Chiefs Land New WR1 for Patrick Mahomes in Mel Kiper's Final Mock Draft

Heading into the 2026 season, many expect the Kansas City Chiefs to be a playoff contending team again if star quarterback Patrick Mahomes doesn't miss a chunk of the year after recovering from an ACL injury.

Mahomes will have something next season that he's been missing ever since he took over as KC's starter back in 2018: a 1,000-yard rusher in Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker.

He'll also have his top target back in tight end Travis Kelce, who re-signed with the team weeks ago plus both of his top two receivers - Rashee Rice and Xavier Worthy.

But if there's one more thing the Chiefs could do to set Mahomes up for success next season (and beyond), it would be to finally give him the No. 1 WR he hasn't had since the they traded Tyreek Hill to the Miami Dolphins back in 2022.

Mel Kiper Jr. agrees, which is why in his final mock draft before the official 2026 draft, Kiper has the Chiefs taking Arizona State receiver Jordyn Tyson with the No. 9 overall pick. Most scouts have Tyson as the No. 1-ranked WR in the 2026 draft class.

"As Patrick Mahomes works back from his torn left ACL, the Chiefs’ offense is seeking playmakers," Kiper wrote. "Tight end Travis Kelce is back, but he’s 36 years old. Veteran receiver Hollywood Brown is gone to the Eagles. Third-year wideout Xavier Worthy has flashed but scored only one touchdown last season. Where are the real difference-making pass catchers beyond Rashee Rice?

"We can’t ignore Tyson’s durability concerns, considering he missed a third of his possible college games because of injuries, but we also can’t ignore his fantastic skill set when he is on the field. He makes tough catches in traffic and had 711 yards last season. I’m already picturing Mahomes buying time in the pocket and firing 50-50 balls to Tyson in the end zone."

The 6-foot-2, 200-pound Tyson had a breakout sophomore season with the Sun Devils in 2024, logging 75 catches, 1,101 yards, and 10 touchdowns en route to first-team All-Big 12 honors.

Tyson followed that up with a less-productive but still-impressive junior year, in which he finished with 61 receptions, 711 yards, and eight scores while earning another first-team All-Big 12 selection.

Having Mahomes throw to a 1-2 punch of Tyson and Rice could help keep the Chiefs as a Super Bowl contender for the next decade.

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This story was originally published April 15, 2026 at 10:47 AM.