Grading the Chiefs’ pick of Clemson wide receiver Cornell Powell at 181

With the 181st overall pick in the fourth round of the 2021 NFL Draft, the Kansas City Chiefs took Clemson wide receiver Cornell Powell. We have insta-grades from the three members of the Arrowhead Pride Nerd Squad.

Kent: High football character, high-effort player. If he sticks on the roster, his presence will be immediately felt on special teams. Make no mistake about it: there are some pass-catching traits there as well. This is a great move late in the draft. I love the idea of adding another receiver — only the second in the Brett Veach era.

Grade: A

Craig: Powell is a wide-bodied receiver who does everything fairly well. He’s a good route runner, explosive out of his breaks, has good hands and is an excellent blocker. He’s not the most athletic wide receiver in this class, but his work ethic and effort will get him on the field early with special teams and help him fight to become the starting X receiver during his rookie contract.

Grade: A

Matt: It took Powell a while to work through the loaded Clemson wide receiver room — but once he got on the field, he did nothing but excel. His physicality on the route tree is phenomenal — but the best part about his game may be his releases off the line of scrimmage. “Very nuanced” and “deliberate” are the best phrases to describe Powell’s approach to route running.

Grade: A-