Kansas City Chiefs fans are notorious for falling in love with underwhelming wide receivers during the summer. From Josh Gordon to Chris Chambers to Justyn Ross, there's always someone waiting to become the next breakout star with this offense.
When Patrick Mahomes is your quarterback, anything is possible. Nikko Remigio carved out a receiving role as an undrafted free agent, and now the Chiefs are targeting the next potential diamond in the rough.
They've already signed some impressive players, and now they've found the latest wide receiver whom fans will fall in love with.
Dan Villari to Damien Alford! 👀
— Syracuse Football (@CuseFootball) November 25, 2023
'Cuse goes up 21-10 with the 47-yard TD pass.
📺 CW pic.twitter.com/BD65x64KmI
Chiefs Offer Rookie Minicamp Invite to Big Syracuse WR Damien Alford
The Chiefs have officially offered a rookie minicamp invite to Syracuse wide receiver Damien Alford. If it isn't obvious from the clip above, he's a huge individual, standing at 6-foot-6. He's only 215 pounds, but he could be a true game-changer stretching the field up the seam.
During his three years with the Orange, Alford averaged 19.3 yards per catch, hauling in 67 passes for 1,291 yards and seven TDs in the process. He had 610 yards on just 33 catches in 2023 before being dismissed from the team after only four contests in 2024.
Regardless, the physical traits are thrilling. He ran a 4.58 40-yard dash and it's easy to see Andy Reid scheming up some kind of two-tight end set that utilizes Alford's athleticism. Jody Fortson, who is only 6-foot-4, got plenty of looks in red-zone packages and Alford has the same, if not a better, skill set.
In all likelihood, Alford won't break rookie minicamp. Only Villanova wideout Jalen Hayek did last year for the Chiefs, though Alford should be given every opportunity. At the very least, this could be a unique opportunity for him to show he deserves to make a practice squad in the league. Considering his size, speed, and downfield ability, it's almost surprising that Kansas City was able to snag him for just a minicamp bid.
We'll see what happens, but this is a prospect to keep an eye on.