“I know it’s been a long day, but just know that you’re going to head to the best quarterback room in the NFL here,” Veach told Nussmeier, in video released by the franchise. “We’re going to turn this pick in now and make you the newest member of the Kansas City Chiefs.”

Garrett Nussmeier knows he has a lot to learn alongside Reid and Mahomes. It will ultimately be a matter of seeing whether he gets the opportunity to showcase his talent over the course of the upcoming 2026 NFL season.

Nussmeier’s selection makes sense

During his 2025 senior season at LSU, Garrett Nussmeier showcased his resilience despite battling torso and abdominal injuries, finishing his final college campaign with 1,927 passing yards, 12 touchdowns, and 5 interceptions across nine starts.

His draft journey concluded when the Kansas City Chiefs selected him with the No. 249 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, a move that has quickly gained significance. With Mahomes still in the process of recovering from a complex ACL and LCL tear suffered last December, Reid has reportedly kept the door open for a competitive training camp.

While Mahomes remains the franchise cornerstone, his limited mobility during rehabilitation has led Reid to signal that the depth chart, could see a genuine battle for the starting job or a primary bridge role alongside Justin Fields to start the 2026 season.

The Chiefs’ dominance in the QB room

The Chiefs’ quarterback room enters 2026 with an intriguing blend of elite talent and reclaimed potential. At the helm, Mahomes continues to anchor the franchise; despite a challenging 2025 season, he still managed 3,587 passing yards and 22 touchdowns.

To bolster the unit, Reid will have depth thanks to Justin Fields’ arrival via trade from the Jets, providing the Chiefs with a former first-round pick who boasts an elite athletic pedigree to serve as high-end insurance.

While there is palpable excitement surrounding the arrival of rookie Garrett Nussmeier, veterans Chris Oladokun and Jake Haener currently find themselves at the bottom of the depth chart, likely competing for a spot on the practice squad as the new-look room takes shape.

According to insider Ian Rapoport, that opportunity could be meaningful from the start. “There is going to be an opportunity for Garrett Nussmeier to get serious reps in Kansas City. It certainly seems Nussmeier will be competing to be QB3. Many teams do carry third quarterbacks now. So, he does have a shot.”

That competition becomes even more relevant given the current situation at the top of the depth chart. Patrick Mahomes is recovering from ACL and LCL injuries in his left knee, and while expectations are that he will be ready for the start of the 2026 season, nothing is guaranteed at this stage.

Garrett Nussmeier will have a chance to stay with Chiefs

If Patrick Mahomes is not fully ready, Justin Fields would likely have the edge to step in as the starter. But beyond that, the battle for depth roles remains wide open, and that’s where Nussmeier enters the picture.

The Chiefs currently have multiple quarterbacks competing for positioning behind their top options, including Chris Oladokun and Jake Haener. That creates a crowded environment where every rep in training camp and preseason will carry weight. For Nussmeier, the goal is clear: earn the QB3 role and secure a place on the roster.

What makes his situation particularly compelling is how quickly his trajectory has shifted. Not long ago, he was viewed as one of the more intriguing quarterback prospects in college football. Now, he’s fighting to carve out a role at the next level, but still with enough upside to make things interesting.

“It’s a great opportunity for me to learn,” Nussmeier said to Nate Taylor of ESPN. “I can only imagine. I’m so excited to be in a room with those guys, coach Reid and his unbelievable offensive mind and sitting behind Patrick and steal some things from him and see the game through his eyes.”

Nussmeier only played nine games last season as injuries hampered his season at LSU. However, it was not expected his draft stock to fall all the way to the seventh round. Now, he can learn behind arguably the best coach-QB duo in the NFL.

Nussmeier’s QB profile

Nussmeier has an above average arm, with plenty of strength and a wide arsenal of throws. He is capable of zipping passes into tight windows. With a gunslinger mentality, Nussmeier has that ‘Brett Favre‘ style that can have big upside but also big lows.

