Should the Kansas City Chiefs draft a first round wide receiver?

Treylon Burks – Arkansas – 6’3″ 225 pounds

While Treylon Burks may only be the fourth wideout off the board when you average all the rankings I looked at, I actually think he might be the least likely to still be available when KC picks. That’s because I think he might have the highest upside of all the first round options on this list. The reason he isn’t higher on the average rankings is because he might also have the highest bust factor of these options.

Think of Burks currently as a 6-foot-3 and 225 pound Mecole Hardman. Now just being that makes him a valuable NFL weapon, but Burks is going to need to refine his route running and pass catching to reach his ceiling. If he does that, you’re looking at an AJ Brown or Deebo Samuel type player that will absolutely physically dominate NFL defensive backs. There simply aren’t many NFL wideouts that are built like a linebacker but can outrun cornerbacks, that’s what Burks is.

The reason I comped him to a giant sized Hardman is because early on teams will have to be creative in how they get him the ball. I can see teams lining him up in the backfield and handing the ball off to him like the San Francisco 49ers did with Deebo some this season. I also think you’ll see lots of wide receiver screens. While he’s raw, I think some team ahead of KC isn’t going to be able to resist his elite physical upside.

While I think it would be hard to fully utilize both Burks and Hardman next season, I still think Burks freakish skills would make him worth the pick if he somehow makes it to KC. Burks does have the size to play the X receiver role if he can develop as a true wideout. If you think back to how KC would get Sammy Watkins the ball and let him create running after the catch, Burks could thrive in that role. KC could also use him in the rushing attack some as well.

Next up, let’s talk about the top deep threat in this class.