KC Chiefs hoping for sophomore step up from ’21 rookies

Cornell Powell

While some players on this list are looking forward to a second year in order to elevate their game at the pro level, Cornell Powell needs a similar elevation but for a different reason—in order to keep his dream alive.

The Chiefs grabbed Powell in the fifth round out of Clemson as a late-round flyer with the hopes he might turn into something to help add some future depth. The Chiefs knew the long-term outlook at wideout was rather thin, with several players coming into free agency in ’22 and beyond, and if Powell could continue to turn the corner like he did late in his career at Clemson, he could be a nice addition.

Unfortunately, Powell was as overlooked early in his Chiefs career as he was for Dabo Swinney’s offense for his first few years. Powell was a breakout player in his final season with the Tigers and perhaps that latent potential is still there at the pro level, but the Chiefs are awash in other wide receiver options this year and aren’t even remotely leaning on Powell for anything.

If there’s anything working in Powell’s favor here, it’s that he has a full year in the system after sitting on the practice squad for his freshman season. He also became a go-to target in year five at the college level. If he just needs some time, he’s been given it, but he’s gotta show out sooner for the Chiefs than he did at Clemson or he’ll have lost his opportunity.