The Kansas City Chiefs are going to target a wide receiver in the 2024 NFL Draft, whether everyone likes it or not. They need to, too. They did just sign Hollywood Brown and have one of the best young wide receivers in the league, Rashee Rice, but as we all know, you can never give Patrick Mahomes too many weapons.
With the Rice legal situation going on, the Chiefs are also unaware how many games they could be without Rice, so stocking up on young guys will be helpful right away, as well as in the future. Remember too, the Chiefs only signed Brown to a one-year prove it deal.
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And we know the type of receiver they need, and we know the type of receiver they are targeting. They have had visits with several wide receivers in this draft and have now added one more to their list, who would be a great fit.
According to Aaron Wilson, an NFL insider at KCPR2 in Houston, Texas, the Chiefs have visited with North Carolina wide receiver Devontez Walker, who has all the physical tools the Chiefs like. He ran a 4.36 40-yard dash, has a 40-inch vertical, and an 11-2 broad jump. He is a freak athlete, and he has some great ball skills as well.
Here are some of Walker's strengths and weaknesses:
STRENGTHS
- Excellent speed. Was able to separate vertically vs. every CB he faced
- Good ball-tracking skills. Can high-point the ball & run underneath deep targets
- Can power through physical/grabby man coverage
- Length & frame gives him an extended catch radius
- Explodes out of double moves & stacks flat-footed CBs
- Beat Nate Wiggins (Clemson) down the sideline for a 43-yard reception
WEAKNESSES
- Lacks lateral fluidity & route running polish
- Rounded & labored horizontal breaks
- Very tight hips. Struggles to sink at the top of curls/comebacks
- Ineffective after the catch. 2.8 YAC/REC & 2 broken tackles in 2023
- Focus drops are a recurring issue
- Short-arms contested targets over the middle of the field
- Has some highlight contested catches, but doesn't win at the catch point consistently
- Limited release package. Primarily uses a speed-release
- Didn't face much press coverage at UNC
According to our big board, Walker is the 107th overall prospect in the draft, the 20th wide receiver in a very stacked class, and has shown shades of Marquez Valdes-Scantling. Sounds like he is perfect for the Chiefs.
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