The Chiefs weren’t supposed to be drafting at No. 9.
Now that they are, one rising star just made it clear he sees himself catching passes from Patrick Mahomes.

Carnell Tate Opens the Door to Chiefs Fit as Kansas City Faces Pivotal Draft Decision

The Kansas City Chiefs are in unfamiliar territory.

After a shocking 6-11 finish in 2025, missing the playoffs and surrendering control of the AFC West, Kansas City holds the No. 9 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft — their highest selection in the Patrick Mahomes era.

And one of college football’s most polished wide receivers may be firmly in play.

Ohio State standout Carnell Tate confirmed at the NFL Scouting Combine that he met with the Chiefs — and the tone of his comments raised eyebrows.

“I did speak with the Chiefs,” Tate said. “I had a visit with them as well. It was a great meeting. We went over my film, see what I can retain, read a couple coverages.”

That wasn’t small talk.

That was business.

From One Elite QB to Another

Tate didn’t stop there.

When asked about a potential fit in Kansas City’s offense, he leaned into the idea of catching passes from Mahomes.

“I think it would be a great match with Mahomes to go from one good quarterback to another quarterback at the NFL level,” Tate said. “I can bring opportunities down the field, contested catches, winning one-on-one situations.”

That confidence isn’t empty.

At Ohio State, Tate thrived in one of the most competitive wide receiver rooms in the country. In Columbus, if you’re the best receiver in practice, you’re usually the best in the nation.

“The competition there, we’re all pushing to be the best receiver on the field that day,” Tate explained. “Typically, when you’re the best receiver at Ohio State, you’re the best receiver in the country.”

That environment forged NFL-ready polish.

A Skill Set Built for Kansas City

Tate believes he brings a complete game.

“I got the contested catch. I got route running. I also bring the run game — a lot of receivers don’t do that,” he said. “I can impact the game with or without the ball.”

In Andy Reid’s system, that versatility matters. The Chiefs demand receivers who can win downfield, separate in tight windows, block in the run game, and process coverage quickly.

Tate checks those boxes.

And perhaps most importantly, he believes the jump to the NFL will be smooth.

“I think it’ll be a smooth transition,” Tate said. “It all comes down to targets. I did a great job with the targets I was given.”

That statement speaks volumes. Tate understands opportunity is everything — and in Kansas City, opportunity could be immediate.

Why Wide Receiver Is Suddenly a Real Need

On the surface, wide receiver might not look like Kansas City’s most urgent issue. Edge rusher and running back have drawn more attention in draft projections.

But look closer.

Rashee Rice is entering the final year of his rookie contract, and off-field distractions have cast doubt on his long-term future.
Xavier Worthy has yet to take a definitive leap in development.
Depth behind them is thin, with Jalen Royals currently rounding out the top trio.

The Chiefs’ passing attack lacked consistent explosiveness in 2025. For a team built around Mahomes, that’s a glaring problem.

Tate, widely considered one of the most NFL-ready receivers in this class, could contribute immediately — not as a developmental project, but as a plug-and-play weapon.

The Draft Dilemma at No. 9

Here’s the tension: taking a wide receiver at No. 9 may feel risky when defensive needs loom large.

But what if Tate is simply the best player on the board?

Kansas City hasn’t had this kind of draft leverage in years. Instead of picking late in the first round, they now have access to top-tier talent.

If Tate is sitting there when the Chiefs are on the clock, passing on him could be harder than fans expect.

Because pairing a polished, physical, NFL-ready receiver with Mahomes?

That’s not a luxury move.

That’s an offensive reset.

The Bigger Picture

The 2026 draft is pivotal for Kansas City. This is not a minor roster tweak. It’s a retooling moment for a franchise trying to climb back to contender status.

Carnell Tate just made it clear: if the Chiefs call, he’s ready.

And if Kansas City decides to reload the passing game instead of reshaping the defense?

The league may look back at No. 9 as the turning point.