Could the Chiefs take yet another wide receiver early in the draft?

Brandon Aiyuk

In a deep wide receiver class, it easy to forget a few names. Brandon Aiyuk is rarely mentioned by draft analysts, but could easily be worthy of a first-round pick. In his two years at Arizona State, he showed incredible growth in his route running ability and overall technique. Aiyuk’s ability to accelerate off of the line of scrimmage is impressive, but what makes him unique is his strength. Despite being in a 200 pound frame, he runs as strong as any receiver in the class and is able to shed tacklers with sheer strength.

Aiyuk’s fit with the Chiefs is an interesting one. He didn’t look like a great “possession” type receiver in college and was rarely asked to make contested catches. The Chiefs love to push the ball down field, but if they are looking for the replacement for Robinson and Watkins, it is not obvious that Aiyuk could step into those roles and be successful. That being said, if the Chiefs want yet another guy with speed, they could certainly consider Aiyuk.

Laviska Shenault

Quite honestly, Laviska Shenault has no business falling to the second round. With looming injury concerns and a loaded receiving class, he may fall further than he ultimately should. Shenault is not your typical receiver and that may be exactly what teams like about him. While he is an explosive player it is not in the way that most wide receivers are. PFF’s Mike Renner compares Shenault to Saquon Barkley because of how electric he is as a ball carrier. While Shenault may need some help in refining his technique, his physical talents are incredibly beneficial to any offense. Weighing 227, Shenault is not an easy player to bring down.

Shenault has a lingering groin injury that has held him out for more than scouts may like. Although a project, Shenault is precisely the kind of player that the Chiefs should consider if he falls into the second round. His potential is through the roof. With Watkins and Robinson on one-year deals, it could allow the Chiefs to take their time developing his skill. While a project player, Shenault offers a whole new threat to NFL defenses that gives him the potential to be an All-Pro.

Tee Higgins

One of the most intriguing fits for the Chiefs is Tee Higgins. Higgins had 1,167 yards receiving in his final year at Clemson and may quickly become a quarterback’s best friend. Standing at 6’5, Higgins looks like a giant on tape. In many cases, he was relied on to make a ridiculous catch in a tight window and he did so. He has solid speed and decent route running ability, but his huge catch radius is what teams may be interested in.

If the Chiefs were interested in someone that could come down with the ball in the middle of the field, Higgins should fit the bill. He would make an incredible compliment to the deep threat receivers that the Chiefs already have and be a red zone target that amasses eight touchdowns a season with Patrick Mahomes. Higgins is a sure bet and one that the Chiefs cannot afford to look over.