Chiefs 2026 mock draft: Kansas City predicted to select 23-TD explosive receiver to support Patrick Mahomes

The Kansas City Chiefs will need to retool their roster this offseason after missing the playoffs for the first time since 2014, especially the wide receiver room.

Kansas City's wide receiver isn't awful, but the position lacks a true No. 1 option, as Rashee Rice and Xavier Worthy are better suited as complementary pieces for the future. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who is targeting a Week 1 return from a torn ACL and LCL suffered in Week 15, hasn't had a bona fide top wideout since the departure of Tyreek Hill.

Additionally, tight end Travis Kelce could call it a career after the 2025 season, so Kansas City could be in dire need of pass catchers this spring. That said, Athlon Sports' Luke Easterling predicts the Chiefs will use their first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft on Arizona State wide receiver Jordyn Tyson.

Here is what Easterling thinks about Tyson and his fit in Kansas City.

"This pick should be used on a new playmaker to help Patrick Mahomes and an offense that struggled mightily this season, and there are some strong options. While Jeremiyah Love could get strong consideration here, I’m not sure the Chiefs would spend a top-10 pick on a running back. Instead, they could give Mahomes a new No. 1 receiver in Tyson, who has the kind of well-rounded skill set that position group desperately needs."

Tyson was a highly productive player for Arizona State during 2024 and 2025, tallying 136 receptions for 1,812 yards and 19 total touchdowns over the last two years, including a 1,100-yard campaign with ten touchdowns in 2024.

At 6-foot-2, Tyson's fluid route-running, explosiveness, and elite ability to separate make him a potential game-changer at the next level. The Texas native would be a perfect fit in Andy Reid's offense and provide Mahomes with another dynamic playmaker.

Tyson is arguably the No. 1 receiver in this year's draft and has the skill set and tools to be a game-breaking top receiver. Kansas City should have the Arizona State receiver high on its draft board.