This kid is a does his damage within 15 yards. He can really cut and runs some beautiful routes. Very good after the catch. He's very similar to Sammy but not quite as explosive or fast.

He's gonna be one helluva zone buster. I'll take Bolton and Powell over Marshall and whoever else would have been there. I don't believe Bolton would have been there with our last second round pick.

The Ringer has Watkins as his comp.

https://www.theringer.com/2021/5/4/2...-sleeper-picks

“ The Chiefs’ passing offense has run heavily through the team’s top two receiving targets in Travis Kelce and Tyreek Hill over the past couple of years, leaving an assortment of role-playing pass catchers rotating in as Patrick Mahomes’s tertiary option. But Sammy Watkins is now in Baltimore, and the likes of Mecole Hardman, Byron Pringle, and Demarcus Robinson have all failed to show much consistency or dependability in the team’s passing game. That could create an opportunity for the team’s fifth-round pick, Powell.

The four-star recruit was a late bloomer at Clemson, playing a reserve role his first four years there before breaking out as a redshirt senior, grabbing 53 catches for 882 yards and seven touchdowns in 2020. My pre-draft pro comparison for Powell was, interestingly enough, Sammy Watkins; he’s big, physical at the catch point, can stretch a defense deep, and offers some big-play potential―so when the Chiefs grabbed him as a Watkins replacement, it did pique my interest. He’ll have to really impress coaches in the preseason to leapfrog Hardman, Pringle, Robinson, and a handful of others, but if he can show consistency as a route runner and the ability to win on the outside when given the chance, he could earn a role as the team’s no. 3 receiving option sooner rather than later.

He’s not overly fast, but with his route running, size/strength, and body control, he has enough speed to win deep as well. Pretty sure he was one of, if not the best, in CFB last year at 40+ yard plays.

.. if Powell had transferred because of playing time: would that have been seen as a knock on his character?

Why did He get drafted so low?

Injury and minimal production until last year.

He was a late bloomer, so his body of work is smaller. Didn't break out until he was a 5th year senior. Normally the higher-drafted receivers have success earlier in their college careers.

Part of it was late development, part of it was the sheer amount of talent in front of him on the roster.

Since we drafted him, I've watched quite a bit of Powell and I like his game. I'm not sure he gets a ton of snaps on offense this year, but that's not a knock on him. There's a steep learning curve and a handful of experienced players in front of him.

Other than Hill, I don't think this offense needs our wide receivers to do anything groundbreaking. Just run the route you're supposed to run (Hardman!), catch the ball when it's thrown to you, and block the guy you're supposed to block. And if the play breaks down, keep playing. The guys we have on the roster are all capable of doing that.

I really believe the re-tooled offensive line and the threat of a legit running game will make all of our receivers look better. The great thing about having Mahomes is that he sees the entire field and is willing to throw his receivers open. Mahomes has a completely different definition of the word "open" than most NFL QBs. Combine that vision and anticipation with an added second of time in the pocket, the comfort of knowing the guys in front of him can block, and the fact that the defense you're playing against is actually respecting the threat of the run, and I think we're going to see record-setting fireworks on offense this year.

I love his ability to haul in contested catches. One-handed, off-balance, sideline, behind him - he's good at adjusting to make the play.

Cornell Powell makes Zierlein's list of best 3 picks per round...

https://www.nfl.com/news/2021-nfl-dr...picks-by-round

Cornell Powell
Clemson · WR
Kansas City Chiefs
No. 181 overall

Powell went from heralded recruit to one-year starter after getting stuck behind a talented group of pass catchers at Clemson. He’s not a burner or a sudden separator from his routes, but he’s smooth and skilled when the ball is in the air. He offers a bit of a different look from what the Chiefs currently have on their roster at that position.

In the video the Chiefs posted showing the call to Powell, you hear EB kinda telling him that he needs to come in ready to roll because he has a big opportunity in front of him.

