Mock drafts serve up 3 dynamic playmakers for the Chiefs in the first round
By Matt Conner
If you find yourself laying awake at night, staring at the stars, and wishing for an exciting new pass-catcher for the Kansas City Chiefs, the good news is you're not alone. Mock drafters are apparently feeling the same way about the Chiefs and their needs in the upcoming 2024 NFL Draft.
Another week of the NFL offseason brings another round of mock drafts for fans to wade through, and Chiefs Kingdom is seeing wide receivers aplenty.
The Chiefs currently have Rashee Rice at the position and then a lengthy list of either unproven talent or low-ceiling performers—and neither category is all that inspiring. While it's nice to have the Justin Watsons around, a team obviously needs more firepower than that.
So if the Chiefs decide to invest in another significant playmaker for Patrick Mahomes, who could it be? Let's survey the latest.
Ladd McConkey, WR, Georgia (PFF)
Over at Pro Football Focus, their latest mock draft has McConkey falling into the Chiefs' laps at No. 32 overall at the end of round one.
McConkey is not among the elite wideouts in his class, but those players will be long gone by the time K.C. is on the clock. Given the state of the position, McConkey is a fine addition to a group that simply needs reliable players after dealing with drops, doubts, and miscues all season long in 2024.
Per PFF's profile, "McConkey averaged 3.26 yards per route run and dropped just 6.3% of the catchable passes thrown his way last season. He would give another legitimate weapon in the passing game."
That last bit is what is so important here considering Rashee Rice is the only reliable pass catcher apart from Travis Kelce. As the Chiefs push Rice to other offensive roles, McConkey is an easy slip into the slot receiver role while also being capable of learning other tasks. He's as pro-ready as a receiver is going to be at the bottom of the first round as a route-runner, pass blocker, and even potential returner.