Kansas City’s offseason chatter isn’t defined by playbooks alone; it’s shaped by expectations. Travis Kelce recently shared his own on New Heights, and the NFL took notice. The episode was a candid conversation between two veterans, with the Kelce brothers recapping their teams’ draft picks and offering advice to the rookies hoping to wear red and gold next fall.
Travis Kelce wants this from upcoming Chiefs draft picks
Travis Kelce has outlined the core attributes he believes should distinguish every future Kansas City Chiefs draft pick. His expectations cover everything from their mindset in the meeting room to their conduct beyond the facility.
Speaking on his New Heights podcast, Kelce said that he wants any player Kansas City drafts to bring “infectious energy” to the locker room. He added that he hopes the team’s first-round pick truly “loves ball.”
“I’m just hoping for a guy that loves ball, man,” the Chiefs tight end shared. “I think it’s one of the biggest things I’m looking forward to in seeing who we’re going to go and draft this year is how much energy and how much fun they’re bringing to the squad.”
Kelce further explained that some players need time to get comfortable and show their true personality. However, coach Andy Reid’s message is clear, though, encouraging rookies to show their authentic selves. He wants them to bring energy to the facility every day and translate that to performance on Sundays.
The 2026 NFL Draft begins Thursday night, and Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza is widely projected to be selected first overall by the Las Vegas Raiders. The Kansas City Chiefs, meanwhile, have grown accustomed to patience. Over the past decade, they have rarely made their first-round pick before the 20s.
However, a disappointing 2025 season, marked by Patrick Mahomes’ season-ending ACL tear, leaves Kansas City with the ninth overall pick. This is the team’s first top-10 selection since Eric Fisher went first overall in 2013. Around the league, the NFL is also moving to safeguard incoming rookies from the kind of prank Shedeur Sanders experienced last year.
Originally written by Sibanee Gogoi on Mandatory.
