It is absolutely no secret the Kansas City Chiefs still need a weapon at wide receiver. Quite frankly, that's been a talking point for a while now (hello, Tyreek Hill trade).
One of the most-coveted wideouts in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft is also a draft crush for Chiefs Kingdom: USC's Makai Lemon. And, with a pair of first-round picks, the Chiefs have to feel pretty good about their chances of landing either he or Carnell Tate.
But, what if the value is too good at pick no. 9 to pass up another player? That's an incredibly likely scenario, but then when the Chiefs pick next at 29th overall, Lemon could be gone. It's actually a strong possibility that Kansas City doesn't end up with Lemon, as his sweet spot to be drafted is between picks 10-20.
So, where would the Chiefs look if he's gone by the time they pick at no. 29?
Don't fret, there are some excellent names to be had, still. This class is deep, and the Chiefs would have no problem ending up with a weapon.
The Kansas City Chiefs can still find an impactful wide receiver even if they miss out on Makai Lemon
Let's look at a few others if it isn't Lemon.
KC Concepcion, Texas A&M
Another draft crush, this year for the Chiefs' fan base, is Texas A&M's KC Concepcion. If the Chiefs want a guy who can be open in a flash, that's where Concepcion excels. Right off the line of scrimmage, Concepcion is so quick that defensive backs have a difficult time keeping up.
The intriguing part is, Concepcion is much more quick than he is fast. And, in today's NFL, that typically wins. Concepcion can get open on a variety of routes, and he does it in a hurry. Putting defensive backs in a blender within the first 10-15 yards off the line of scrimmage is his specialty.
Patrick Mahomes doesn't have a problem making an accurate throw, but you couple that with Concepcion's ability to get open with the best of them, and you have a walking, talking first down here. This might be the match made in heaven, if Lemon isn't a Chief by pick no. 29.
Chris Bell, Louisville
As we navigate into Day 2, Louisville's Chris Bell could be a very strong option for Kansas City. He's coming off an ACL tear, which is why his draft stock has slipped a bit. But, that could mean the Chiefs get a legitimate steal.
Bell stands 6-foot-2 and has the muscle to be a problem after the catch. He is the definition of a possession wide receiver, being able to manhandle defensive backs before and after having the ball in his hands.
He isn't the fastest off the line of scrimmage, but if he's able to get the ball with a little bit of space, Bell has as good a chance as anyone to turn it into a big gain. He's a steam engine if he's able to get a few steps after the catch -- and then, good luck bringing him down.
Chris Brazzell II, Tennessee
Here's a highly-interesting prospect when you're talking Mahomes and the Chiefs offense. Tennessee's Chris Brazzell stands a towering 6-foot-4 yet was still able to dazzle the NFL Combine with 4.37 speed in his 40-yard dash.
Some draft experts compare him to the likes of Christian Watson and, if he's able to stay healthy (unlike Watson), then Brazzell could turn into a star if he landed with the Chiefs.
With a quarterback that likes to extend plays and sometimes makes magic happen, Brazzell could turn into Mahomes' best friend. You'd be giving your quarterback a long-bodied target with a massive catch radius and dangerous speed. What's not to like?
Last year with the Volunteers, Brazzell finished averaging a staggering 16.4 yards per catch on 62 receptions. Throw that type of talent into Kansas City's offense, and, watch out.
Bryce Lance, North Dakota State
Finally, let's look at Bryce Lance out of North Dakota State. Although he didn't face stiffer competition like that of the SEC or Big Ten, Lance should be a lock to go on Day 2. And, if you thought Brazzell was an impressive combination of size and speed, then you're going to love Lance.
Standing 6-foot-3, 204 pounds, Lance showed off with a 4.34 in the 40-yard dash, but didn't stop there. He also added an impressive 41.5-inch vertical and an 11'1" in the broad.
For Chiefs fans who watched Travis Kelce win by getting open, creating space and using his body to his advantage, they're going to see similar traits on the field with Lance. The North Dakota State product does exactly that. He's skilled at using his body to get in front of defenders and create an easy target. But, he also does a good job to ensure the catch is made.
In terms of speed, athleticism and body control, Lance has it all. He very well could be the wild card, here, but ultimately become a true star in Kansas City.