In fact, he needs to take care of the ball as his turnovers are too many, including fumbles. He is a bit of a rollercoaster quarterback in the sense that he can give you incredible drives, and then mind-boggling ones. That’s why sitting behind Mahomes and learning to digest the game from Reid could be huge for him.

Nussmeier is still the Chiefs QB3

Nussmeier might be the shiny toy, but he is third in the pecking order. Obviously, Patrick Mahomes is QB1 of the team. However, he the second quarterback is actually Justin Fields.

Hence, Nussmeier would actually start as QB3, fighting with Chris Oladokun, who played a couple of games last season as Mahomes was injured. Fields signed a two-year deal, so Nussmeier might have to really wait to get his chance.

“The Chiefs have explored trading up. The Chiefs need tackle, edge, corner. At No. 9 you’re probably not trading up for a CB. That brings you to edge or tackle. I would think, in that scenario, it’s for a tackle. If somebody moves up right now, I would go with the Chiefs.”

Such a move to protect Patrick Mahomes would have immediate implications for teams picking ahead of them, particularly those holding valuable trade-up spots. The Arizona Cardinals at No. 3 and the Tennessee Titans at No. 4 suddenly become key players, as they could facilitate a deal for a team looking to jump the line.

Could a Chiefs trade disrupt the Giants’ draft plans?

For the New York Giants, this development raises the stakes. Sitting at No. 5 overall, they could find themselves directly impacted if the Chiefs, or another team, insert themselves into the top four via trade.

A move like that would push at least one top prospect further down the board, potentially altering the Giants’ options and forcing them to adjust their draft strategy in real time. It also increases uncertainty around which players will actually be available when they are on the clock.

Ultimately, the Chiefs’ aggressiveness introduces volatility at the top of the draft. For the Giants, that means staying flexible and prepared for multiple scenarios, as one trade could reshape the entire landscape before they even make their selection.

Though due to very different factors, both the Chiefs and Giants have accepted they likely can’t draft Jeremiyah Love in the 2026 NFL Draft. However, the two organizations could still find themselves in direct competition for prospects if New York trades down and leaves Reid and Kansas City sandwiched in between G-Men’s picks.

That is very likely. New York has made clear its intention to trade down for the right price, and the Giants’ dream scenario may be possible thanks to the Arizona Cardinals’ interest in Love. The sudden change of heart in Glendale could open the gates for pandemonium to break loose in the 2026 NFL Draft, and it might lead New York to trade down. With whom—and to what position exactly? The New Orleans Saints’ first-round pick (No. 8 overall) may make a lot of sense.

“What if Arvell Reese or David Bailey is still there at five? [The Giants’] phone is going to be ringing. And it’s going to be the Saints calling. So now they’ve got pick 8 and 10,” NFL analyst Todd McShay stated on The Rich Eisen Show.

Who might the Giants select?

If such a scenario unfolds, Harbaugh‘s Giants may roll the dice and trade down. There’s a risk they could miss out on a player they really want, but it could all be worth it.

In an ideal world, the Giants move out of the top five to acquire even more picks—whether in 2026 or future drafts—and with their potential newly acquired No. 8 overall selection, they could take Caleb Downs, who may still be on the board. That would really hurt Reid and the Chiefs, who have shown interest in the Ohio State product, and whose secondary really needs a spark after a deflating 2025 season.

Who could the Chiefs draft?

There are concerns about drafting a safety so high in the first round, but this year’s draft could be one that sees positional value fly out the window. If Downs is gone at No. 8, the Chiefs could turn to bolstering protection for Patrick Mahomes, who is coming off surgery for a torn ACL and LCL.

The easy pick would be OT Francis Mauigoa. That could all but clear the path for the Giants to draft Arizona State WR Jordyn Tyson with the No. 10 overall pick.

