Kansas City Chiefs: John Hightower name to know for 2020 NFL Draft

Boise State’s John Hightower is a name that Kansas City Chiefs fans should get to know as we approach the 2020 NFL Draft. The Bronco has size and speed and could be a contributor immediately for the Chiefs offense.

If the Kansas City Chiefs offense wants to continue to be the machine it has been for the past two seasons, they must make sure to continue to add playmakers. This will be especially important in the 2020 NFL Draft, where the potential production over the first four years of the career far outpace the dollar amount spent.

With Demarcus Robinson and Sammy Watkins ready to leave the squad this offseason, and little to no proven depth behind Tyreek Hill and second year receiver Mecole Hardman, adding another pass catching playmaker is a must in the 2020 NFL Draft.

Enter Boise State’s John Hightower.

With good size at 6’1″ and 180 pounds, Hightower spent two years in Boise after initially playing at the junior college level. During his two seasons with the Broncos, Hightower was a constant playmaking, highlight reel receiver. He was invited to the Shrine Bowl this year and did well.

The lanky wide receiver has the experience working deep, running past defenders on deep passes while working underneath and even carrying the ball as seen above.  With the presence of the aforementioned Hill and Hardman, Hightower wouldn’t have to contribute in a big way immediately, allowing him time to learn the routes and the offense while being asked to do specific things, as the Chiefs did with Hardman during his rookie season.

Another great asset for Hightower, at Boise State, he was the kick returner for the Broncos. Now I’m not saying he’s going to be the primary player with the Chiefs, but if anything happens to Hardman or if the Chiefs want to phase out Hardman from doing all the kicks while he becomes a starter on offense, Hightower can return the football and has shown an ability to make plays while doing so.

He must continue to work to add muscle and weight to his frame, but it’s not a huge issue in a Chiefs offense that favors the ability to get open with scheme and quickness as opposed to pure strength.

Also, having missed the Boise bowl game in 2018 due to academic issues, Brett Veach and Reid must make sure Hightower is able to grasp all that being a Chiefs wide receiver requires, which is a significant amount. Reid requires a receiver to know the assignments of all different receiver spots to allow for versatility.

John Hightower is a name to keep an eye on in the middle rounds, perhaps starting as early as the third round. With a draft as deep as the 2020 draft is at the position, a player like Hightower will go later than in other years, providing value.

He’d be a great addition to the Kansas City Chiefs’ explosive offense in 2020 and beyond.