Questions arose about the Kansas City Chiefs’ wide receiver corps after Tyreek Hill was traded to the Miami Dolphins in 2022. While Patrick Mahomes maintained a stellar connection with Travis Kelce, the rest of the receiving group seemed like depth pieces on other teams.
But the Chiefs have addressed that issue in recent years, landing talented receivers in the early rounds of both the 2023 and 2024 NFL Drafts. Now, according to the latest three-round mock draft from PFSN, Kansas City could be poised to do it again.
Kansas City Chiefs To Continue Hot Streak With Another First-Round Receiver
The Chiefs have recently excelled at identifying receiver talent, drafting Rashee Rice and Xavier Worthy in consecutive drafts.
Rice, a 2023 second-round pick from SMU, quickly emerged as Mahomes’ go-to wide receiver, excelling at gaining yards after the catch. By the second half of the 2023 season, he had earned Mahomes’ trust, delivering several key performances.
Unfortunately, Rice’s 2024 season was cut short by an LCL injury in Week 4, requiring surgery. While he’s expected to return in 2025, there are concerns about his ability to make an immediate impact.
Luckily for Kansas City, they had already drafted Texas speedster Xavier Worthy in the 2024 first round. After shattering the NFL Combine record with a 4.21-second 40-yard dash, Worthy was touted as a deep-ball weapon. However, his all-around speed and ability after the catch made him an even better fit for Andy Reid’s offense.
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Worthy finished his rookie year with 59 catches for 638 yards and six touchdowns, plus 104 rushing yards and three more scores. His breakout moment came in the Super Bowl, where he caught all eight of his targets for 157 yards and two touchdowns—the most receiving yards by a rookie in Super Bowl history.
Now, with the 2025 NFL Draft just over a month away, PFSN’s latest mock has the Chiefs adding yet another explosive playmaker: Missouri wide receiver Luther Burden III with the 31st overall pick.
Chiefs Add Luther Burden III in First Round, Boosting Run-After-Catch Ability
While some view offensive line as Kansas City’s biggest need, PFSN’s mock highlights concerns about the current state of the receiving corps.
“The Kansas City Chiefs are looking for answers at wide receiver,” Marco Enriquez wrote. “Rashee Rice is returning, but Travis Kelce’s future production is uncertain, and Xavier Worthy is dealing with off-field issues. Adding an offensive playmaker is a top priority after an underwhelming offensive season and a blowout loss in the Super Bowl.
“Luther Burden III is coming off a down season after a dominant 2023. However, that was largely due to Missouri’s puzzling offensive scheme rather than a decline in talent.
“Burden is strong and physical in contested catch situations. His ability to win in tight coverage should translate well to the NFL. Some teams may see him as a pure slot receiver, but once he’s free from his college scheme, Burden could unlock even more potential.”
While offensive line help is still a need, Burden’s skill set could solidify one of the most explosive young receiving corps in the NFL. Kelce’s retirement continues to loom over the organization, and Hollywood Brown is on a one-year deal, making Mahomes’ arsenal a long-term concern.
Given Burden’s electric playmaking ability, Reid and the Chiefs might find him too good to pass up.