Kansas City Chiefs: A Closer Look At 3 1st-Round Targets

3. Kevin White – WR – West Virginia

Sep 6, 2014; Morgantown, WV, USA; West Virginia Mountaineers wide receiver Kevin White (11) runs after a pass reception as Towson Tigers linebacker Fred Overstreet (39) and linebacker Eric Handy (58) defend during the first quarter at Milan Puskar Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

While I’m pro-offensive line with KC’s first pick, I certainly wouldn’t be upset if it was spent on a true No. 1 receiver.

There are multiple wide receiver prospects who are viewed as potential first-round selections, but White is really the only one I love for KC. I see White as having the size/speed/hands combo needed to be a star wideout. Though it’s possible that White is the third WR taken in the draft (behind Amari Cooper and DeVante Parker), I think White has a shot to be as good or better than any other WR in the draft.

I’m actually kind of hoping White doesn’t run a blazing-fast 40 at the combine because if he does, he could easily join Scherff and Collins as prospects whom KC may have to think about trading up in order to select. Thus far, the tape that I have watched on White shows a player with the speed/agility to get open and create separation, which the Chiefs desperately need. I love his all-around ability and think he is clearly in a different league than any of the WRs who will be available in the second round.

The main reason that White is on this list and Parker is not is that I have some doubts about Parker’s speed and ability to get off the line against top corners (especially as a rookie). With a QB who doesn’t like to gamble and throw into tight windows, I don’t know that a WR like Parker is going to make a huge impact as a rookie, even with his excellent catching ability.

With Parker often being predicted to go before KC selects, I certainly wouldn’t advocate them trading up to go get him. If KC renegotiates Dwayne Bowe’s contract and keeps him around, it would only increase these feelings because I think Parker and Bowe’s games would be too similar (with Parker having a much greater upside). I would rather wait until the second round to take a speedster like Devin Smith of Ohio State, Phillip Dorsett of Miami, or Tyler Lockett from KSU. I think separation is key for the Chiefs, and of the WRs that KC may have a shot at in the first round, I like Kevin White the best.

I will add that if there is a player that could add his name to this list and make it a foursome, it would be Jalen Strong of Arizona State. I need to see more film of him, but if he runs well and shows the ability to create the separation that KC needs, I would certainly be willing to add him to the first-round wish list.