If he starts making plays in camp and we are hearing about it, I think he plays day one. But it will be hard for Andy to not start D-Rob week 1 I’m sure. Just seems to be his style.

I've been reading and watching alot on him. I'm intrigued. I think he could be one of those late round guys that just got buried behind legit dudes at Clemson and had a really good pro career.

His father, Colin, must be so proud

His round 6 picks included:


Nick Niemann
Iowa · LB
Los Angeles Chargers
No. 185 overall
The Chargers were a disaster on special teams last season. Niemann has the physical traits and play demeanor to help in that area right away. He needs more experience, but he’s a plus athlete and effective tackler. He has early backup potential and could be a player on the rise

This guy gets it... Guys like Nick and Ben Niemenn are important role players. Ben Niemen shouldn't be starting, but cutting him would be idiotic...

Powell made ESPN's Top 10 Late-RD Steals:

Kansas City Chiefs selecting WR Cornell Powell (Clemson)
The pick: 181 (Round 5)

The No. 2 receiver position in Kansas City is up in the air at this point. While Byron Pringle and Demarcus Robinson have each had their opportunities over the years, neither has solidified himself as a legitimate option. There's a chance Powell can step in and be that guy.

Powell is one of the most physical route runners in the draft class at 6-foot and 204 pounds, and he broke out in a big way down the stretch in 2020. Over the final six games of Powell's collegiate career, he averaged well over 100 yards per contest and his 730 receiving yards were the sixth most in college football over that span. He then went to the Senior Bowl and had the second-highest win rate of any receiver in the one-on-ones against press coverage. That skill set can translate quickly.

Pretty Cool!

I’m not sure we need a true #2 receiver.

Yeah, it would be nice to have Reggie Wayne to go with our Marvin Harrison.

I can envision having a #2 by committee approach. Maybe we don’t have 1 guy with 800 yards and 7 TDs, but I could see us having 3 guys with 500+ yards and 4-6 TDs in Hardman, Robinson, and Powell.

As long as they’re reliable when targeted, it might be effective to have several competent (but not great) weapons to make teams pay when they commit to stopping Hill and Kelce.

Our number one receiver is Hill/Kelce. Our number two receiver is Hill/Kelce. The vast majority of the time we're rolling out 3 wide receiver sets, so we're going to need two of Robinson, Pringle, Hardman, Callaway, Powell to fill those spots. But yeah, I don't think it's really a weakness at all.

"What do we do if a team takes away Hill and Kelce?" That's monumentally difficult to do, and with our re-tooled offensive line, it's going to be even harder. If a team wants to dedicate four defenders to take away Hill and Kelce, then we should be running the ball at 10-yards a clip or throwing to a wide-open [insert your favorite receiver here].

Agree with this.

The key for the receivers not named Kelce/Hill will be to make teams pay when they’re left open. Can’t have drops/fumbles/wrong or bad routes.

Run the play, catch the ball, protect the ball.

They don’t need to take over games, but they can’t make negative plays and give the defense gifts.

This kid is going to catch 58 balls for 987 yards and 9 TDs this year!

69 catches for 420 yards lmfao

The other new guy is going to contribute some as well

Lol.

Maybe 500/5.

Dropping this in here and in the Gray thread

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">We know Travis Kelce and Tyreek Hill will be the top targets in KC. But what else is Patrick Mahomes working with? The draft could have changed a few things. My report on <a href="https://twitter.com/nflnetwork?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@nflnetwork</a> <a href="https://t.co/juYe5mTMYG">pic.twitter.com/juYe5mTMYG</a></p>&mdash; James Palmer (@JamesPalmerTV) <a href="https://twitter.com/JamesPalmerTV/status/1390286946124062728?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 6, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="und" dir="ltr">���� <a href="https://t.co/J27YZGg2ZO">pic.twitter.com/J27YZGg2ZO</a></p>&mdash; Cornell Powell (@CornellPowell14) <a href="https://twitter.com/CornellPowell14/status/1390364510096080896?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 6, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

I don't get the Emojis. He angry because he's changing his number to 14?

