Fantasy implications of Chiefs drafting WR Cornell Powell with No. 181 pick

The Kansas City Chiefs drafted former Clemson wide receiver Cornell Powell in 2021 NFL Draft. He joins a depth chart that includes Tyreek Hill, Demarcus Robinson, Mecole Hardman, and Byron Pringle.

Powell had a breakout senior year with the departure of Tee Higgins to the NFL and Justyn Ross out with a season-ending injury. The 6-foot, 210-pound wide receiver had a career-high 53 receptions for 882 yards and seven touchdowns. He isn’t necessarily the fastest wideout at his size, but showed that he can be a reliable option. Powell has strong hands and can get off of press coverage, which will help him succeed at the next level.

Fantasy football impact

Rookie

It would not come as a surprise to see Powell make an immediate impact for the Chiefs as they don’t have possession catch receiver. Their top-three WRs are all speed guys, who can stretch the field, which isn’t a bad thing at all. However, adding a guy like Powell who just knows where to be and can become weapon on third down and inside the red zone is key. That being said, I wouldn’t rush to draft him in your respective fantasy football draft. But we could see him become a waiver wire add over the course of the season.

Long-term

If Powell can continue to build on what he’s good at and work on his route running, then he could be a long-term addition to the Chiefs’ wide receiver room. They need someone of his ilk that can be another safety blanket for quarterback Patrick Mahomes. He won’t reach WR1/WR2 status in fantasy. But a case could be made for him to be a competent WR3/FLEX option for the foreseeable future.