NY Giants could be in for historic draft night

Walking away from Day 1 with Downs and Tyson would put the Giants up for a perfect draft right from the get-go. If fans in New York have learned anything, it’s that perfection is hardly achievable, so they know better than to daydream too much. Anything can happen in the NFL, though, and even a perfect draft night could be in store for the G-Men on April 23.

“I mentioned at the owner meetings,” Reid reaffirmed to the press, “that we didn’t bring him to be a gadget guy — although he can do every gadget there is. We didn’t bring him in to do that.

“We brought it in [because] he’s a legitimate quarterback — a starting quarterback — in the National Football League, and we’re lucky enough to have him here. If that’s the role that he plays early in the season, we have full confidence that he can do a great job with that.”

Building confidence with Justin Fields

Although both Justin Fields and Andy Reid have been around the league for some time, this will be the first time the coach has him under his command. So far, everything is going as expected.

“I appreciate Justin and the way he’s gone about everything so far,” the coach remarked. “He’s been great with everything. I don’t know him as well as I will have known him once we get through a few weeks here, but I like from afar what I’ve seen. I like when I’ve met with him what I’ve seen.”

Who will start in Week 1 for the Chiefs?

Although Andy Reid recently stated that Patrick Mahomes is ‘doing great’, he remained cautious about his recovery and the possibility of him being the starter in Week 1 for the Kansas City Chiefs. In this scenario, the situation could open the door for Justin Fields to start the season with his new team if his teammate is not available.

The Chiefs are focused on the draft

Heading into the 2026 NFL Draft with two first-round picks at No. 9 and No. 29, the Kansas City Chiefs are focused on rebuilding a roster that saw significant turnover in the secondary and trenches. Andy Reid’s priority positions clearly center on protecting Patrick Mahomes, with the head coach reportedly “hell-bent” on upgrading the offensive line to ensure his star quarterback’s safety following his recent surgery.

Beyond the line, the team is looking to revitalize its defensive backfield after losing key starters like Trent McDuffie, while also hunting for a high-impact edge rusher to bolster the pass rush. Finally, adding a reliable, physical wide receiver remains a top objective to give the offense the explosive playmaking ability it lacked during the 2025 season.

• Round 1: Pick 9
• Round 1: Pick 29
• Round 2: Pick 40
• Round 3: Pick 74
• Round 4: Pick 109
• Round 5: Pick 148
• Round 5: Pick 169
• Round 5: Pick 176
• Round 6: Pick 210

Chiefs Kingdom wants to return to the spotlight

Last season left both fans and outsiders stunned. Serious injuries at key moments and a decline in the performance of their stars meant the Kansas City Chiefs failed to make the playoffs, something few were used to seeing.

Now Reid and company, with the hope of having a healthy Mahomes and the confirmed return of Travis Kelce, will once again try to reach the Super Bowl and, why not, dream of winning another ring.

“He’s doing great, but you just got to be smart with this thing,” the experienced head coach revealed on Sports Radio 810 WHB. With the possibility that he may not be ready for the start of the season, Justin Fields was brought in as the ideal backup for Mahomes.

The last campaign for Chiefs Kingdom will have to be forgotten, as they failed to even reach the playoffs. Will Reid be able to bring his team back into the NFL spotlight?

A forgettable day for Mahomes

Patrick Mahomes suffered a severe knee injury on December 14, 2025, during the final minutes of a game against the Los Angeles Chargers. The injury was diagnosed as a torn ACL and LCL in his left knee, which immediately ended his season and required surgery.

As of April 2026, Mahomes has officially begun the Chiefs’ voluntary offseason program, focusing on weight training and rehab meetings. While his recovery is progressing well, his goal remains to be fully cleared for Week 1 of the 2026 season without restrictions.

Reid has the Draft in his sights

Heading into the 2026 NFL Draft with the No. 9 and No. 29 overall picks, the Kansas City Chiefs are primarily focused on revitalizing an offense that must support Patrick Mahomes. Reid’s priority positions center on acquiring elite playmakers, specifically high-end wide receivers like Jordyn Tyson and explosive running backs such as Jeremiyah Love, to ease the burden on the passing game.

