There’s no doubt that in recent years, beyond any failures, the most dominant team in the NFL has been the Kansas City Chiefs, and it all started when they drafted Patrick Mahomes in 2017. Although he played only one game in his rookie season, the quarterback has completely transformed the franchise.
Since becoming the starter in 2018, the Chiefs, led by Mahomes, have appeared in five Super Bowls and won three of them, with Mahomes earning MVP honors in each victory. However, lately, the Andy Reid-led team hasn’t been at its best, and taking a step forward won’t be easy.
Competition in the AFC is increasing
While Mahomes has dominated, there’s more talent at quarterback than ever, especially from Lamar Jackson, Joe Burrow, and Josh Allen. Mahomes should never be doubted, but it’s clear that competition is tougher not only in the conference but across the entire NFL.
The Chiefs must be surgical
After missing the playoffs in 2025, the Chiefs need to rebuild, and for the first time in the Mahomes era, they’ll have a top-10 draft pick. Their biggest need is a top-tier wide receiver to restore the offense’s dominance. There’s talent available, but the Chiefs cannot afford to waste their first-round pick.
Currently, Makai Lemon, Carnell Tate, and Jordyn Tyson are the receivers generating the most buzz, all linked to Kansas City at the No. 9 selection. Still, the Chiefs must proceed with caution. A study by the portal ON SI reminds us that in 2017, before Mahomes, three receivers were drafted ahead of him-and none succeeded in the league.
Corey Davis, Mike Williams, and John Ross had flashes of talent-particularly Williams and Ross with their elite speed-but none built a lasting NFL career. That’s why the Chiefs must be careful: Lemon, Tate, and Tyson clearly have talent, but questions remain about their long-term potential.
A key revelation from this study is that since 2017, 13 receivers have been selected in the top 10 of the draft, yet only Ja’Marr Chase and Malik Nabers have become Pro Bowl players. Taking a receiver in the top 10, where the Chiefs will pick, is no guarantee of success.
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