ESPN's Matt Miller Shares His Top Kansas City Chiefs Draft Fits
Miller talks with KCSN from the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis
In a recent interview with KCSN’s BJ Kissel, ESPN draft expert Matt Miller breaks down how the Kansas City Chiefs should approach the 2026 NFL Draft following a rare losing season. Picking in the top 10, Miller argues that the “dynasty era” requires a philosophical shift, prioritizing defensive speed and trench stability over flashy skill position picks like running back.
Miller’s primary focus is the pass rush. He highlights Rueben Bain Jr. (Miami) as the premier top-10 value, citing his “hand violence” and ability to draw double teams away from Chris Jones. For a more modern, high-speed approach, he points to Ohio State’s Arvell Reese and Texas Tech’s David Bailey as dynamic edge threats that could redefine Steve Spagnuolo’s defense.
On the offensive side, Miller stresses that “protecting Pat” remains the top priority. He identifies Clemson’s Blake Miller as a perfect second-round solution at right tackle to replace the heavily penalized Jawaan Taylor. While acknowledging the need for a wide receiver like Indiana’s Omar Cooper Jr., Miller warns that with only six picks, the Chiefs must prioritize long-term “money situation” fits in the trenches to remain competitive.
Key Takeaways
Prioritizing the Edge: Miller believes the Chiefs should use their top-10 pick on a game-changing pass rusher like Rueben Bain Jr. or the hybrid speed of Arvell Reese.
Trench Over Toys: Despite fan desire for a running back, Miller advocates for a “plug-and-play” right tackle like Blake Miller in Round 2 to provide cap relief and pocket security.
Interior Rotation: Texas Tech’s Lee Hunter is identified as the ideal mid-round target to bolster the defensive line rotation and support Chris Jones.