Chiefs Urged to Draft Georgia State's Ted Hurst as Mahomes Matchup Nightmare

Receiver could provide a big, explosive playmaker to stretch the field for the Chiefs' offense.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 2:27am

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a Kansas City Chiefs football play, with players and the field broken down into sharp, overlapping shapes and planes of color.A cubist interpretation of a Kansas City Chiefs offensive play, highlighting the team's need to add more dynamic playmakers to complement quarterback Patrick Mahomes.Kansas City Today

The Kansas City Chiefs are expected to focus on improving their defense in the early rounds of the 2026 NFL Draft, but analysts suggest the team should also consider adding a dynamic offensive weapon like Georgia State wide receiver Ted Hurst in the later rounds. At 6'4" and 206 pounds with 4.42 speed, Hurst could provide quarterback Patrick Mahomes with a big, physical receiver to target in the red zone and downfield.

Why it matters

The Chiefs' offense was one of the league's most potent last season, but lacked a true 'matchup nightmare' receiver who could win 50/50 balls and turn them into 70/30 advantages for Mahomes. Adding a player like Hurst could give the Chiefs' passing attack an additional dimension and make them even more difficult to defend.

The details

According to analysts, Hurst has good hands and is a strong runner after the catch, traits that could allow Chiefs head coach Andy Reid to scheme him open effectively. While he may not be an immediate top target, Hurst could develop into a valuable complementary piece in Kansas City's offense.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled for April 24-26.

The players

Patrick Mahomes

The star quarterback of the Kansas City Chiefs, known for his strong arm and playmaking ability.

Ted Hurst

A wide receiver prospect from Georgia State University, who stands at 6'4" and 206 pounds with 4.42 speed.

Andy Reid

The head coach of the Kansas City Chiefs, known for his innovative offensive schemes.

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What they’re saying

“Kansas City could use a big, explosive playmaker that can stretch the field, providing Patrick Mahomes with another dynamic option on the perimeter.”

— Eric Williams, Analyst

What’s next

The Chiefs will have the opportunity to address their draft needs, including potentially adding a receiver like Ted Hurst, when the 2026 NFL Draft takes place from April 24-26.

The takeaway

By targeting a player like Ted Hurst in the later rounds of the draft, the Chiefs could give their already potent offense an additional dimension and create more favorable matchups for quarterback Patrick Mahomes to exploit.