the Kansas City Chiefs are preparing for a critical offseason that could reshape their roster. With the ninth overall pick, the Chiefs have an excellent opportunity to secure a high-impact player, and recent mock drafts have provided insight into the direction they may take. On Thursday, The Athletic’s draft expert, Dane Brugler, presented his mock draft, and one of the most intriguing selections for Kansas City was Caleb Downs, a standout safety from Ohio State.

Caleb Downs: A Generational Safety Prospect

According to Brugler, the Chiefs are set to make a bold move by selecting Caleb Downs, a safety from Ohio State, with their first-round pick. Downs is widely regarded as one of the top defensive prospects in the 2026 draft class, and Brugler even goes so far as to say that Downs could be the best safety prospect since Eric Berry, the Chiefs’ 2010 first-round pick and one of the franchise’s all-time greats.

Downs has been a difference-maker for Ohio State, known for his ball-hawking skills, ability to cover both the deep and short zones, and his impact as a physical presence on the field. His leadership and high football IQ make him an ideal fit for a Chiefs defense that could use more stability in the secondary. Kansas City has dealt with inconsistent safety play in recent years, and Downs’ arrival could bring an upgrade that changes the trajectory of their defensive backfield.

In Brugler’s analysis, he suggests that while the Chiefs could certainly use another offensive weapon—like a wide receiver such as Tate (if available) or tight end Kenyon Sadiq—Downs would provide a transformative impact on defense, and his addition would fit the culture the Chiefs have built over recent seasons. His ability to impact games from day one and his leadership could be exactly what the Chiefs need to continue their championship aspirations.

The Chiefs’ Defensive Needs and the Case for Downs

Over the past several seasons, the Chiefs’ defense has been a key factor in their Super Bowl victories, but it has also had its weaknesses, especially in the secondary. With star players like Chris Jones dominating the defensive line, the Chiefs have the foundation for a solid defense. However, the safety position has been a revolving door in recent seasons, and adding a playmaking safety like Downs could solidify the back end of the defense.

Downs’ ability to cover a wide range of responsibilities in the defensive backfield, from tracking deep passes to providing run support, would allow the Chiefs to deploy a more flexible and dynamic defense. His leadership and high football intelligence could also provide a stabilizing presence in the locker room, which is important for a team with Super Bowl aspirations.

Kansas City’s defense has occasionally been criticized for its inability to stop big plays in the passing game, and Downs could be the player who changes that dynamic. His instinctual play, ability to read the quarterback, and knack for interceptions would make him a playmaker in a secondary that could use more game-changing players.

Why Not Defensive End Reuben Bain Jr.?

While Downs makes a lot of sense as a potential pick for the Chiefs, the question remains: Why not go after a defensive lineman like Reuben Bain Jr. from Miami, who is also considered one of the top players in the draft? Bain was selected just after Downs in Brugler’s mock draft, going to the Cincinnati Bengals. Bain has been an absolute force for Miami, with a standout 2025 season that included 8.5 sacks, 13 tackles for loss, an interception, and a forced fumble.

Bain has been a dominant player for Miami since his freshman year, recording 7.5 sacks and 12.5 tackles for loss. Pairing Bain with Chris Jones on the Chiefs’ defensive line would undoubtedly create one of the most fearsome front sevens in the NFL. The thought of having two elite defensive forces in Jones and Bain would give Kansas City a pass rush that could disrupt any offense and help take the Chiefs’ defense to the next level.

However, Brugler suggests that the Chiefs may prioritize safety over the defensive line, despite the appeal of Bain. The rationale behind this is clear: While adding another elite pass rusher is attractive, the Chiefs’ defense has long struggled with issues in the secondary. A generational safety like Downs could have an immediate and lasting impact, while Bain’s presence, while certainly impactful, may not address the Chiefs’ more pressing need at safety.

Looking Ahead to the Draft

As the 2026 NFL Draft draws nearer, the Kansas City Chiefs will have tough decisions to make regarding their first-round selection. While wide receiver and tight end are positions that could help bolster the offense, the defense remains a key area of focus. Adding a playmaking safety like Caleb Downs could provide the Chiefs with the stability they need on the back end, allowing them to build an even more well-rounded team as they look to defend their Super Bowl title.

The draft season is sure to be full of discussions about how the Chiefs should approach the ninth overall pick. Should they take a chance on Downs and add an elite safety, or should they opt for a different defensive weapon to further strengthen their already potent defensive line? The decision will have major implications for the future of the team, but one thing is clear: the Chiefs are in a great position to take a step closer to another championship with the right pick.

Conclusion: A Bold Move for a Generational Talent

Selecting Caleb Downs at ninth overall would be a bold, forward-thinking decision for the Kansas City Chiefs. With his combination of playmaking ability, leadership, and intelligence, Downs could provide the Chiefs with the impact player they need to shore up their secondary and become even more formidable defensively. While the temptation to add another weapon to the offense or bolster the defensive line is strong, Downs represents a generational safety prospect who could transform the Chiefs’ defense for years to come. The 2026 NFL Draft is shaping up to be an exciting one for Kansas City, and with the ninth overall pick, they have a chance to make a statement and further cement their place as one of the league’s premier teams.