In the NFL, dynasties are fleeting, but the Kansas City Chiefs have defied the odds. With Patrick Mahomes rewriting the record books and Andy Reid orchestrating brilliance from the sidelines, the Chiefs have turned sustained excellence into their calling card. Yet, in a salary-cap league, even the mighty must reload to stay on top. As the 2026 NFL Draft looms on the horizon, Kansas City’s front office faces a critical task: finding the next wave of talent to keep their championship machine humming. Here are two college stars the Chiefs must have on their radar for 2026—players who could be the difference between another Super Bowl run and a rare misstep for this juggernaut.
The 2024 season saw the Chiefs fall agonizingly short of a historic three-peat, humbled by the Eagles in a Super Bowl blowout. Still, Kansas City’s resume remains the envy of the league: a ninth straight AFC West title and yet another playoff victory over the Buffalo Bills (sorry, Bills Mafia, that’s four in five years). But a +59 point differential—11th in the NFL—exposed cracks in an offense that wasn’t quite as explosive as in years past. The Chiefs leaned heavily on Mahomes’ wizardry and a perfect 11-0 record in one-score games, a streak that’s unlikely to hold in 2025.
With upgraded offensive line protection and a healthier roster, Kansas City is poised for another title push in 2025. Mahomes ensures they’re always a threat, but the AFC is a gauntlet, with the Bills, Eagles, and Ravens lurking. To maintain their perch atop the NFL, the Chiefs must draft players who can elevate their roster now and anchor it for years to come. Enter two college phenoms who could define Kansas City’s future: Oregon’s Dillon Thieneman and Auburn’s Keldric Faulk.
The Chiefs’ defense is a work in progress, particularly in the secondary. Young safeties Jaden Hicks and Chamarri Conner show promise, but neither has cemented themselves as a long-term solution. That’s where Dillon Thieneman, Oregon’s ball-hawking dynamo, enters the picture.
Thieneman burst onto the scene at Purdue in 2023, snagging six interceptions and racking up 104 tackles as a true freshman. His transfer to Oregon under coach Dan Lanning’s NFL-caliber defensive system is a match made in heaven. At 6’0” and 207 pounds, Thieneman combines cerebral instincts, bone-rattling physicality, and elite range. Whether patrolling deep as a free safety or crashing the box as an enforcer, he’s a perfect fit for Steve Spagnuolo’s versatile defensive schemes.
Think Tyrann Mathieu or Justin Reid—playmakers who anchor Kansas City’s back end with instincts and adaptability. Thieneman, with NFL bloodlines and a knack for game-changing plays, could be the next in line. If Hicks and Conner don’t seize the spotlight in 2025, or if injuries expose the Chiefs’ lack of depth, Thieneman could be their top defensive target in 2026. Missing out on him risks leaving the secondary vulnerable in a pass-heavy AFC.
Chris Jones is the heart of Kansas City’s defensive front, a disruptive force who bends games to his will. But at 32 years old in 2025, Father Time is knocking. With Jerry Tillery on a one-year deal and Charles Omenihu, Marlon Tuipulotu, Fabien Lovett, and Mike Pennel all hitting free agency, the Chiefs’ defensive line is at a crossroads. Promising 2025 rookies Omarr Norman-Lott and Ashton Gillotte add depth, but Kansas City needs a cornerstone for the future. Enter Keldric Faulk, Auburn’s 19-year-old freak of nature.
At 6’6” and 288 pounds, Faulk is a rare blend of size, speed, and versatility. His seven sacks as a sophomore showcased his ability to dominate from multiple alignments—rushing off the edge or collapsing pockets from the interior. For a Chiefs defense that thrives on trench dominance, Faulk is a dream fit. He can play as a 4-3 base end or slide inside on passing downs, much like Jones has done for years. His youth and upside make him a long-term investment who could carry Kansas City’s defensive line into the 2030s.
If Jones slows down or retires, Faulk could step into the void as Spagnuolo’s next disruptive force. Passing on him risks leaving the Chiefs’ front four without the game-wrecker they need to stay elite.
The Chiefs aren’t just playing for today—they’re building for a dynasty that stretches into the next decade. With Mahomes and Reid leading the charge, Kansas City’s championship window remains wide open. But in a loaded AFC, standing still is not an option. Smart, forward-thinking drafts have fueled the Chiefs’ reign, and players like Dillon Thieneman and Keldric Faulk represent the next chapter.
Thieneman’s versatility could lock down a shaky secondary, while Faulk’s raw talent could anchor the defensive line for years to come. Both fit Kansas City’s system and address critical needs. If either breaks out in the 2025 college season, expect GM Brett Veach to have them circled in red ink. The Chiefs can’t afford to miss out on these phenoms—not when the next Mahomes-level impact could be on the line.