The Kansas City Chiefs just pulled off a blockbuster trade to send cornerback Trent McDuffie off to the west coast.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that McDuffie was being traded from Kansas City to the Los Angeles Rams for a 2026 first-round pick (No. 29 overall), a 2026 fifth-round pick, a 2026 sixth-round pick, and a 2027 third-round pick.
McDuffie was a shutdown corner, but the Chiefs generally don't like paying cornerbacks, and so they shipped him off, much like they did with L'Jarius Sneed years ago. While he will be missed, the acquisition of the No. 29 pick makes things very interesting for Kansas City in the draft.
The Chiefs may be in a prime position to land former Tiger Zion Young
Kansas City already holds the No. 9 pick, but now also have the No. 29 selection in the first round. What's particularly interesting about that pick, is that it's right smack dab in the middle of Missouri' Zion Young's projected range. The edge has been predicted to go anywhere from 15-45 in most mock drafts, giving the Chiefs a prime opportunity to keep Young at home.
Outside of George Karlaftis, the Chiefs don't have much in the way of pass rush, and Young could be a perfect player to play opposite of him. While Young may be better in the run game at the moment, he did notch 6.5 sacks this past season at Mizzou, and figures to improve thanks to his ideal size and athleticism at the NFL level.
Assuming he's still available at No. 29, the Chiefs might be foolish to pass up the opportunity to bring Young in from down the road. Kansas City does have needs at running back and wide receiver, and depending on who they take at No. 9 could influence their decision at the end of the first. Still, the McDuffie trade should make Kansas City one of the clear favorites for Young's services, assuming another team doesn't scoop him up even earlier.