For the first time since trading up to select quarterback Patrick Mahomes in 2017, the Kansas City Chiefs own a top 10 selection in the 2026 NFL Draft, and some of the latest rumors actually have KC potentially targeting another wide receiver.
On January 19, A-to-Z Sports Kansas City reporter Charles Goldman fueled the WR fire a bit, predicting that the Chiefs would select USC pass-catcher Makai Lemon at No. 9 overall. And the decision does, in part, have to do with the off-the-field claims regarding current WR1 Rashee Rice.
“As much as adding a player like Lemon would be about the uncertainty surrounding Chiefs WR Rashee Rice’s off-field situation, it’d also be about replacing production lost should Travis Kelce retire,” Goldman began, explaining the prediction.
“It’s generally the type of move that could solidify a position group that has struggled to take shape since 2022 and give a new wide receiver coach the tools to succeed right off the bat,” he wrote. “In multiple simulations, players like Ohio State’s Carnell Tate and Arizona State’s Jordyn Tyson were off the board by pick No. 9. Lemon, however, was available 80% of the time.”
Why Makai Lemon Could Be the Perfect NFL Draft Fit for the Chiefs in 2026
GettyUSC wide receiver Makai Lemon.
“Lemon is one of the many ‘don’t overthink it’ prospects in the early goings of this draft class,” Goldman continued in his mock draft article. “He’ll have his detractors because of his size, as he’s expected to measure sub-5-foot-11. He’ll also have those who downplay his ability because of the high percentage of snaps he plays in the slot. However, he’ll be just 22 years old during his rookie season.”
If that wasn’t enough reason to draft Lemon, Goldman also detailed his greatest attributes as a wide receiver.
“[Lemon’s] 3.13 yards per route run ranks the highest of any receiver in the class,” the reporter stated. “He has proven capable of defeating both zone and man coverages. He’s an absolute demon with the ball in his hands, forcing 21 missed tackles, which ranks No. 2 among wide receiver prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft class. He averaged 6.8 yards after the catch per reception.”
Goldman concluded that “Lemon might be on the smaller side, but he certainly doesn’t play like it, boasting insane body control, physicality, ball skills, hands, and leaping ability on contested throws.”
“Put it in the area code, and he’s coming down with it,” he added, and that’s magic to the ears of Mahomes.
Makai Lemon Would Give Patrick Mahomes & the Chiefs a Tremendous Young Trio of WRs
Assuming Rice doesn’t get himself in more hot water with the league, a pick like Lemon could really take this offense to the next level.
With Kelce most likely retiring in either 2026 or 2027, Lemon would slot in as yet another “YAC” — or yards after catch — threat behind Rice and another former first-round talent with big-play ability, Xavier Worthy. Together, that would give KC one of the most dangerous wide receiver trios in football.
And that doesn’t even take into account 2025 draft pick Jalen Royals, and anyone else general manager Brett Veach might either re-sign or bring in.
Of course, if the Chiefs decide to dedicate more resources to wide receiver in round one of the NFL draft, they’d be ignoring positions like defensive line, offensive tackle, and running back.
It’s a particularly strong D-line class in 2026, so a position like edge rusher or defensive tackle could certainly be Veach’s pick. There’s also a superstar running back in the making who could be available at No. 9 overall, and that’s Notre Dame’s Jeremiyah Love.
Still, drafting Lemon would be ultra-exciting in its own right. You can bet that Veach and the powers that be will at least consider the “demon” of a playmaker if he’s on the board at No. 9.
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