2024 NFL Draft: Tier Two Wide Receiver Options Mixed For Chiefs

The Kansas City Chiefs have largely been picked to select a wide receiver in round one in most mock drafts. Even after signing Marquise Brown, the need at the position did not go away completely. Brown should offer an element that was lacking the last couple of years. Though, he is only signed on a one-year deal. What happens with Rashee Rice, if anything, after last weekend’s off-field news? Overall, the Chiefs will still be looking to add another wide receiver or two in the draft.

If the Chiefs do not make a massive trade up the board in round one, they are likely choosing from the tier two options at wide receiver. That is at least if they are going wide receiver in round one. The tier two options begin to come into play after the top four wide receivers are already selected. Obviously in that scenario, all of Marvin Harrison Jr., Malik Nabers, Rome Odunze and Brian Thomas Jr. would be gone. The options among those tier two wide receivers present many different flavors and mixed opinions.

Which of those tier two wide receiver options would be better fits for the Chiefs and the offense? Plus, are there any sleepers from that group that could surprise people as a round one selection? Let’s kick it off.

Tier Two Names Who Chiefs Could Select In Round One

These names are names who have seen their draft range vary, compared to others in this group. But when considering a wide receiver name for the Chiefs, these five stood out as the most likely fits from the tier two group. Even if not all of them go in round one, Kansas City may have their eyes set squarely on this group for late in the first round. Others like Troy Franklin and Keon Coleman were considered for this tier two group. However, we will touch on those names in further Chiefs wide receiver articles before the draft in the following weeks.

Adonai Mitchell

The mix of size, speed and ball skills are a fascinating trifecta for Texas’ Adonai Mitchell. There is always a threat of him beating someone deep and over the top. His hands and ability to adjust to throws down the field are underrated aspects of his game. However, there are still questions facing Mitchell, which has resulted in him facing mixed opinions. There are moments within his route running where it looks lazy, lackadaisical and just not sharp. Mitchell can also fail to remain efficient and in rhythm when working in the intermediate to deep areas, to boot. Can someone like the Chiefs get more consistency out of this wide receiver?

Ladd McConkey

If you saw version 1.0 of our FPC Chiefs Mock Draft, you know how much we would like the addition of Georgia’s Ladd McConkey in Kansas City. McConkey presents inside/outside versatility, which aligns with the movement of weapons and different formations that the Chiefs use. On top of that, the Chiefs have looked for an incoming wide receiver addition to be smart and understand leverage. Beyond speed or size, that smart factor is huge if you are going to see snaps in the offense. McConkey’s instincts, along with his savvy nature as a pass catcher, make him one of the more likely fits among this tier two group.

Xavier Legette

Xavier Legette may not be the most polished wide receiver out of this tier two group. Yet, it is easy to see how teams may like him, due to how he uses his strengths to his advantage. His size mismatch allows him to outwork defenders in contested catch situations or in tight areas. Meanwhile, Legette can increase separation at the top of his route with the subtle adjustments he makes. More tempo and more adequate breaks within his routes are still a work in progress. However, could Legette be the bigger sized wide receiver that finally works out for the Chiefs? Kansas City has not been able to find success with size guys in recent years. Legette may be an option to change that.

Roman Wilson

Legette might be a first-round sleeper for some. But for my money, Michigan’s Roman Wilson should be the sleeper pick to land in round one that very few are talking about. If we want to go back to the size factor, the numbers that Wilson measures in at on your program are not going to blow anyone away. But when you actually get into game situations on the field, Wilson can play bigger than what his size may indicate. His body control, adjustments at the catch point and strong hands make him a pest-like receiver to play against. Interestingly, Wilson can be both smooth and explosive during his routes, depending on the situation. Maybe there was just so much talent at Michigan, that there are very little who rank Wilson that highly. But after watching all of his games, taking him late in round one would be a gamble we would like for the Chiefs.

Xavier Worthy

Xavier Worthy blew up the 40-yard dash and the internet at the NFL Scouting Combine. That result may increase his odds of being a first-round pick, given what NFL teams cannot resist. And at wide receiver themselves, the Chiefs have never been afraid to go with as much speed as possible. The size and frame questions are going to be interesting to see who actually has major concerns on them and who does not. But at Texas, Worthy made separating and ball skills look so natural and sometimes too easy. His ability to get away from defenders naturally and create explosive plays are tantalizing. Will his full package be able to come together?

Best Fits

Out of these five options, McConkey and Wilson are the best fits for the Kansas City offense, for my money. Entering the NFL, there is still a higher potential that they can grow to. But in the end, McConkey and Wilson offer the Chiefs the most well-rounded skill sets, among the tier two wide receiver group. Both can run routes and separate effectively to where it should not be a huge hurdle. Add in the instincts, body control down the field and versatility, and McConkey and Wilson would make the most sense out of these five for KC in round one. If any of the other three are selected by the Chiefs, it is not like any of those cannot be a good wide receiver. The projection and trajectory is just much more elongated and cloudier, nonetheless.