Wide receiver options for KC Chiefs in 2022 NFL Draft

The Chiefs have been mocked receivers in hundreds of mock drafts. Today we continue our “fit” series with the wide receiver. Where are the fits? We discuss.

At this point, we are all well-aware of the need at wide receiver. The Kansas City Chiefs parted ways with Tyreek Hill this offseason in a trade that netted them 5 draft picks—nearly an entire draft class. Hill was arguably the best receiver in team history and the Chiefs just may be on the prowl for a new guy to fill the void that he left.

With a very top-heavy draft class, it seems somewhat likely that the Chiefs draft a first round wide receiver for the first time since they selected Jonathan Baldwin in 2011. They could, however opt for receivers in the second or third round again. Either way, this is an intriguing position of need in this year’s draft.

So, where to go? In each round, there are several intriguing options. So, let’s get started!

Likelihood of Drafting: High

It seems like all anyone wants to talk about in this class are the wide receivers. One receiver that is often left out of the discussion as one of the top guys is George Pickens. Pickens has some questions regarding his health and ability to stay on the field, but his talent is undeniable. Pickens not only has some of the best hands in the draft, but he is also a very skilled route runner. Pickens is not necessarily a burner, but he is explosive enough to make plays in the open field.

To my eyes, Pickens seems like everything that the Chiefs could want in a receiver. Not only a guy that could fill in immediately, Pickens also has a very high ceiling that could catapult him to top-five receiver discussions when he hits his prime. The Chiefs will also love his competitive edge and willingness to pancake smaller defensive backs. Pickens tape is some of the most fun that you can watch in this class.

Likelihood of Drafting: High

If not for injury concerns, there is a legitimate chance that Metchie would be mentioned right along with Chris Olave and Drake London as a surefire first-round pick. Metchie has a very nice skillset in his route running. With crisp turns and breaks in and out of routes, Metchie creates an issue for defenders in man coverage. While his frame is small and can become a problem against bigger corners, he is generally able to break free from a pressing defender. Metchie is good on the boundaries and can track the ball into his hands as well as anyone.

While he may not be what many fans envisioned, there is a chance that Metchie is one day a very good number two receiver in the NFL. While he does not have an incredible ceiling, he has an adequate one and a pretty high floor. Andy Reid would likely love to have a guy like Metchie for a decade to work with Patrick Mahomes.

Likelihood of Drafting: Medium

One name that has floated around as a guy that fans would like in the third round is Wan’Dale Robinson. While not the biggest guy, Robinson plays tough and is unafraid of contact. What makes Robinson a true asset is his speed and quickness. With the ball in his hands, Robinson could be lethal. His route running could use some polishing, but he could step in and make an impact on day one as a slot receiver and/or returner.

While not an “ideal” fit, Robinson does make sense in the third round for Andy Reid and the Kansas City offense.

Likelihood of Drafting: Medium

A guy that has been a “late riser” in the draft process has been Erik Ezukanma. While not a “polished” route runner, Ezukanma is explosive. At 6’2, 209 pounds, Ezukanma may be a very good possession receiver in the NFL. Running slant and hitch routes are his specialty making him an issue for guys that try to line up on him in man coverage. With some work on his technique and route running, Ezukanma could be a nice role player for a long time in Kansas City.

Likelihood of Drafting: High

A wide receiver that has garnered some attention late in the process is Samori Toure. As a guy that did not get a great number of looks in his college career, it is somewhat difficult to assess what he might be at the next level. With a combination of what he did with Montana university and then the University of Nebraska, one thing is certain: Toure has a really high ceiling.

Toure could be a very good slot receiver. Although he is not typically thought of as a speedster, he has adequate speed and size to create mismatches with slot cornerbacks. Toure averaged a whopping 19.5 yards per reception last year with Nebraska and if more properly utilized could have done even more damage. Toure may be a guy that shocks everyone when he goes off the board in day two. If Kansas City can get him here, they will be lucky.

Likelihood of Drafting: Medium

Kevin Austin Jr. is not a surefire pick. In fact, he is more of a project than anything else. Austin has very good burst and is a problem for defenders on the boundaries, but is wildly inconsistent. Occasionally Austin can look like he didn’t know his responsibility on a play, or misplayed a pass. But with good size and speed, Austin is one of those guys that you take a late-round flier on, especially with his ability to contribute on special teams.

Likelihood of Drafting: Low

Ty Fryfogle projects to be a practice squad guy. As a bigger receiver, he is capable of making some really great contested catches. His last season was not as good as 2020, but he flashes some potential. With some development in route running, Fryfogle has the potential to be a diamond in the rough, or he could just be a guy. A seventh-rounder is worth the gamble.