The Chiefs could be taking a huge gamble in the 2026 NFL Draft. A new ESPN mock draft links them to an Arizona star wide receiver with game-changing talent.

Catering to this latest ESPN mock draft, analyst Field Yates has some predictions, and this time they have linked wide receiver (WR) Jordyn Tyson with the Kansas City Chiefs. 

21-year-old Jordyn Tyson from the Arizona State Sun Devils was proposed as the No. 9 overall pick for the Kansas City Chiefs, as their earliest of the two first-round picks.

Tyson has a rating of 82.9 on Pro Football Focus (PFF) for 2025 despite his hamstring issues. He is among the top explosive WRs in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).

With the Chiefs desperately looking for star receivers, Tyson can be an important piece for their roster. According to PFF, Tyson totaled 711 yards with 8 touchdowns last year.

Unfortunately, while his past numbers look impressive, injuries don't guarantee anything for the future.

In 2025, he suffered a hamstring injury, before that, a broken collarbone and knee injuries, including torn ACL, MCL, and PCL ligaments. 

“It’s worth noting,” Yates said. “That over the past two seasons, he played 21 of 26 games. He’s the most explosive pass-catcher in this entire draft.”

Due to his injuries, Tyson missed three games in 2025, with limited gametime in previous years as well.

It is a classic risk-versus-reward decision for the Chiefs. Tyson has the explosiveness to immediately impact the offense, but his injury history adds uncertainty to how much he can contribute over a full season.

How Chiefs Could Use Jordyn Tyson to Elevate Patrick Mahomes’ Offense

According to Sports Illustrated, Jordyn Tyson’s frame would certainly be appealing to the quarterback Patrick Mahomes, with a 6-foot-2 height and weighing about 203 pounds. 

His acceleration would be a major asset for the Chiefs' offense. Due to his injuries, he did not appear in the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine, further adding to the risk portion of this draft pick.

“Tyson's blend of tangible production,” Beat writer Kevin Hicks wrote. “Down-to-earth approach, leadership, and possession of traits that will clearly translate to the next level will likely keep him in the first round.” 

Considering the Chiefs' history of picking quality receivers such as Tyreek Hill, the upside over here is hard to ignore.

What do you think? Will the Chiefs draft him for their 2026 campaign? Share your thoughts with us in the comments. Read more at the Kansas City Chiefs Community!

Written by

Kunwar Yashaswee Chhaunker

Edited by

Aadesh Dhote