Will Chiefs REAP the reward of the latest NFL Draft Debacle?

The Locked On Chiefs podcast dives into the latest drama surrounding Reuben Bain, a top edge rusher in the 2026 NFL Draft, as new reports resurface an old incident involving a fatal car crash. Hosts Ryan Tracy and Chris Clark express strong skepticism about the timing and framing of the report, calling it a 'hit job' that exploits known information rather than revealing anything new. They debate whether the Chiefs should take advantage of Bain’s potential fall in the draft board, especially if he drops to pick 9. While acknowledging concerns about his off-field behavior and past reckless driving, the hosts argue that teams have had ample time to vet the issue and that the NFL’s conduct policy may not apply. They explore multiple strategic paths: drafting Bain at 9, trading up to secure him, or trading down to accumulate more picks. The discussion also weighs alternate edge rushers like Mekhi Mesidor and TJ Parker, with a strong emphasis on long-term upside and fit with the Chiefs’ defensive identity. The hosts ultimately lean toward keeping the 9th pick, cautioning against trading out of it due to uncertainty in future drafts. The episode closes with a call for listener engagement on draft strategy via live polls and the team’s upcoming bonus episode.