He's a raging bull, getting ready to gore someone.

That’s not an angry emoji. Means like tough badass etc

I saw a tweet that showed Powell was clocked with the fastest speed on the field during the Senior Bowl at 20.7MPH or something like that.

Now that you mention it, I remember seeing that too.

Here it is:

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Here are fastest max speeds from Day 2 of Reese’s Senior Bowl practice (7-on-7’s, team, and WR/DB 1-on-1’s) per our partners at <a href="https://twitter.com/SlantsAI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SlantsAI</a>. <br><br>Cornell Powell - 20.47 mph<br>Dez Fitzpatrick - 19.92 mph<br>Demetric Felton - 19.61 mph<br>Thomas Graham Jr. - 19.49 mph<br>Khalil Herbert - 19.43 mph <a href="https://t.co/shtylau1ba">pic.twitter.com/shtylau1ba</a></p>&mdash; Jim Nagy (@JimNagy_SB) <a href="https://twitter.com/JimNagy_SB/status/1355375124761993217?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 30, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

I don’t know if it was the fastest all week though.

He's redeeming the shitty mojo Hammy Watkins (2020 playoffs excluded) gave #14.

I think this guy is going to be good.

Big body, reasonably fast, good route runner.

Huh. I was told you can’t get elite caliber athletes with production after the first rd LMAO

Well, he didn't have a ton of production. That's why he fell.

You're trying way too hard dude. You should probably quit while you're not too far behind.

He produced in 2020.

:facepalm:

He was not productive at all until the last several games of his career. Lack of production throughout his career is literally the biggest knock on him.

Also, his athleticism is above average, but not “elite”. I’m not using that word as lightly as you are.

Also, what I said was you don’t get elite production AND elite athleticism/measurables outside of the 1st.

1. That doesn’t mean there aren’t rare exceptions to the rule.

2. That doesn’t mean you can’t get guys that have both production and athleticism. I’m specifically talking about elite levels for both.

He didn't though.

Through the first 4 games of the season, he had 4 games with exactly 2 receptions in each game.

He had 4 receptions against GTech in Week 5. He followed that up with 2 catches against Syracuse.

He broke out in week 7 against BC with 11 catches. And followed that up with 6 catches each against ND and Pitt. He had 4 catches in each of the last 2 games of the regular season.

He finished the season with 53 catches, HALF of which basically came in just 3 games.

That's exactly why he fell. He didn't have anything close to consistent production.

He had just under 900 yards, 7 TD’s and over 16 YPC avg in 2020 on a team with Amari Rodgers and likely other top 100 WR’s.

He didn’t get a ton of stats previously bc the team had guys like Tee Higgins ahead of him.

That’s why he fell. It’s great value

It absolutely is great value.

What you're missing is that the guy had 93 career receptions. He had ONE THIRD of his career production in just 3 games this past season.

He wasn't consistently productive and that's why he fell.

Also the guy is similar to Chris Conley in terms of body strength and not ideal lateral agility (3 cone) but the big difference I see is his route running ability.

He already looks like our 2nd best router runner at the WR position. That’s kinda sad, but Hardman needs work there and Robinson just isn’t very good

So basically he's like Nick Bolton only at WR.

:evil:

I think you’re having trouble understanding the word “elite”.

