





With Maclin out against the Patriots, it became clear that Chiefs needed more depth at WR. Chiefs haven't made major draft investments at wideout thus far with additions being Wilson (UDFA), DeAnthony Thomas (4th), Chris Conely (3rd) and DaRon Brown (7th). Between Conely and Wilson, Chiefs are unlikely to make a major addition the WR core, but with players like Avant and Hammond likely to be replaced, they may make a mid to late round addition and a great place to start would be with Derrick Johnson's cousin: Utah State WR Hunter Sharp.

Taking a look at Sharp's tape a couple things jump out. He's quick and fast. He didn't run highly complicated routes, but he sets up the CB well and teams had a hard time covering him. Wideouts don't get much playtime early for Andy Reid, but they do get some packaged plays. KC runs a lot of bubble screens and that is very much in Sharp's wheelhouse.

Sharp is somewhat similar to Wilson as a WR who is built a bit like a RB. He's not a bruiser, but he's not an easy tackle either. One of the struggles Chiefs have had with Wilson is his inability to track the deep ball on go routes. Should they draft Sharp, he's much more adept in that area. Sharp ran a lot of go and Curl routes in college and did well enough at both that they complemented each other well. Sharp is able to gain separation deep, but he can also make a contested catch if he's covered. The gif below shows this well. Sharp has separation when the ball is thrown, but has to make a contested catch when it's under-thrown by his QB. Not only does he make the catch, he drags the defender with him for the TD.

Should Chiefs replace Frankie Hammond, they'll likely be looking for a depth punt returner even if DeAnthony Thomas comes back. That's something Sharp can do as well. He has quickness, acceleration, speed and vision to be a threat in that position. Sharp's ability to pick up YAC make him a great fit for the WCO and this punt return shows what Sharp can do in the open field.

Sharp was a common target in the passing game for his team and when he wasn't he was a solid decoy or blocker. Last year he had 77 catches for 1019 yards and 8 TDs despite missing two games. Sharp's game does have some weaknesses that will likely drop him a ways in the draft. Here's what CBS Sports has to say about him: " Utah State wide receiver Hunter Sharp moves fast in everything he does. He's quick off the line, accelerates in his routes and shows burst at the top of routes. He needs to be more consistent catching the football, especially over the middle on slants and crossers, but his play speed stood out during drills." Sharp is one of those WRs who seems to routinely make the tough catch, but can drop some easy passes by letting the ball into his body or trying to head up-field before he's secured the catch. Seems to be more of a focus issue than a hands issue. Sharp was also suspended the first two games of the season for undisclosed reasons (though he seems to have gotten his act together). Sharp needs to develop consistency, but he has game-breaking ability and can turn a quick out into a quick TD. Sharp shouldn't go any higher than the 5th round unless he blows up the combine. An injury kept him out of the shrine game, but he has the skills to be a major contributor in Reid's offense as soon as he learns the playbook.