Could N’Keal Harry solve KC Chiefs wide receiver concerns?

The Kansas City Chiefs have very few question marks on the offensive side of the ball. However, they do have one need that is actually important: wide receiver. The Chiefs fan base is looking to solidify the second wide receiver role, and with Mecole Hardman as a question mark thus far into his career, adding another receiver with upside could be vital going into training camp.

Lucky for the Chiefs, former first round receiver N’Keal Harry had his agent, Jamal Tooson, state that he was requesting a trade.

The former first round pick showed elite talent on his college film and was my WR1 in the 2019 draft class. Harry looked unstoppable at the point of attack, and his ability to be a versatile receiver with his upfield blocking made him a pro-ready threat. In my report I stated, “With some fine tuning on his route running, and taking into account great quarterback chemistry, he could be the best receiver in this draft class.”  I still believe that he can be that player.

N’Keal Harry could make a key acquisition for the K.C. Chiefs.

When you look at his career with the New England Patriots, he was given very few opportunities that would allow him to succeed. After watching some of the Patriots games from the 2020 season (Denver, San Francisco, and Buffalo), his production was stunted from the two things I had previously mentioned above: route techniques/variations as well as quarterback chemistry.

Harry’s skillset won’t allow him to blow past cornerbacks with speed or break open due to route running, but he will come down with any ball he’s trusted with. However, with the quarterback situation being rather disappointing last season (Cam Newton), Harry wasn’t able to display what he was really good at. He has so much upside but the quarterback has to trust him enough to let the ball go downfield and let him do what he does best. With that being said, he will be looking for a new home, and with the Chiefs uncertain about the wide receiver two role, Harry could be a perfect fit in Andy Reid’s system.

The Chiefs are going to come out with fire this season, but they need to address receiving depth and the need for a 50/50 receiver. The Chiefs lost Sammy Watkins in free agency and with Harry on the market, they could look into trading for him prior to training camp. In a pass heavy offense, the opportunities will be there without a doubt, given he can prove himself to the coaches and build a bond with Mahomes. Watkins wasn’t necessarily a 50/50 ball receiver, but was a bigger body who could pull double coverage off of Kelce and Hill, and Harry could definitely be that guy for the Chiefs.

With a questionable run game in the red zone, adding that specialty player like Harry could add another dimension to the offense that he’s been missing. Although, the red zone problem hasn’t mattered too much to date, being able to have a guy like Harry you can trust in those situations would put a lot of confidence within the Chiefs that they can truly score on every drive.

The Chiefs are always going to be a favorite for adding another receiver, however, there could be something there. The Patriots are known for liking mid to late round picks, and with little production from Harry, its likely they could only ask for one or two such picks for Harry. Although, that might seem like a lot, Harry is still incredibly young and could grow with the Chiefs coaching staff to new heights.