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ESPN Mock Has Chiefs Eyeing Rueben Bain Jr. at No. 9, Germie Bernard at No. 41

The projection points to roster balance through pass-rush help plus receiver depth during a draft with rare early capital.

Overview

  • ESPN analyst Matt Miller, in a mock published Monday, projects Miami edge Rueben Bain Jr. to Kansas City at No. 9 and Alabama receiver Germie Bernard at No. 41.
  • Yahoo Sports notes the Chiefs hold an unusual haul of picks — a top-10 choice, three in the top 40, and eight in the first five rounds — which could let them address multiple needs.
  • Kansas City’s pass rush logged 35 sacks last season, tied for 22nd per ClutchPoints, and Bain’s 2025 output (9.5 sacks with heavy pressure totals) fits Steve Spagnuolo’s power-focused front.
  • Receiver remains a need with Hollywood Brown gone, Rashee Rice facing off-field questions, and Xavier Worthy not yet a WR1, and Bernard brings YAC skill, sure hands, and slot versatility that suits Andy Reid.
  • Context for the approach includes Patrick Mahomes’ ACL recovery and the Justin Fields trade as short-term insurance, which heightens the value of early defensive help and dependable targets to steady the offense.