Chiefs GM Brett Veach praised for Jalen Royals draft steal.
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Kansas City Chiefs general manager Brett Veach received rave draft reviews again in 2025.
The Kansas City Chiefs had a disappointing 2025 season, but there are positives that they can take away from it to help them in the future.
Perhaps none bigger is the improved draft capitol that they received. The Chiefs have faced the challenges of picking in the bottom of most rounds over the past eight years since they have consistently made deep postseason runs.
Kansas City owns the ninth pick in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft, its highest selection since having the No. 1 overall pick in 2013. If the Chiefs are going to get things turned around quickly, it is crucial that they get it right with their No. 9 selection.
Ohio State WR Carnell Tate Labeled ‘Dream Target’ for Kansas City Chiefs in 2026 NFL Draft
While identifying one “dream target” for each NFL team during this April’s draft, Gary Davenport of Bleacher Report marked Buckeyes wide receiver Carnell Tate as that guy for the Chiefs.
“It has been a long time since the Kansas City Chiefs picked inside the top 10 in the draft. But after last year’s 6-11 fiasco, they have the ninth overall pick—and a glaring need at wide receiver. The Chiefs have Rashee Rice, but off-field issues and his injury history cast doubt over his long-term viability. Given the success of Ohio State wide receivers of the NFL in recent years, it’s an easy argument to get behind.”
Our friend Jesse Newell of The Athletic also believes Tate would be a good fit in Kansas City.
“The Chiefs typically target run-after-catch guys, but too often last year, they were in need of an outside receiver who could create route separation and be a contested-catch option. Tate—he most often draws George Pickens comps from draft analysts—would be a welcome addition for new receivers coach Chad O’Shea, while also giving Patrick Mahomes a QB-friendly option for years to come.”
How Would Carnell Tate Fit With the Chiefs?
Carnell Tate
GettyOhio State wide receiver Carnell Tate
The Chiefs have needs at the receiver position from both a quantity and quality standpoint. They currently have just five on their roster – Rashee Rice, Xavier Worthy, Jalen Royals, Jason Brownlee, and Jimmy Holiday. Kansas City usually carries at least six on its 53-man roster, and a handful on the practice squad.
Royals, Brownlee, and Holiday are all very young and inexperienced. Worthy had an impressive rookie season in 2024, but injuries and inconsistent performances set him back in 2025. Rice has flashed elite potential throughout his three-year NFL career, but injuries and off-the-field trouble make him unreliable.
If the Chiefs select Tate in this year’s draft, they could be getting the No. 1 receiver they’ve been looking for since trading away Tyreek Hill four years ago. At 6-foot-3 and 195 pounds, Tate has a great blend of size and speed. This past season at Ohio State, he recorded 51 receptions for 875 yards and nine touchdowns.
As Davenport noted in his piece, former Buckeye receivers are dominating the NFL right now – such as Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Garrett Wilson, Terry McLaurin, Chris Olave, and Emeka Egbuka. Pairing Tate with Worthy, while having Royals as insurance for Rice, would give the Chiefs a young and potentially explosive wide receiving corps.