It's in reference to the first photoshop that had 17 and caused all that ruckus when Mahomes made fun of Mecole because of it

https://www.nfl.com/news/afc-west-dr...aiders-perplex

Biggest Sleeper:
Kansas City Chiefs
Cornell Powell
Clemson · WR
Draft slot: Round 5, No. 181 overall

There might not be a better situation for a fifth-round receiver to enter into. No. 1, Powell's going to be catching passes from arguably the best quarterback in the league in one of the most explosive offenses in the league. No. 2, Andy Reid is going to need someone to step up as a complementary target to Tyreek Hill, Travis Kelce and Co. Powell has a shot to be that guy as Kansas City looks to replace free-agent departure Sammy Watkins. He struggled to earn playing time during his first four years with the Tigers when he was buried on the depth chart behind future NFL draft picks like Mike Williams and Tee Higgins, among others, but he shined when he finally got his opportunity in 2020 (53 catches for 882 yards, seven TDs). This is a player on the rise.

...

Kansas City spent a good chunk of its draft capital to acquire Orlando Brown from the Ravens last month, filling a gaping hole at left tackle. Reminder: We’re not factoring pre-draft trades into the grades in this exercise. So, the Chiefs have a relatively small haul to evaluate, but it's a punchy one. I mean, when Bolton strikes you, it's not going to feel good. He makes the defense better, without question, but the biggest need for the team was defensive end, and there was a good one still on the board in Wake Forest’s Carlos Basham, who went to the Bills a few picks later. Perhaps the Chiefs will eventually be able to unlock the potential of Kaindoh to fill that D-line void, something Florida State was unable to do for the former five-star recruit. The selections we liked the most here were the offensive linemen. Humphrey is an excellent fit for the rebuilt unit, and I expect we’ll be calling Smith, chosen with the third-to-last pick of the sixth round, a steal a few years from now. Powell is a rising talent who could very well outperform his draft slotting, as well. Andy Reid and Brett Veach did a solid job of finding value with their six picks.

Nah, it means he's ready to work / hyped up / the image looks tough. He's not clapping back at Mahomes & Hardman.

Exactly.

It's a raging bull emoji. He's getting ready to charge.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4eWZ63DjHxA" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

One of my favorite picks of the draft.

I'm excited to have a normal offseason where these guys can work on getting on the same page. Hardman has a huge opportunity. Same with Powell. Get in go to work.

Man, if Hardman can mature and put it together, next year really will be a blast.

Everybody going, “lol too old to develop” with this guy.

I’m sure guys have entered the league as 23+ year olds before and got better and improved from nothing into something. Odds are against him, but it can’t be unheard of

I certainly think he’s going to get better with NFL coaching, but really if he can just prove to be that guy he was down the stretch, he’s going to be a good player.

Cornell Powell pretty much destroyed Sean Wades draft stock.

Yea he embarrassed him multiple times.

I didn't realize you were so old... :)

He's just gonna be dirty good I think.
Much like Bolton plays violent, that's what i see from The General. Violent change of direction and even his running looks like it's pretty manic.
It won't be pretty, but you won't wonder if the kid is putting in effort.
I think many oppo teams have probably viewed this current Chiefs group as a little finesse, about routes and speed and skill.
We look harder after the draft, and I like that alot.

If Hardman can learn more than a GO route he will be unstoppable. He needs to tighten up his in game IQ. I swear him and D Rob blank out for a couple plays during the game

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Highest passer rating when targeted since 2019<br><br>🎯 Mecole Hardman - 132.2<br>🎯 A.J. Brown - 128.6 <a href="https://t.co/7Z8klfFtZy">pic.twitter.com/7Z8klfFtZy</a></p>&mdash; PFF Fantasy Football (@PFF_Fantasy) <a href="https://twitter.com/PFF_Fantasy/status/1390411814882717701?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 6, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

When you can only run straight with a slide and are fast as **** those are going to be the only balls you catch. Leading to an inflated QB number when targeted. Hes just not a well rounded player. He runs shitty routes. And doesn't know how to play football. These are all the same things that were said about him when he came out of the draft. He very well could have a 800 yd season but I think thats absolute ceiling.

I mean, if we need youth, we still have Byron Pringle.

