2026 NFL Draft prospect WR Malachi Fields
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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - FEBRUARY 28: Malachi Fields of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish participates in a drill during the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 28, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
As the main wave of free agency has already passed, the Kansas City Chiefs are turning their attention to the 2026 NFL Draft, which is just over one month away.
The Chiefs have revamped many position groups, but still have significant needs throughout their roster. Fortunately, they have nine picks in the draft to address those concerns, including four in the top 100.
Among the upgrades Kansas City needs to make is at the wide receiver corps. Its top player in the unit, Rashee Rice, is once again facing a potential suspension following more off-the-field issues. Xavier Worthy and Tyquan Thornton bring exciting speed to the table, but aren’t well-rounded enough to be No. 1 wide receivers.
Kansas City Chiefs Named ‘Best Fit’ for Notre Dame WR Malachi Fields
GettyWR Malachi Fields
The folks over at Bleacher Report recently named their best and worst landing spots for the top wide receivers in this year’s draft. They named the Chiefs the best fit for Fields, despite him not really fitting the mold that they usually go for in a receiver.
“Teams looking for a big-bodied boundary receiver should be eyeing Notre Dame’s Malachi Fields. The 6’4″, 218-pound pass-catcher is a physical mismatch against most defensive backs. The former Virginia standout was productive at both college stops, showing an elite ability to high-point the football, out-position defenders, and pick up yards after the catch. Fields had two 800-yard seasons at Virginia and averaged an impressive 17.5 yards per catch with the Irish in 2025. The 23-year-old would be a great fit in Kansas City, where speedy receivers like Rice and Worthy could create space on underneath routes for him to work. He’d also give Mahomes a legitimate go-to possession receiver aside from Travis Kelce. Fields could continue being that gotta-have-it target after the 36-year-old Kelce decides to call it a career.”
Many have clamored for the Chiefs to work a receiver with size more into their offense, but they are more comfortable with smaller and speedy receivers who create separation. The main problem with that has been when those guys are unable to get open, their small stature prevents them from making contested catches.
Having a receiver like Fields who can out-physical defensive backs would be a nice change of pace for Kansas City’s offense. He would also provide yards-after-the-catch ability as it is tough to bring his large frame down in the open field.
Other Potential Early Round WR Options for the Chiefs
Carnell Tate
GettyWR Carnell Tate
The Chiefs have also been heavily linked to Carnell Tate and Makai Lemon, each of who they would likely need to spend their N0. 9 overall pick on to secure. 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.
Lemon is a fast and shifty receiver that Kansas City typically has an eye for. During his final season at USC, Lemon caught 79 passes for 1,156 yards and 11 touchdowns. If Tate and Lemon are both available when the Chiefs hit the clock, they will be faced with quite a difficult decision.