Kansas City Chiefs: 5 Reasons Why WR Jon Baldwin Will Live Up to the Hype
Former University of Pittsburgh Jonathan Baldwin had a significant amount of hype that came with him before the 2011 NFL draft began last Thursday.
That night, the Kansas City Chiefs decided to trade back and select the talented Baldwin with their first-round pick.
On paper, he looks like the full package as a WR, judging by his 6'5'', 230-lb frame, and his elite speed for his size.
However, the one knock on him is his attitude, as he called out his QB and coach while playing at Pitt last season.
Some, like myself, argue that his attitude problems are exaggerated and he will put them to bed in his rookie season with the Chiefs.
Here are five reasons why Jonathan Baldwin will prove that he is the real deal for KC this season.
Enjoy.
His Athletic Ability
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Baldwin is by far one of the most athletically gifted receivers that the Chiefs have ever had in their history.
In college, he was known for his acrobatic leaping and diving catches from game to game.
If you combine his athletic ability with his 42-inch vertical, then you have a recipe for a dynamite NFL receiver for many years to come.
His Reliable Hands
2 of 5
One of Jon Baldwin's best assets that he will bring to Kansas City is his great set of hands.
His soft hands were noticed by the Pittsburgh faithful time and time again before ultimately being recognized by the Kansas City Chiefs prior to the draft.
The fact that he can catch nearly anything around him will make him a tough matchup for most defensive backs if you combine that with his size and speed.
His Work Ethic
3 of 5
Contrary to what others might think about his attitude, Baldwin was known for displaying a strong work ethic in his college days.
He would be one of the first ones at practice and last ones to leave on a regular basis, showing that he clearly puts the work in to become a better player at his position.
Baldwin also worked out with star NFL players Larry Fitzgerald and Darrelle Revis earlier this offseason in an effort to improve different areas of his game.
This solid work ethic should take him a long ways in the NFL.
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Todd Haley
4 of 5
The Chiefs head coach has a history of turning wideouts with attitude problems into elite NFL receivers.
He used to work with Ravens WR Anquan Boldin when he was with Arizona, and Boldin later said that the two had a great relationship.
More recently, he has been very influential in the resurrection of Chiefs star WR Dwayne Bowe by using discipline to make him earn his playing time on the field.
Haley has had worse personalities in the past than he will have with Jonathan Baldwin, and he will get the best out of the former University of Pittsburgh star.
Having a Dynamic Offense Around Him
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The Chiefs offense is very young, but it is loaded with talent.
Led by backs Jamaal Charles and Thomas Jones, KC had the best rushing attack in the NFL a season ago.
Charles, along with QB Matt Cassel and WR Dwayne Bowe, made the Pro Bowl last season while rookie TE Tony Moeaki was second in receiving yards among first-year tight ends.
Baldwin will naturally be motivated to play better considering he will have a Pro Bowl QB throwing him the ball and will be working with a much superior offense to what he had in college.
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