2021 Senior Bowl prospects for the KC Chiefs to watch
By Thomas Welte
Wide Receiver
National Team
- DeVonta Smith, WR, Alabama
- Tylan Wallace, WR, Oklahoma State
- Nico Collins, WR, Michigan
- Dez Fitzpatrick, WR, Louisville
- Sage Surratt, WR, Wake Forest
American Team
- Kadarius Toney, WR, Florida
- Shi Smith, South Carolina
- Amari Rodgers, WR, Clemson
The 2021 NFL draft features several high-profile pass catchers, and that translates to a deep wide receiver class at the Reese’s Senior Bowl. The National Team has several of the more well-known receivers in the class, but there should be plenty of talent on both sides at the Senior Bowl.
Heisman winner DeVonta Smith is coming off one of the most dominant seasons in NCAA history but lacks the prototypical size to be a true first option in the NFL. Smith is worth watching, as concerns about his size may call him to fall and Brett Veach may seize an opportunity to trade up and secure another weapon for Patrick Mahomes.
Tylan Wallace and Sage Surratt both make sense to fill the X receiver position that Sammy Watkins will likely be vacating this offseason. Surratt has some questions about athleticism, while Wallace has some concerns about durability and his slighter frame. Both are taller receivers with active hands who play tough across the middle and can be true chain movers.
Nico Collins is a potential wild card. The former Michigan Wolverine has a big frame and utilizes it to leverage his opponent and win contested catches. Collins has not shown to be a twitchy athlete but has the chance to show he has adequate speed and athleticism to win in the NFL, by showing he can win at the Senior Bowl.
Dez Fitzpatrick is one of my sleeper picks, and when you look at what he could be there’s reason to be excited. The well-rounded receiver has plus size and good athletic ability but was never able to put it all together at Louisville. There were flashes of greatness, but he never gave a consistent performance. Fitzpatrick could find himself into day two conversations with a good week, or he may end up being a steal on day three. Whoever drafts Fitzpatrick will need to be patient and work with him to develop, but the potential looks to be relatively high.
Kadarius Toney had an excellent season for the Florida Gators and is frequently connected to Kansas City in mock drafts. Toney does not have the larger size that many of the other receivers on this list and fans may dismiss him as “more of the same” as a sub-6 foot receiver, but Toney plays much differently than Tyreek Hill or Mecole Hardman. Toney has excellent agility and short-area quickness understands leverage on routes and is highly competitive downfield. Toney could be an option for Kansas City at the back end of the first round.
Shi Smith and Amari Rodgers are both smaller receivers who will likely be limited to a slot position in the NFL. Smith and Rodgers were both productive during their collegiate careers and reliable options for their quarterbacks. Rodgers looks a bit more agile than Smith, but Smith is more polished as a route runner at this point in their careers. Both players could offer value on day three of the NFL draft.