Additionally, the front office is heavily scouting defensive line and secondary talent, with names like Rueben Bain Jr. and Caleb Downs high on the board to reinforce a unit that saw several key departures in free agency.

• Round 1: No. 9
• Round 1: No. 29
• Round 2: No. 40
• Round 3: No. 74
• Round 4: No. 109
• Round 5: No. 148
• Round 5: No. 169
• Round 5: No. 176
• Round 6: No. 210

This approach reflects the current state of the roster. The Chiefs want to be Super Bowl contenders again and, after a disappointing 2025 season, there are clear areas that need reinforcement on both sides of the ball.

General manager Brett Veach made that philosophy clear when discussing the team’s priorities. “There’s a lot of areas to improve on our roster. On both sides of the football. I think it does open up that No. 9 pick to go in any direction. We’ll see how the first five or six picks go, but I think whether it’s the defensive backfield, the offensive line, edge rusher, wide receiver. We need help in all those areas.”

Who will the Chiefs pick in 2026 NFL Draft?

The Kansas City Chiefs have a lot of options on the table ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft. Jeremiyah Love could be a great pick, but, if he’s not available, everything changes.

Veach’s comments highlight just how wide open this choice really is. Defensive back, offensive line, edge rusher, and wide receiver are all possibilities, meaning the Chiefs are likely to follow a best-player-available strategy rather than forcing a need. Interesting thing, Brett didn’t say running back.

That flexibility becomes even more valuable in a draft class where prospect grades are tightly grouped. If the board breaks unexpectedly in the top five or six selections, Kansas City could pivot quickly, either capitalizing on a falling talent or even exploring trade scenarios. In the case of Love, they already have Kenneth Walker, but, the prospect of Notre Dame could fill the position for a decade.

At the same time, this openness signals a broader mindset. The Chiefs are not viewing this as a one-position fix, but rather an opportunity to strengthen multiple layers of the roster. Whether it’s protecting Patrick Mahomes, adding pass rush alongside Chris Jones, or injecting more playmaking into the offense, all options remain viable.

Ultimately, the No. 9 pick could define how aggressive the Chiefs want to be moving forward. With needs across the roster and a fluid draft board, they are positioned to be one of the most intriguing teams to watch on draft night. Furthermore, with two picks in the first-round, a surprising trade to move up is also an alternative.

Despite having Rashee Rice and Xavier Worthy in the fold, the search for elite, game-changing pass catchers for Patrick Mahomes remains a priority. The offense, long defined by explosiveness, may be looking to reload rather than rely solely on internal development. According to Mel Kiper Jr., Jordan Tyson could be the name called during the first round.

“As Patrick Mahomes works back from his torn left ACL, the Chiefs’ offense is seeking playmakers. Tight end Travis Kelce is back, but he’s 36 years old. Veteran receiver Hollywood Brown is gone to the Eagles. Third-year wideout Xavier Worthy has flashed but scored only one touchdown last season. Where are the real difference-making pass catchers beyond Rashee Rice?”

Who will the Chiefs draft?

The Chiefs could select a wide receiver early and that would signal a clear shift in priorities. While the defense still presents areas of need, investing in another high-end weapon suggests a commitment to maximizing Patrick Mahomes’ window, especially as Travis Kelce enters the later stages of his career.

At the same time, the potential addition of a player like Tyson comes with risk. Kiper emphasized durability concerns and that could pause not only Kansas City, but also other teams evaluating similar profiles.

“We can’t ignore Tyson’s durability concerns, considering he missed a third of his possible college games because of injuries, but we also can’t ignore his fantastic skill set when he is on the field. He makes tough catches in traffic and had 711 yards last season. I’m already picturing Mahomes buying time in the pocket and firing 50-50 balls to Tyson in the end zone.”

