Four of the seven wide receivers on the Kansas City Chiefs’ active roster become unrestricted free agents after the 2024 season. The possibility of Rashee Rice facing a suspension in 2025 adds another wrinkle.
Fortunately, the Chiefs have enough picks to add impactful pass catchers during all three days of the 2025 NFL draft.
Oregon Ducks wide receiver Evan Stewart is a player who should be on Kansas City’s radar.
Stewart separates naturally against man coverage and uses his track speed to threaten defenses at every level. His football IQ and understanding of defensive assignments also make him a weapon against zone coverages.
Gabriel fires one to Evan Stewart 🔥@Oregonfootball strikes back 💥#B1GFootball on Peacock 💻 pic.twitter.com/w4wL0bFl1E
— Big Ten Football (@B1Gfootball) September 8, 2024
Stewart stacks cornerbacks in man coverage to attack the field’s deep third. His footwork and loose frame help him execute sharp cuts to break away from defenders at the intermediate and short levels. He possesses a natural ability to manipulate defenders with exceptionally shifty route running that can win the leverage battle and create open throwing lanes.
Among Stewart’s best qualities, though, is his ball skills at the catch point. Despite his sleight stature (he stands six feet tall and weighs 175 pounds), the Oregon product attacks the football in the air and knows how to Moss defenders. Stewart lacks ideal play strength but battles through contact to secure passes. His ability to adjust to underthrown or off-target passes makes him a reliable go-to option on critical downs.
Many analysts billed Stewart as a potential first-round pick entering the 2024 season but, on his current trajectory, it seems likely that he will land outside of the top 50 selections due to nagging injuries and limited physicality.
Stewart and Oregon travel to Oregon State this weekend for a 3:30 p.m. ‘Civil War’ rivalry game in the Beaver State.
