Chiefs Predicted to Select Jaylen Watson’s Potential Replacement in 2026 NFL Draft

The Kansas City Chiefs have a reputation for building championship defenses by finding and developing hidden gems in the secondary. That success, however, creates a challenging problem: what to do when those gems get expensive? General manager Brett Veach is staring down that exact scenario with standout cornerback Jaylen Watson, who is set for a big payday in 2026.

This situation has the front office looking ahead, and one analyst believes the solution could come from the 2026 NFL Draft.

Who Could Be Jaylen Watson’s Successor for the Chiefs?

From Charvarius Ward and L’Jarius Sneed to Trent McDuffie and Watson, the Chiefs have consistently developed defensive backs who outperform their draft status. This track record of success now puts the spotlight on Watson, who currently ranks as Kansas City’s top cornerback on PFSN’s CB Impact metric. His rising price tag, however, could prompt the Chiefs to consider a more cost-effective long-term option through the draft.

Although the Chiefs remain positioned for another playoff run, PFSN’s Jacob Infante projects them selecting as high as No. 17 in the 2026 NFL Draft. In that scenario, Kansas City is targeting Tennessee’s Colton Hood as a potential replacement for Watson.

“Knowing the Kansas City Chiefs’ success in recent years, it’s unlikely they pick this high once the season comes to a close,” Infante wrote. “If they do happen to miss the playoffs, though, they could use their first-round pick on a top cornerback, like they do in this 2026 NFL Mock Draft.”

Infante added, “In the absence of Jermod McCoy in Tennessee’s cornerback room for much of the season, Colton Hood has really come into his own as their CB1. He’s a lengthy ball-hawking cornerback who covers with physicality through his stems, with the potential to be an impact starter by Year 2 or Year 3.”

This development has been a surprise. Before the start of the college football season, Hood was not on many draft boards, while his teammate McCoy drew consensus first-round buzz. With McCoy injured, however, Hood has made the most of his opportunity to shine.

Through nine games, the redshirt sophomore has allowed only one touchdown while recording an interception and three pass breakups. Opponents complete less than half of their passes when targeting him. As a result, the 20-year-old now ranks ninth on PFSN’s CFB CB Impact metric, which underscores just how disruptive he has been.

While the Chiefs prefer to reward their own talent when possible, the organization has proven it is willing to move on when the price gets too high. This season provides a perfect example. Third-round rookie Knohl Williams has exceeded expectations and claimed a starting role, which has left free-agent signing Kristian Fulton on the bench.

That decision is notable, as Fulton is earning $10 million for the season. This cost-effective approach only strengthens the possibility that Kansas City will look to the draft for Watson’s eventual replacement.