Drafting defense in the 2026 draft
Looking at which positions are deep, shallow, or top-heavy in this year's draft.
Last week, I wrote about the depth of the offense in the 2026 draft and where the pockets of players at each position were. This week is defense week.
The Chiefs have needs just about everywhere on defense this year. Let’s start from the back and move forward, shall we? They traded their top cornerback (Trent McDuffie) for an extra first-round pick plus more. They let their #2 cornerback walk in free agency. That puts second-year 3rd-round pick Nohl Williams as a starter, alongside Kristian Fulton, whom they brought in during the 2025 free agency. Fulton barely saw the field last season, due at least partially to injuries, and Williams only played about 30% of the snaps. Those two are now the presumed starters.
They let their top safety walk for the second year in a row. Justin Reid left in 2025, and this year they lost Brian Cook. That leaves Chamarri Conner and Jaden Hicks as the top two, along with new free agent Alohi Gilman. At linebacker, they lost Leo Chenal. At defensive end, they cut Mike Danna, which puts FAU as a starter across from Karlaftis. Unless you prefer second-year Ashton Gillotte there. Either way, it is not a good group.