Latest Mock Fills Chiefs' Biggest Offseason Need

The Kansas City Chiefs have a top-ten pick in the upcoming NFL draft. What should they be prioritizing with that high selection?

Dec 7, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid looks on during the third quarter against the Houston Texans at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images | Denny Medley-Imagn Images

The Kansas City Chiefs know the importance of bouncing back next season and reasserting themselves at the top of the AFC. Their roster isn't getting any younger, and if they miss the playoffs for a second year in a row, their championship window may be closed.

As long as Patrick Mahomes is still around, all it would take is a couple of tweaks in order for them to be back to being contenders. However, they can't expect his greatness to keep them afloat, like they did last season. What's one way they can surround him with star power to gear up for a crucial 2026 season?

2026 NFL Mock Draft

Dec 14, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) looks to pass against the Los Angeles Chargers during the second quarter at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images | Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

Tom Fornelli writes for CBS Sports, and he wrote an article breaking down his first mock draft of the offseason. In this mock draft, he predicts the Chiefs will go for a big swing and select wide receiver Carnell Tate with the ninth overall pick.

"Carnell Tate was always overshadowed by Jeremiah Smith at Ohio State, but that's more about Smith than Tate. After all, Chris Olave and Emeka Egbuka were often overshadowed by other Buckeyes receivers, and they've turned out pretty well. Tate is smooth in everything he does. He's not a burner and isn't overly special after the catch, but he gets open routinely". said Fornelli.

Dec 6, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Carnell Tate (17) looks on in the first half against the Indiana Hoosiers during the 2025 Big Ten championship game at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-Imagn Images | Aaron Doster-Imagn Images

In Fornelli's mock draft, Jeremiyah Love is taken one pick before the Chiefs can select him, but I think Tate is another valid offensive weapon they could use on that side of the ball. While most of their offensive struggles stemmed from their lack of a successful rushing attack, adding a talented receiver isn't a bad idea either.

The jury's still out on whether Rashee Rice and Xavier Worthy will be able to take that leap into franchise-wide receivers for the Chiefs. They have both been underwhelming in their own ways, and while their talent is undeniable, does it matter if they can't stay on the field?

Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Carnell Tate (17) reacts after scoring a touchdown in the first half at Camp Randall Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025 in Madison, Wisconsin. | Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Tate's athleticism allows him to haul in a lot of difficult catches, and if they were to draft him, he'd be left unchecked due to the trio of receiving options the Chiefs would have at their disposal. He would be their third receiving option because he'd be a rookie, but I believe he has the potential to be their number one.

Players like Mack Hollins, Jakobi Meyers, or Courtland Sutton have built successful careers by being consistent, and I believe consistency is what the Chiefs' offense needs at the moment.

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