The Kansas City Chiefs’ head coach, Andy Reid, is allegedly heading to the NFL draft this week with the clear goal of fixing the team’s offensive line to protect quarterback Patrick Mahomes. The six-time Pro-Bowl winner suffered a season-ending ACL tear in December 2025. He is currently planning to return for Week 1 of the 2026 NFL Season.
Chiefs reportedly want to draft a player to protect Patrick Mahomes
After a disappointing 6–11 season in 2025, it has become even more important for the Kansas City Chiefs to reclaim their legacy. To that end, Andy Reid reportedly wants to use their first-round pick, currently No.9 overall, to strengthen the offensive line, especially at offensive tackle, which is crucial for protecting Patrick Mahomes.
On April 19, the Ringer’s Todd McShay alleged on The McShay Show that Reid is “hell-bent” on strengthening the offensive line. “I am told, again on really good authority, Andy Reid is hell-bent … on figuring out this offensive line and protecting a quarterback who is the epicenter of everything that is success,” McShay said.
McShay and co-host Steve Muench claim that Reid may target Spencer Fano of Utah or Francis Mauigoa of Miami. Further, the former said, “If the Chiefs don’t move up to three, what if they go to five to get ahead of the Browns?” The Cleveland Browns, who own the No. 6 overall pick, are also looking for a tackle. The Browns could choose to make the pick at that position if they don’t receive a strong enough offer to trade down.
McShay also noted that the New York Giants could trade down from No. 5 to No. 9. They might be targeting Ohio State safety Caleb Downs with their first pick. The Giants traded defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence to the Cincinnati Bengals for the 10th selection, so they now own pick Nos. 5 and 10. If they trade down, the Chiefs could trade up to the fifth position. Another likely player that Kansas City might be targeting is defensive pass-rusher David Bailey.
Originally reported by Ankita Shaw on Mandatory.
