Which Wide Receiver Makes Most Sense For Chiefs In Round 1?

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The wide receiver position is a fascinating point of discussion for the Kansas City Chiefs. As we enter the 2023 NFL Draft, there appears to be a clearer picture developing on who the top wide receivers off the board will be. Depending on how long some of the top four wide receivers last, a prime opportunity could quickly materialize for Kansas City. But, which choice will be the most optimal one for the Chiefs at wide receiver, if they take one in the first round?

Of the top four wide receiver options, which player is the best fit for the Chiefs offense and scheme? Plus, which physical profile may be the best one for Kansas City to target? Let’s kick it off.

Reports From NFL Circles

There appeared to be some buzz for a while that this year’s wide receiver class presented very few options with a true first-round grade. Just last week, this was essentially confirmed even more by Jim Nagy. The executive director of the Senior Bowl and former NFL scout took to Twitter to discuss the topic of seeing mock drafts that involved four to five wide receivers in the first round.

One thing has become clear on calls around league past couple weeks: NFL isn’t nearly as high on this year’s WR class as media.

Frequently seeing 4-5 wideouts in mocks. Have spoken to numerous teams that have only one first round grade at the position. That guy is JSN.

— Jim Nagy (@JimNagy_SB) April 10, 2023

Overall, Nagy mentioned how the NFL is lower on the wide receiver class, compared to the media. Some teams reportedly have only one wide receiver with a first-round grade. And as Nagy mentioned, that guy is Ohio State’s Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Given Nagy’s ties and a lack of hype for some wide receivers, that view is apparently consistent throughout most of the league.

How Do Top Wide Receivers Fit In Kansas City?

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So if we assume that Smith-Njigba is likely going to be the first wide receiver off the board, Kansas City will not be in his range. The Chiefs are surely well aware of the weak wide receiver class. To boot, there is just so many narrow skill sets available at the position this year. With less well-rounded or polished pass catching options in the class, how could that influence Kansas City’s decision? Let’s see how each of the top names’ skill sets could fit with the Chiefs offense.

Quentin Johnston- TCU

First and foremost, TCU’s Quentin Johnston would be an intriguing dynamic in KC. His mix of size, physicality and versatility would be a new dynamic for the Chiefs. After relying on shiftier, faster and smaller wide receivers, Johnston dominates with his mass. The best-case scenario for him is improving his hands and extending his arms at the catch point. If he can do that, Johnston does not have to be a consistent separator down the field. The Chiefs may be able to create opportunities for him with his explosiveness, however.

Jordan Addison- USC

With certain prospects, fatigue can begin to set in. And with no fault of his own, it feels like Jordan Addison is being forgotten about. Addison was a Biletnikoff Award winner for the country’s most outstanding wide receiver in college football in 2021. Perhaps, a new offense and team at USC changed how some people viewed this wide receiver.

Nevertheless, this wide receiver makes a lot of sense as a target of the Chiefs. Kansas City would surely be interested in the crafty route running of Addison. Moreover, this is a player that can create separation instantly at all three levels of the field. His yards after catch ability is still a weapon. Yet, there are going to be wide receivers who present more long speed and play speed than this player. Does that become a make-or-break item for Kansas City, if they are interested in Addison?

Zay Flowers- Boston College

Personally, Zay Flowers would be the only other wide receiver that I would list with a first-round grade, outside of Smith-Njigba. The name of the game is route running and separation. Though, it is the efficiency at which Flowers uses from those areas to spring himself open. His tempo when attacking a defensive back’s leverage is noticeably precise. Whereas with his overall speed, his is the most dangerous out of these three names.

In Kansas City, the Chiefs could possibly count on Flowers to be dangerous from any spot in the offensive formation. He is probably the most well-rounded, all-around weapon of these possible first-round wide receivers, rather than just a simple pass catcher.

Which Of Those Three Is Best Fit For Chiefs?

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Obviously, being able to select any of these three wide receivers would be a benefit for the Chiefs. We must go back to the original question, though. If you only had to pick one of these three names, which wide receiver makes the most sense in Round One? Who will potentially elevate the team’s ceiling the most?

As much as I like Flowers, Johnston makes the most sense as the best fit for the Chiefs, in my opinion. Landing spots and environment matters so much for any prospect. Johnston may not be as good of a player in certain offenses. However, the player-team fit of Kansas City and the TCU product could be a win-win for both sides. The Chiefs finally get a bigger-bodied wide receiver, who can still create in space and win down the field. KC could also fine-tune and tighten up his hands and ball skills as his career progresses.

Be on the lookout for more FPC Chiefs 2023 NFL Draft articles and analysis throughout this week. For more great sports and NFL content, stay tuned to Full Press Coverage.

– Braden Holecek is the Kansas City Chiefs managing editor for Full Press Coverage. He covers the NFL. Like and follow on Follow @ebearcat9//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js Follow @FPC_Chiefs//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js and Facebook.