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Kansas City Chiefs: Patrick Mahomes Gets New Play Maker in Latest CBS Sports NFL Mock Draft

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Glenn Kaplan | Last updated Mar 19, 2026 10:25 AM ET

The Kansas City Chiefs finished with a 6-11 record last season in the NFL. Kansas City missed the playoffs. They are trying to find ways to get back to the playoffs in 2026, but the roster is not in very good shape.

It may take more than one offseason for the Chiefs to fix up its roster. Kansas City will have two first-round selections in the 2026 NFL Draft. They will have the ninth overall selection, and they will also have the 30th overall selection. Kansas City acquired its other first round pick in a trade with the Los Angeles Rams.

One of the biggest questions entering next season for the Chiefs will be whether or not quarterback Patrick Mahomes will be able to play in week one. He tore his ACL in December against the Los Angeles Chargers. Some may believe that he may not be ready for week one. In the meantime, could they find him another playmaker?

Kansas City Chiefs Find New Play Maker and Select Carnell Tate Ninth Overall

Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jeremiah Smith (4) celebrates with wide receiver Carnell Tate (17).© Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Tom Fornelli of CBS Sports created his latest 2026 NFL Mock Draft. With the ninth overall selection for the Chiefs, he has them taking Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Carnell Tate.Fornelli said, "Travis Kelce isn't getting younger, Rashee Rice is hard to count on, and Xavier Worthy hasn't exactly lit the world on fire. You've signed Kenneth Walker III; now it's time to upgrade the WR position and give Patrick Mahomes as many weapons as possible."

Tate would be a good addition for the Chiefs and Mahomes. Ohio State wide receivers have been very good in the NFL. During the 2025 college football season with the Buckeyes, he caught 51 passes for 875 yards receiving and nine touchdowns, along with averaging 17.2 yards per reception. Tate is 6'3" and weighs 195 lbs.

There is no doubt many questions about the Chiefs wide receiver room. Ever since they lost Tyreek Hill, they have not been the same at the wide receiver position. Mahomes needs to have a reliable wide receiver option on the outside once again. Tate is very well going to be a Top 10 selection. If Kansas City can't get him, they'll probably find another wide receiver to draft anyways.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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