Jehu Chesson could be rookie sleeper for Kansas City Chiefs

Matt Miller of Bleacher Report says that rookie wide receiver Jehu Chesson could be a name to watch, even in 2017.

Even after the release of Jeremy Maclin, it’s hard to find anyone who is predicting or expecting much from Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Jehu Chesson this season. After all, the Michigan product was just selected in the fourth round of the 2017 NFL Draft and sits behind numerous other young players who have been waiting their turn as well. But one prominent reporter says that shouldn’t be the case for those who aren’t giving Chesson a chance to make an instant impact.

Despite the presence of Chris Conley, Tyreek Hill, DeMarcus Robinson and Albert Wilson, Bleacher Report’s Matt Miller recently pointed out Chesson as his No. 1 name to know as he points to under-the-radar players who could surprise with their 2017 performance. Miller writes:

"Jeremy Maclin is out, and the Chiefs are going young at wide receiver. Jehu Chesson is a strong possession receiver with the route-running skills Andy Reid’s offense utilizes well. Chesson won’t push Tyreek Hill, but don’t be surprised if he works his way among the top four wide receivers in Kansas City."

Chesson was one of three targets for whom general manager John Dorsey traded up, so there was some determination on the front office’s part to get the wide receiver. Whether it was because he was the last remaining player within a certain graded tier on the draft board or whether Dorsey specifically wanted Chesson of all prospects around that time isn’t certain. But the fact that the Chiefs made a move could prove that he’s a bit more ready than fans might realize.

Unfortunately for Chesson, most fans and NFL analysts look at his final season at the University of Michigan and see a statistical slip. Chesson went from 50 receptions to 35 and from 9 touchdowns to 2. He also dropped from 919 yards from scrimmage his junior year to 563 his senior year—not exactly the sort of pre-draft performance most players want to put on.

However, Dorsey’s move makes it clear that he knows the story behind the stats and feels just fine about his new wideout. So does Miller. Here’s hoping both of them are right.