LOL

If he’s the #2 wr and puts up an 800 yard 6 td season the chiefs will have one of the best offenses ever

Just a reminder that Juan Thornhill was 23 when we drafted him. He’s gonna be 27 when he gets his next contract extension

Travis Kelce...24 the day we drafted him. God that sucks that he didn’t even play a down for us until the season he turned 25

So you’re saying 5th round prospects aren’t perfect.....

Louis Riddick thinks Powell could be WR2 and potential steal for KC: https://twitter.com/lriddickespn/sta...234675721?s=21

We know he talks a lot with the Chiefs brass so this could mean something.

Yea when Riddick talks Chiefs, I listen, because it’s almost always coming from the team.

Makes sense. One of the scouts for the chiefs said Powell will replace Watkins and Watkins was our #2

If the great BWillie thinks he sucks, your numbers are probably low.

When you watch the senior bowl 1v1's, it's apparent that Powell does not have the wiggle that some of his counter parts do.

Guys like Tylan Wallace look significantly looser than our tank-ish WR in Powell.

I don't know what that means, or if anything at all as it relates to his ability to separate. It's just an observation.

Powell really gives me Jason Avant vibes. He was a serviceable player for Reid. One of Reid's favorites.

I have a really, really hard time believing Powell comes in and takes the #2 job over Robinson, Pringle and Hardman. Not even by season's end.

Maybe he turns into a Anquan Bolden-esque #2 next season or something.

Lou is a quality talent evaluator and super plugged in to the Chiefs.

Would be awesome if he pans out.

I expect he'll have a 'package' of plays, much like every guy they try to work in during their first year. That package will grow a bit as the season goes on and they put a little more on his plate over time.

You're right though, I don't expect he's a day one #2. In fact, I doubt we have a true #2; it'll be by committee. Which is fine, really.

Bolden is a really good player comp for Powell's ceiling I think! That's exactly what you're projecting with him. That would also be a really good #2 type to have here moving forward paired with Hill and Hardman, Kelce and maybe Gray.

His path to winning starts with his release/footwork it would seem and is going to have less to do with pure athleticism like acceleration or speed.

I still think there’s something about him that reminds me of AJ Brown, the frame and build I suppose. Similar athleticism. But Brown gets great releases and is excellent at the catch point.

I think Powell’s ceiling is what Brown is. Will be unlikely he ever gets there though.

I agree with all that.

One of the first comps i made of him when he was drafted was Deebo Samuel. Similar frame, chiseled, rock'd up kinda WR.

Not a burner, but NFL quality speed and some rare power for a WR.

Those packages you mention, i think we'll see Reid use Powell similar to how Shanahan used Samuel early. Same way Reid used Tyreek early in his career, and Hardman as well.

But instead of a speed element, we'll see a power element with Powell, like Samuel. He won't outrun guys around the corner, but i bet he de-cleats a would-be tackler and will be tough to get to the turf.

I’d like to get Powell some of Hardman’s jet sweeps because he is way harder to take down and still has quality speed to boot

AJ Brown.

Deebo Samuel.

Anquan Bolden.

Those are all similar comps.

AJ and Deebo are the Anquans of the current era. Except that in 2021 those types of guys get often used as running backs. These so-called revolutionary offenses of McVeigh and Shanahan use these types of players to execute those schemes.

I wouldn't be surprised at all if the 2021 Chiefs offense has some Shanahan/McVeigh type run concepts sprinkled in and featuring Powell.

I'm gonna hold off on expecting anything from a 5th round WR until we see him in the league. Wouldn't you guys say the likelihood is he never does anything of note?

If this were the Pioli/Peterson era Chiefs i'd agree.

But with this scheme, this coaching staff, this supporting cast, this track record of succes, i think at the very least his floor is Jason Avant.

Most of it depends on what’s going on in his dome. If he can pick up the playbook (big if) he can make some noise at WR2. He with his giant ass he doesn’t need to run pristine routes to get open or perfect technique to get off jams.

And I think Reid can do a good job of limiting his exposure to different routes without hamstringing playbook concepts.