Chiefs: Donnie Avery “Will Likely Be The Guy” To Fill No. 2 WR Role

Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

The Kansas City Chiefs desperately need someone to step up across from star wide receiver Dwayne Bowe and be a solid No. 2 guy.

Jon Baldwin was supposed to fill that role for the Chiefs when he was drafted in the first round of the 2011 NFL Draft. Two seasons later, he’s only caught 41 balls for 579 yards and two touchdowns.

Baldwin has been underwhelming to say the least, but at 6’4”, 230 pounds, it’s hard to deny the potential that he still does have.

With that said, according to a “Camp Confidential” report from Bill Williamson of ESPN.com (h/t Josh Sanchez/FanSided), the Chiefs may have found their new No. 2 wideout in new Chief via free agency,  Donnie Avery:

"There aren’t a lot of issues with this roster, but finding a solid No. 2 receiver behind star Dwayne Bowe is a focal point of this camp. Free-agent pickup Donnie Avery will likely be the guy, and he has shown he can be a capable NFL player. He can get open. The team would like to see 2011 first-round pick Jon Baldwin finally develop. He has big ability but has failed to show the consistency to be a top-of-the rotation player. The Chiefs have a varied offense, so this will not be a huge problem, but it would be beneficial if Bowe had some legitimate help opposite of him."

Avery is in his fifth NFL season after being drafted by St. Louis in the second round of the 2008 NFL draft. He spent two years with the Rams, went to Tennessee in 2011 and played for the Colts in 2012.

He had a pretty good season with the Colts, notching 781 yards and three touchdowns.

Those aren’t star numbers, but if the Chiefs believe Avery can step up and play a complimentary role to Bowe, perhaps that production will increase. Either way, having someone across from Bowe to at least garner the attention of a safety every now and then could really open up this offense.

It’s worth noting that Williamson’s report did use the word “likely” so don’t etch this in stone on that depth chart hanging on your fridge.