Chiefs’ Biggest Roster Needs: 4-Round Mock Draft Has Andy Reid Picking a ‘Clutch’ WR and Travis Kelce’s Heir

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September 4, 2025, Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil: Kansas City Chiefs Head Coach Andy Reid speaks to the media during the training camp at SPAC on September 04, 2025, in Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil. /PxImages Sao Paulo Brazil - ZUMAp175 20250904_zsa_p175_028 Copyright: xLeandroxBernardesx ©IMAGO/ZUMA Press Wire

Tony Pauline

Thu, Jan 15, 2026 ·

4 min read

It’s been a long fall from grace for the Kansas City Chiefs . After participating in five of the past six Super Bowls and winning three of them, the franchise now finds itself drafting in the top 10. They’ve struggled to find a top left tackle to protect quarterback Patrick Mahomes , the receiver position is unsettled, and the team may need a tight end, depending on the decision made by Travis Kelce .

NEEDS

Pass Catchers

November 28, 2025: Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce 87 warms up prior a game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium on Nov. 27, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. – ZUMAm67_ 20251128_zaf_m67_010 Copyright: xChrisxTorresx

The pass-catching unit needs an overhaul at receiver and potentially tight end. Kelce is expected to decide on whether he’ll return or retire before the draft. Rashee Rice is a solid receiver when he’s on the field, but off-the-field issues continue to pile up. Xavier Worthy , the team’s 2024 first-round pick, regressed after a terrific rookie season.

Cornerback

Starting corner Jaylen Watsonis slated for free agency, as are reserves Josh Williams and Nazeeh Johnson . Trent McDuffie , the team’s other starter at corner, could be traded in the offseason.

Running Back

Isiah Pacheco was a great seventh-round pick from the 2022 draft, yet he’s struggled with injuries the past two seasons. Aging Kareem Huntis also not the long-term answer.

MOCK DRAFT

ROUND 1: Carnell Tate/WR/Ohio State

November 1, 2025, Columbus, Ohio, U.S: Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Carnell Tate 17 celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the game between the Penn State Nittany Lions and the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium, Columbus, Ohio. Columbus U.S – ZUMAs304 20251101_zaf_s304_011 Copyright: xScottxStuartx

Carnell Tateoffers Mahomes a sturdy, big-bodied pass catcher he really didn’t have at his disposal last season. Tate is dependable as well as clutch, but he’s not a vertical threat, something the Chiefs needn’t worry about with Worthy on the roster. If Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love is available to the Chiefs in Round 1, that could be the pick.

ROUND 2: Chris Johnson/CB/San Diego State

January 02, 2026: Southern Methodist University Mustangs running back Chris Johnson Jr. 6 runs with the ball during the Trust & Will Holiday Bowl football game between the Arizona Wildcats and the Southern Methodist University Mustangs at Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego, California. /CSM San Diego USA – ZUMAc04_ 20260102_zma_c04_078 Copyright: xJustinxFinex

Chris Johnsonis a long, athletic corner with a physical style and next-level ball skills. He can line up in press and hold his own in zone coverage. Johnson combined for 13 PBUs and five interceptions in the past two seasons. We’ll see him at the Senior Bowl in two weeks.

ROUND 3: Tanner Koziol/TE/Houston

December 27, 2025, Houston, Texas, USA: Houston Cougars tight end Tanner Koziol 9 during the Kinders Texas Bowl between the University of Houston Cougars and the LSU Tigers at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas, on December 27, 2025. Houston USA – ZUMAp213 20251227_znp_p213_138 Copyright: xLynnxPenningtonx — December 27, 2025, Houston , Texas, USA: Houston Cougars tight end Tanner Koziol 9 during the Kinders Texas Bowl between the University of Houston Cougars and the LSU Tigers at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas, on December 27, 2025. Houston USA – ZUMAp213 20251227_znp_p213_138 Copyright: xLynnxPenningtonx

Regardless of whether Kelce retires, Tanner Koziolwould be a good option in the third round. He’s a lot like Kelce when the All-Pro tight end entered the league out of Cincinnati , a natural pass catcher who finds a way to sneak downfield.

ROUND 4: Drew Shelton/T/Penn State

September 6, 2025, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA: University Park, PA: Penn State Nittany Lions offensive lineman Drew Shelton 66 celebrates a touchdown during the NCAA, College League, USA football game against the Florida International University Panthers on Friday, September 6th, 2025 at Beaver Stadium. The Nittany Lions won 34-0 over the Panthers. University Park USA – ZUMAp258 20250906_znp_p258_043 Copyright: xStevexPrakopex — September 6, 2025, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA: University Park, PA: Penn State Nittany Lions offensive lineman Drew Shelton 66 celebrates a touchdown during the NCAA, College League, USA football game against the Florida International University Panthers on Friday, September 6th, 2025 at Beaver Stadium. The Nittany Lions won 34-0 over the Panthers . University Park USA – ZUMAp258 20250906_znp_p258_043 Copyright: xStevexPrakopex

Drew Sheltonis an athletic pass-protecting left tackle who, like many of his Penn State teammates, fell well short of expectations last season. He’s an athletic blocker who easily slides off the edge while showing the ability to block in motion. Shelton was graded as a potential top-60 pick by scouts before the season.

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