Now that the 2025 draft has wrapped up, I have started to take a peek into next year’s draft class and the strengths and weaknesses across the board. Each draft is different, and capitalizing on the value of each position at the right spot in the draft is what allows great teams like the Chiefs to remain at the top.
Let’s take an early look at some of the top potential targets for Kansas City in next year’s draft class.
1. Davison Igbinosun, CB, Ohio State
Coming into this year’s draft, Igbinosun was MY GUY, but after electing to return to Ohio State, my hopes of the Chiefs drafting him would have to wait a year. Igbinosun is exactly the type of outside corner the Chiefs like, as he has a big build with long arms as well as great athletic upside. He can be grabby at times and was one of the most penalized players in college football last season. But his athletic ability and coverage skills will make him a highly coveted player this time next year.
2. Domani Jackson, CB, Alabama
Similar to Igbinosun and a trend that will continue throughout, Jackson was near the top of my board this offseason before he elected to return to school. I love his skillset, as Jackson was a top-tier sprinter in high school, but is also an incredibly physical corner who can tackle and press at a high level.
A potential top-50 pick who could be a day-one corner in the NFL would be a great fit in Kansas City.
3. Penn State running backs
With Isiah Pacheco likely hitting free agency, as well as Kareem Hunt and Elijah Mitchell having expiring contracts, running back could be a top need.
Both Kaytron Allen and Nick Singleton are top running backs, and likely would have been top ten backs in this year’s class as well, but they elected to return. Both would make day one impacts in Kansas City.
4. Texas running backs
Similar to Penn State, Texas has an elite RB duo itself, with Quintrevion Wisner and CJ Baxter. Baxter was a five-star high school player, but he missed the 2024 season due to an injury. Wisner was only a three-star, but ran for 1000 yards last season.
Both will be eligible for the draft next year and could make an impact in Kansas City day one.
5. Zachariah Branch
The wide receiver class next season is… not good. But Zachariah Branch is one of the top guys, who was once considered the top freshman player in the nation. Other top receivers (Tate, Harbor, Bernard, etc.) are not quite the style of receiver the Chiefs like and honestly… I have lost hope that they will draft a true outside X receiver.
Branch feels like the best option with several key players hitting free agency next season.
6. Dontay Corleone, IDL, Cincinatti
The trend continues, as Corleone entered last season as my fifth-ranked defensive tackle after his impressive start to his career. He was actually eligible the year prior, with many thinking he would declare after his impressive sophomore season. Nonetheless, Corleone is a big defensive tackle who is also quick on his feet and would help make a great three-man rotation on the interior when paired with Jones and Omarr Norman-Lott.