With Patrick Mahomes leading deep playoff runs almost every season, top-10 selections have been out of reach, making this moment particularly valuable for a franchise that rarely gets access to elite draft talent. That rarity has only added to the intrigue surrounding general manager Brett Veach’s strategy. According to draft analyst Matt Miller, there is little clarity around what the Chiefs plan to do.

“In talking to sources both in Kansas City and around the league, there seems to be no strong indicator of where the Chiefs will go with either of their first-round picks. The Chiefs will see how the board falls and have needs at core positions such as offensive tackle, wide receiver, edge rusher, defensive tackle and cornerback. A hot name to watch at corner is Jermod McCoy if he makes it to No. 9.”

Chiefs embracing uncertainty ahead of 2026 NFL Draft

That ambiguity may not be accidental. Brett Veach has built a reputation for operating quietly, and in this cycle, the Chiefs appear to be sending mixed signals.

By avoiding any strong public lean, Kansas City could be attempting to keep other teams guessing, potentially influencing how the board unfolds ahead of their pick.

Several prospects have been linked to Kansas City through various reports and rumors. Running back Jeremiyah Love has been mentioned as a dynamic offensive option, while offensive tackle Spencer Fano could address protection needs up front.

On defense, edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr. and safety Caleb Downs have also surfaced as potential targets, each offering high-impact upside at premium positions.

Who will the Chiefs draft in the first round?

Cornerback Jermod McCoy is another name gaining traction, especially given the importance of strengthening the secondary after losing Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson.

Ultimately, the Chiefs’ uncertainty may be their greatest advantage. With no clear consensus on their direction, rival teams are left to prepare for multiple scenarios.

In a draft where information often dictates strategy, Kansas City’s ability to stay unpredictable could give them a crucial edge, especially with a top-10 pick they are unlikely to have again anytime soon.

Holding the No. 9 overall pick, they have been linked to offensive playmakers like Jeremiyah Love, yet many around the league believe the real priority should be on the defensive side of the ball. After a 2025 season in which the pass rush repeatedly disappeared in critical moments, the need for reinforcements up front has become difficult to ignore.

That sentiment was echoed by insider Nate Taylor, who pointed directly at the edge position as the team’s biggest concern. “Coach Andy Reid and general manager Brett Veach should concentrate on adding to the Chiefs’ pass rush. Right now, the Chiefs don’t have a starter on the edge opposite George Karlaftis. By targeting one of the top defensive linemen, the Chiefs could help take the burden off defensive tackle Chris Jones, who often has to beat two offensive linemen to pressure the opposing quarterback.”

Chiefs need defensive help

The struggles were especially evident in clutch situations last season. Time and again, Patrick Mahomes did his part, engineering late-game drives to either tie or take the lead.

But unlike previous championship runs, the defense failed to close games out. Without a reliable pass rush to pressure opposing quarterbacks in those final minutes, Kansas City couldn’t deliver the same dominant finishes that once defined Super Bowl success.

Chiefs face key decision at in 2026 NFL Draft

The dilemma for Kansas City is whether to resist the temptation of adding another offensive weapon. A player like Jeremiyah Love would undoubtedly bring explosiveness, but the Chiefs’ identity has long been tied to balance and, right now, that balance is off. Investing in a premier edge rusher could immediately elevate the defense and restore the late-game dominance that has been missing.

Adding help on the edge would also create a ripple effect across the defensive front. With more consistent pressure from the outside, Chris Jones would face fewer double teams, allowing him to be even more disruptive inside. Meanwhile, George Karlaftis would benefit from not carrying the full burden of edge production, giving the unit a more complete and dangerous look.

Ultimately, the No. 9 pick represents a defining moment for the Chiefs’ roster construction. Doubling down on offense may be tempting with Mahomes under center, but the lessons from 2025 are clear. If Andy Reid wants to return to championship form, reinforcing the pass rush may not just be an option, it could be a necessity.