The Kansas City Chiefs aren’t exactly accustomed to picking this high in the draft. After a 6-11 season and a missed postseason, they now hold the No. 9 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. For a franchise built around Patrick Mahomes, that position signals urgency.
And at the NFL Scouting Combine, the Chiefs made one thing clear: upgrading the expansive receiver room is firmly on the table.
Chiefs Host 3 Top Receivers in Bid to Reignite Patrick Mahomes Offense
The Chiefs held formal meetings with Ohio State’s Carnell Tate, Arizona State’s Jordyn Tyson, and USC’s Makai Lemon. Three different skill sets. One common goal is helping Mahomes regain offensive firepower.
Tate may be the most realistic early-round option. The Buckeyes’ wideout produced 121 receptions for 1,872 yards and 14 touchdowns across 39 college games. At the Combine, he spoke confidently about a potential pairing with Mahomes.
“I did speak with the Chiefs,” Tate said. “It was a great meeting… We went over my film.”
He then addressed fit.
“I think it would be a great match with Mahomes to go from one good quarterback to another quarterback at the NFL level,” Tate said. “I feel level, so I think I can bring all opportunities to the Chiefs running that down the field. The contested catch one-on-one situation.”
The Chiefs’ receiver room has questions. Rashee Rice is entering the final year of his rookie deal, and his off-field situation is a concern for his long-term future. Xavier Worthy has yet to develop fully. Jalen Royals currently sits third on the depth chart. Tate’s contested-catch ability and NFL-ready polish could make him a Day 1 contributor if the board falls favorably.
Tyson brings a different flavor. The Arizona State receiver described his meeting with the Chiefs as “cool” and highlighted the franchise’s culture. “It was cool, I got to meet Eric Ben-Ami, that was really, really cool,” Tyson said. “They definitely a little old school… which is not a bad thing, great thing actually.”
That comment aligns with Andy Reid’s structured offensive approach. Tyson’s comfort level suggests mutual interest could be building, especially if the Chiefs look beyond Round 1.
Then there’s Lemon.
“Yeah, that would be cool,” Lemon said of potentially joining the Chiefs. “I’m just there to be the best team that I could be… I feel like it could help them out.”
Asked about his mindset, Lemon didn’t hesitate. “Yeah, definitely. That’s the type of mentality you got to have… Anywhere you go, you got to think you’re the best.”
The receiver may not be Kansas City’s only need. Defense and pass rush remain priorities. But after a season lacking explosiveness and consistency, it would not be surprising if one of these three names is still in play when the Chiefs are on the clock.
For Mahomes, help could be coming. The question now is how early Kansas City decides to make its move.
