With the NFL Draft coming up soon, the defending champion Kansas City Chiefs are looking for a three-peat. Drafting a wide receiver is on their list of needs, and fans have consistently added one with Pro Football Network’s Mock Draft Simulator.
So who’s most likely to go there? We look at the potential prospects that could join Patrick Mahomes on offense and how they’d fit in with the current personnel.
Kansas City Chiefs Taking a Receiver in Round 1
Not all mock drafts have the Chiefs taking a receiver. Defensive tackles like Byron Murphy II, Maason Smith, and T’Vondre Sweat have all been selected by fans. Offensive tackle Patrick Paul and tight end Ja’Tavion Sanders round out the non-receivers that users selected.
Brian Thomas Jr.
We’ve seen what Andy Reid can do with blazing speed, and Brian Thomas Jr. could be the next speedster to join an already electric offense. Thomas was a reliable deep threat for LSU this past year, and he’d be a nice complement to Rashee Rice and TE Travis Kelce.
Thomas ran a 4.33-second 40-yard dash at the Combine while also adding a 38.5″ vertical jump and a 10′ 6″ broad jump. The Chiefs’ offense constantly looks for mismatches, and Thomas’ natural ability would be enough stress on defenses to create those opportunities.
Adonai Mitchell
Adonai Mitchell should move up draft boards after this offseason, but his skill set would be phenomenal in Kansas City’s offense. He ran a 4.34-second 40-yard dash with a 39.5″ vertical jump and an 11′ 4″ broad jump.
Mitchell finally got to be featured in college when he transferred to Texas, and his traits jumped out on film. He’s a good route runner who understands leverage, so his speed becomes even more valuable when paired with those technical abilities.
Rome Odunze
If Rome Odunze drops this far, it would be the surprise of the draft. Maybe the Chiefs trade up to get him, but even that would still be a surprise, given how far up they’d need to go.
Odunze’s been in the WR1 conversation this offseason, and he posted numbers to keep him there. At 6’3″ and 212 pounds, he’d give KC another big body downfield for Mahomes.
With Kelce already bringing a physical presence, Odunze puts more stress on the defense thanks to his size. His NFL Combine performance also should worry teams as he reminded us that he can push a defense vertically and open things up for everyone else.
Troy Franklin
If the Chiefs want a strict vertical threat, then Troy Franklin‘s their guy. Franklin was the proven deep threat for Oregon this past year and should be able to do it at the next level too. Concerns about separation in short to intermediate routes remain, but Franklin has the speed to take the top off the defense.
Xavier Legette
Xavier Legette is one of the more intriguing prospects in this class. He measured 6’1″ and 221 pounds and also showed off his explosiveness with a 4.39-second 40-yard dash and a 40″ vertical jump.
That skill set would be welcomed with this team, but there are aspects of Legette’s game that need to improve for him to be a reliable threat. Once he gets the ball, though, he knows how to wreak havoc on a defense.
Keon Coleman
While Keon Coleman didn’t post the best numbers, his metrics during drills stood out. We talk about game speed a lot, and Coleman is the perfect example of someone who plays faster than he tests.
He’s an athletic player who’s also still growing into his life as a receiver, so there’s plenty of upside surrounding Coleman’s game. Florida State’s Pro Day will give him a chance to post better numbers too, but for now, the film is his best asset.
Ja’Lynn Polk
A big-time sleeper, and arguably the most realistic option for the Chiefs if they want a receiver at No. 32 overall. While he continues to live in his teammates’ shadow, Washington’s Ja’Lynn Polk can play just as well.
Polk put up solid numbers at the NFL Combine and proved that he can be a reliable pass catcher for his team. With this class being so deep, the Chiefs don’t necessarily have to move up to get one. They can sit tight, and a guy like Polk should still be around when they pick.
Xavier Worthy
Honestly, this is the one prospect that should concern teams if Kansas City can draft him. Xavier Worthy reminded us of his blazing speed by breaking the NFL Combine record in the 40-yard dash. Unlike several speedsters, though, Worthy can also beat defenders with his route running.
KEEP READING: Top Wide Receivers in the 2024 NFL Draft
Worthy’s speed should entice the Chiefs, but he brings so much more to the table. He’ll need to add some weight to his frame, but he’s a tough player who can withstand hits for the time being. Throw his speed in this offense, and the Chiefs are well on their way to winning another Super Bowl.
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