Mel Kiper Mock Draft 4.0: KC Chiefs Draft Wide Receiver

All off season long, KC Chiefs fans heard all about how getting a wide receiver or two before the 2015 season was a must. After acquiring Jeremy Maclin in free agency, wide receiver talk wasn’t as big for the Chiefs. Mel Kiper, however, projects that the Chiefs will end up drafting a wide receiver with the 18th overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft.

Jaelen Strong has been linked to the Kansas City Chiefs in mock drafts a lot this off season, and I think a lot of fans would be ecstatic to see this kid play at Arrowhead every weekend (or every other weekend, you know what I mean). He had a total of 157 receptions for 2,287 yards and 17 touchdowns during his two year stint with the Arizona State Sun Devils.

"The departure of Dwayne Bowe isn’t really much of one in terms of production, but the Chiefs still need a talent upgrade at wide receiver and a player who can win battles on downfield throws. At slightly under 6-foot-3, Strong also has a 42-inch vertical, a number that shows up on tape as he wins on balls in the air. Strong also has underrated speed and will run by cornerbacks who don’t respect it. I don’t know if a true down-the-field threat is going to make Alex Smith a down-the-field thrower, but Strong at least creates more of an option in the passing game.– Kiper"

Kiper projected that seven wide receivers would be selected in the first round (with the Chiefs grabbing the fifth one), which just shows how good this year’s receiving class is going to be. It’s even safe to say that this year’s class could be better than last year’s.

Kiper had the Raiders taking Amari Cooper fourth overall, the Bears getting Kevin White seventh overall, the Rams taking Breshad Perriman 10th overall (wow), DeVante Parker going 12th overall to Cleveland, Devin Funchess going to the Bengals with the 21st pick, and the New Orleans Saints nabbing Nelson Agholor with the pick Seattle gave them (31 overall).

Kiper actually had the Chiefs taking Jaelen Strong in his third mock draft so he didn’t make a change this time around. The last mock draft was written right after Maclin decided he’d be coming to Kansas City and I honestly figured Kiper would have the KC Chiefs go after another position.

I guess analysts still think the Kansas City Chiefs’ greatest need this off season is at wide receiver. Whether the Chiefs draft Jaelen Strong or another receiver in round one of this year’s draft, fans will likely be content with whoever comes to town.

Next: Chiefs Have Ten Picks In Mock Draft

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