There’s no doubt that the Kansas City Chiefs underperformed last season. After the high standards they’ve set during the Patrick Mahomes era, their 2025 season was a significant disappointment. However, as strange as it may sound, it wasn’t entirely surprising. The offense had been showing signs of struggling with explosiveness, and last season, those issues caught up with them.
For the first time since 2014, the Chiefs missed the playoffs, and they also handed over the AFC West crown to the Denver Broncos for the first time since 2016. Now, the goal for Patrick Mahomes and company is to reclaim dominance in the AFC. However, this is going to be a very challenging process, as the AFC is becoming more competitive by the year.
Now, the Chiefs have no choice but to be impactful again and capitalize on having an elite quarterback like Patrick Mahomes. Their first step was signing Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III in free agency, making him their new running back. With this addition, sportsbooks have once again placed Mahomes and company as the favorites to win the AFC West.
The Chiefs can’t afford to make a mistake in the upcoming Draft
In the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft, taking place on April 23, Kansas City will have two first-round picks: No. 9 and No. 29. The latter pick came from their trade of cornerback Trent McDuffie to the Los Angeles Rams. For the first time in the Patrick Mahomes era, the Chiefs will be selecting within the top 10 of the draft.
Kansas City needs immediate-impact selections, and while wide receiver Carnell Tate may not last until pick No. 9 (with the Cleveland Browns likely to pick him at No. 6), Arizona State’s Jordan Tyson is a player being heavily linked to the Chiefs. However, a strong warning has already been issued to the Chiefs’ management about this receiver.
“Kansas City cannot afford to miss with their inherited first-round pick. With Mahomes under center, the Chiefs never want to be in this situation again, and getting this pick right will be crucial to turning things around next season.
Tyson is a high-risk, high-reward prospect, and many teams can afford to take that swing, but Kansas City’s roster is not in a position to gamble on a player plagued by injuries,” said Logan Lazarczyk from On SI.
The major issue is that Jordan Tyson will not participate in Arizona State’s Pro Day due to a lingering hamstring injury. This makes it a risky proposition, and the Chiefs cannot afford to go through another forgettable season. Make no mistake, Tyson’s talent is undeniable, and he could produce from day one. But his injury history is certainly concerning.
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