Chiefs aim to solve WR woes in mock draft
Though the Kansas City Chiefs won their third Super Bowl in five years, their wide receivers tested quarterback Patrick Mahomes' patience throughout the season. They could find the playmaker they need in the draft.
In his latest mock draft, ESPN's Field Yates had Kansas City taking Texas Longhorns WR Adonai Mitchell with the 32nd overall pick.
"The Chiefs' wide receiver issues are no mystery, and Mitchell would help the cause," wrote Yates. "The 6-foot-4, 196-pounder is silky smooth when running routes and has the frame and length to make his mark down the field and in the red zone. The Chiefs hit a home run with Rashee Rice in the second round last April, and this would provide them with another playmaker to build the passing game around."
Mitchell scored 11 receiving TDs in his final season at Texas, tied for 11th in the FBS. In two seasons with Georgia, he won two national titles. He could be an excellent complement to Rice.
Rice led the team in yards after the catch (653), per Pro Football Reference. However, he's not the deep-ball specialist the Chiefs need. According to Pro Football Focus, his average depth of target — which measures how far downfield a player is when being targeted — was 5.2 yards. Meanwhile, Mitchell's ADOT was 16 yards. More importantly, Mitchell only had one drop. The Chiefs had the most drops (44) in the league this past season.
Surely, an impending free agent like five-time Pro Bowler Mike Evans would pique K.C.'s interest. But Spotrac estimates the Chiefs have $22.63M in cap room, and they should consider re-signing defensive tackle Chris Jones and cornerback L'Jarius Sneed.
Evans' market value is a four-year deal worth $23.8M annually, eighth at his position. Drafting and developing a WR gives Kansas City more financial flexibility. Not to mention, Mitchell, 21, is a solid prospect who could excel in head coach Andy Reid's system.
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