'Ultra-smooth route runner' named ideal first draft pick for Chiefs

The Chiefs currently own the No. 32 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, but after leading the league in dropped passes, they must add more reliable pass catchers to QB Patrick Mahomes' arsenal.

That is why Pro Football Focus' Dalton Wasserman believes Kansas City's ideal first pick should be Georgia wide receiver Ladd McConkey.

"Realistically, there are a ton of options in this receiver-heavy draft for Kansas City," Wasserman writes. "Georgia's Ladd McConkey is one option, an ultra-smooth route runner with underrated speed. ... McConkey's quicks and savvy would fit in seamlessly."

McConkey had just 30 catches for 478 yards and two touchdowns in 2023, but he seems to be rising up draft boards the more "experts" like NFL Network's Daniel Jeremiah watch his tape.

"Typing in my notes from CB class and keep seeing this on my paper- struggled vs McConkey," Jeremiah posted on the social media platform X.

McConkey's best season came in 2022 when he had 58 receptions for 762 yards and seven touchdowns, but that still doesn't compare to some of the stat lines of other prospects in the draft.

That doesn't seem to matter, however, as the 6-foot, 185-pound wide receiver proved to be one of the best route runners in the country on a weekly basis, even drawing comparisons to Rams All-Pro WR Cooper Kupp.

If McConkey turns out to be half the player Kupp has been, the Chiefs should be ecstatic landing him at the end of the first round.

Wasserman also added other options like Oregon's Troy Franklin, LSU's Brian Thomas Jr. and Texas' Xavier Worthy to complement Kansas City's core of WR Rashee Rice, TE Travis Kelce and RB Isiah Pacheco.

Either way, it seems like one team could be getting a steal in McConkey in a draft that seems to be very rich with wide receiver talent. Only time will tell if that will be the Chiefs.