The Kansas City Chiefs had some uncharacteristic struggles on offense last season as the team’s receivers underperformed and opposing defenses increased the pressure on quarterback Patrick Mahomes.
They could address that in a big way this week, with one insider predicting they’ll land a wide receiver who was favorably compared to Justin Jefferson.
Chiefs Predicted to Give Offense Major Boost
In his mock draft published on Thursday, SI.com insider Albert Breer predicted the Chiefs would use the No. 9 overall pick on Arizona State wide receiver Jordyn Tyson.
Breer noted that the team might consider linebackers Arvell Reese or Sonny Styles if they’re still on the board, as well as offensive lineman Spencer Fano, but he expects them to be off the board. That paves the way for the Chiefs to take Tyson, who Breer said has star potential.
“The Chiefs could move up for a receiver, Reese or Styles, and have at least explored that,” Breer wrote. “I also believe Fano and Delane are among those they’d consider if things fall a certain way. But Tyson’s the guy here, and I’m having GM Brett Veach and Andy Reid taking him over Caleb Downs and Kenyon Sadiq as a real swing for the fences. A big guy who moves like a small guy, Tyson looks to some evaluators like Justin Jefferson on tape, with a little less ability to chew up yards after the catch.”
NFL.com analyst Lance Zierlein noted that Tyson has been working with an NFL legend and made significant progress in becoming a stronger and more versatile receiver.
“Learning from Super Bowl XL MVP Hines Ward helped unlock Tyson’s production and elevated his draft stock,” Zierlein wrote. “He’s added size and improved his route running over the last two years, showing he can align at all three receiver spots.”
Chiefs Could Turn to Other Targets
Some analysts believe the Chiefs could address their wide receiver needs in other rounds. Charles Goldman of AtoZ Sports predicted they would use the No. 74 overall pick on Georgia State WR Ted Hurst, noting that it would be a “best player available” selection.
“Hurst took a pre-draft visit with the Chiefs, and wide receiver is pretty high on the needs list,” Goldman wrote.
The Chiefs would be in the range of other top wide receivers as well, including some that would allow them to trade back and gain more picks while adding talent to their offense.
The Chiefs had faced quite a bit of uncertainty among their pass-catchers at the start of the offseason, with tight end Travis Kelce considering retirement and Rashee Rice facing a potential suspension after being accused of assault by a longtime girlfriend.
Both situations resolved in Kansas City’s favor, with Kelce opting to return on a new contract and the NFL announcing that Rice would not face discipline.
The Chiefs are looking to rapidly rebuild after missing the playoffs for the first time in more than a decade, but have the uncertainty of the season-ending injury for Mahomes.
Chiefs Predicted to ‘Swing for the Fences’ to Help Patrick Mahomes