Chiefs Showing Interest in Intriguing Hometown Option for 2026 Draft

Kansas City has some tough choices when it comes to the NFL Draft later this month. The team has two first-round picks that have been the focus, but they also have five other picks spread throughout day two and three of the draft.

A question that has been on a lot of fans’ minds has been about the looming factor of needing another wide receiver that can contribute. It seems like the Chiefs have also had that idea in their minds as well, because the team has scheduled a meeting with Oregon wide receiver Malik Benson.

He may be an underrated receiver in this upcoming draft, but he also has an important story around him. Benson grew up just 40 minutes from Arrowhead Stadium. Being from Lansing, Kansas, it could add some extra juice to an athletic late-round player.

According to NFL analyst Ryan Fowler, GM Brett Veach, offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy, and wide receivers’ coach Chad O’Shea are expected to meet with Benson over a virtual call.

If the Chiefs do look at the Oregon player, the team may be going the route of drafting more crucial positions in the first round. These meetings have been key to learning more about multiple players, running through film study, and figuring out which guys are more likely to fit their scheme.

One thing about Kansas City, it has always liked its deep-threat players. Benson fits that mold, and he could be someone that Patrick Mahomes could especially like throughout the regular season.

The one main concern about him is his age. At 23-years old, he is one of the older players in the draft on the offensive side of the ball, but his talent makes up for it in the long run. With a 4.37 second 40-yard dash, and a 1.55 second 10-yard split, Benson is a speedy threat. In Lansing, he was one of the top sprinters throughout track.

This past season, he averaged 16.7 yards per reception, and he also added six touchdowns as well. Five of those touchdowns were with receptions that went over 40 yards.

His skills are unique. The ability to break routes is an important NFL characteristic, and Benson can do it with the best of them. With his skillset, the Chiefs could use him as a long-ball threat, rather than have him be a decorated consistent receiver, although he could do both.

A major key for Benson being such a late-round draftee is because of his age but his skillset makes up for it. He is one of the fastest receivers in this upcoming draft, and he has the talent to be a guy that Mahomes would enjoy playing on the same team as.

Malik Benson, a player that grew up only 40 minutes from Chiefs’ gamedays, could be a fan favorite come draft night.