Cody Latimer, Wide Receiver: Kansas City Chiefs Scouting Report

Indiana Hoosiers wide receiver Cody Latimer (3) runs with the ball after a catch. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowksi-USA TODAY Sports

With the 2014 NFL Draft just days away, it’s time to really dive into the players that the KC Chiefs actually have a shot at landing. A few days ago, Mel Kiper Jr. and Todd McShay hosted the first live mock draft on ESPN. The two had the Chiefs taking Marqise Lee with the 23rd overall pick.

McShay earlier had the Chiefs taking a bit of an unknown name in one of his previous mock drafts. He thought Kansas City would select Indiana wide receiver Cody Latimer. In the live mock draft, Kiper predicted the New Orleans Saints would select Latimer with the 27th overall pick.

It’s no surprise why Latimer’s draft stock has shot up in recent months. In his three seasons with the Hoosiers, Latimer had over 2,000 receiving yards and 17 touchdowns (Source: Sports Reference). He was unable to participate in the combine due to an injury on his left foot, but he was able to bench press a combine high 23 reps (Source: NFL.com).

KC Kingdom’s own Josh Michaels covered Cody Latimer possibly coming to Kansas City when McShay first projected the Chiefs taking him. It was a bit of a surprise at the time because I doubt many people had heard of him. If Latimer becomes a Chief, it sounds like he would fit into the offense well.

"“Very good size. Can use his frame and physicality to create separation on slants and “post-up” throws (strength was evidenced by bench-pressing 225 pounds 23 times at the combine, leading all receivers and besting some linemen). Soft, dependable hands. Nice strength after the catch. Good blocker — subdues cornerbacks, shields, stalks and sustains. Improved steadily over three years as a starter.” – Cody Latimer’s strengths according to NFL.com analyst Nolan Nawrocki"

Nawrocki has Latimer as a fourth or fifth round talent, but it seems to be pretty clear that he won’t be lasting that long. Latimer will more than likely be snatched up in the first round or, at the very least, the second round. Latimer originally was thought to be a lower draft pick due to the fact that he can’t always keep up with cornerbacks and that he is more of a basketball guy.

"“Not a quick-twitch athlete — could struggle to shake loose from more athletic corners. Lacks foot speed to separate vertically. Is straightlinish after the catch and will not make anyone miss. Marginal special-teams utility. Football was not his first love.” – Latimer’s weaknesses according to Nawrocki"

For all of our wide receiving scouting reports, just click here.

For all of our draft coverage, just click here.

What are your thoughts on the KC Chiefs possibly drafting Cody Latimer? Leave your comments below and don’t forget to follow us on Twitter and Like us on Facebook for all content on Kansas City sports!