The Kansas City Chiefs have added to their 2026 draft haul with the trade of Trent McDuffie. That means they can take more risks in free agency. Still, the core of their roster will come from the draft. Today, we begin our first look, position by position, at some of the players Kansas City could add to its roster in April.
Caleb Banks (Florida)
He is a 6’6”, 330-pound defensive tackle at the University of Florida. This season, he had 2 solo tackles, that’s all, due to a foot injury he suffered. His career stats at Louisville and Florida were 48 total tackles, 20 solo tackles, 28 assisted tackles, 1 pass defended, 6.5 sacks, and 2 forced fumbles. His combine numbers were good. He exploded on the scene, running a 5.04 40-yard dash. His vertical jump was 32”, and his broad jump was 9’6”.
From the film, I see that he is a big, strong defensive tackle. He has a quick first step and uses his long arms and hands to cause havoc. He would be a good run stopper. His weakness is that he looked slower because of his ankle injury, and he hasn’t yet unlocked his full physical potential. He looks fatigued at times during his rushes. I would expect him to go late in the 1st, early in the 2nd.
Zane Durant DT (Penn State)
He is a 6’1”, 290-pound defensive tackle. He had 14 solo tackles this year, 4 sacks, and he ended the season with an interception. His four years at Penn State include 89 total tackles (49 solo, 40 assisted), 10 sacks. He ran a 4.75 40-yard dash.
From the tape, I see he brings an explosive piece to the defensive line. I saw him line up inside and at the edge. He shows the ability to escape blocks and attacks with his quickness. One of his major weaknesses is his arms. They measured 31 ⅞ at the combine. He looked stiff in the hips, which could limit his bend. He would be a good part-time defensive tackle. I would expect him to go late in the 3rd, maybe early in the 4th.
Gracen Halton (Oklahoma)
He is a 6’2”, 292-pound defensive tackle. He had 11 solo tackles this year, 3.5 sacks, and to finish it off, 1 forced fumble. He went to the University of Oklahoma for all four years. He put up 84 total tackles, 35 solo tackles, 49 assisted tackles, 2 passes defended, 8.5 sacks, and to finish it off, 3 forced fumbles. During the combine, he ran a 4.82 in the 40-yard dash.
One of his biggest strengths is getting through the pocket and penetrating through the gaps. What he brings to the table is a high-energy, high-motor defensive tackle who can line up inside and outside. One of his weaknesses is that, compared to an athletic lineman, he can sometimes get shut out. He exploded his combine numbers. Expecting him to be a 3rd- to 4th-round pick, he would pair up well with Chris Jones.
Lee Hunter (Texas Tech)
He is a 6’4”, 325-pound defensive tackle from Texas Tech. He spent his four years at UCF and Texas Tech. This season, he had 16 solo tackles, 2.5 sacks, and 1 forced fumble. In his career, he has 168 total tackles, 85 solo tackles, 83 assisted tackles, 1 pass defended, 7.5 sacks, and 1 forced fumble. His 40-yard dash was 5.18 seconds. He had a 21.5” vertical jump and 8’4”.
Watching his tape, he has the strength and size to battle at the line. What he dominates is bull-rushing, which he showed at the Senior Bowl. His wingspan is 6’9”. His best point is run downs, where he can fill gaps and let the other positions get inside. His weakness is that he tends to rely on size over technique when he gets double-teamed. I would expect him to go early in the second or early in the third in this draft.
