Kansas City Chiefs: 5 Bold Predictions for Rookie WR Jonathan Baldwin in 2011

With the NFL lockout still going on for at least a few more weeks, I have decided to venture into predictions for Chiefs players in 2011.

I plan on doing predictions for many players in the coming weeks.

After predicting Jamaal Charles' and Justin Houston's seasons, my third prediction installment is about new KC wideout Jonathan Baldwin.

Enjoy.

Jonathan Baldwin Will Struggle Some To Begin the Season

Jared Wickerham/Getty Images

PITTSBURGH - DECEMBER 05: Jonathan Baldwin #82 of the University of Pittsburgh Panthers catches a pass against the Cincinnati Bearcats on December 5, 2009 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.(Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)

As football fans, we have seen this happen time after time in the NFL.

A highly touted prospect makes his way into the league, only to go through some growing pains to begin his rookie campaign.

I think that this will be the same case for Jonathan Baldwin, not because he will always struggle, but because he is still considered to be raw in some areas.

This is nothing to fret about, as even some of the best receivers in NFL history struggled in the first few games of their respective careers.

Jonathan Baldwin Will Be Benched by Todd Haley at Some Point

Tim Umphrey/Getty Images

KANSAS CITY, MO - JANUARY 02: Head coach Todd Haley of the Kansas City Chiefs takes the field before a game against the Oakland Raiders at Arrowhead Stadium on January 2, 2011 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Tim Umphrey/Getty Images)

Chiefs head coach Todd Haley has a knack for dealing with talented receivers who have had a history of "attitude problems."

He has already worked with Pro Bowl receivers such as Anquan Boldin and Dwayne Bowe, doing wonders for both of them.

Although Baldwin is known as a hard worker, he will still have to deal with a former WR coach in Haley as his head coach this season.

Don't be surprised if Haley makes him ride the pine for a little while, to set the example that every player must earn their playing time on the field.

Jonathan Baldwin Will Have at Least 800 Receiving Yards

Streeter Lecka/Getty Images

CHARLOTTE, NC - DECEMBER 26: Jonathan Baldwin #82 of the Pittsburgh Panthers is tackled by teammates Da'Norris Searcy #21 and Deunta Williams #27 of the North Carolina Tar Heels during their game on December 26, 2009 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo

Baldwin should thrive in a Chiefs offense that already includes the likes of Pro Bowlers Jamaal Charles and Dwayne Bowe.

At 6'4", 228 lbs, he will be a big target for QB Matt Cassel to throw the ball to, a luxury that the Chiefs haven't had at the wide receiver position in quite some time.

With Bowe likely being double-teamed at times during the season, this is where Baldwin will start getting more receptions and yards.

I predict him to get about 810 yards in his rookie season.

Jonathan Baldwin Will Have at Least 6 TDs

Jared Wickerham/Getty Images

PITTSBURGH - DECEMBER 05: Jonathan Baldwin #82 of the University of Pittsburgh Panthers catches a touchdown in the fourth quarter against the Cincinnati Bearcats on December 5, 2009 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Ge

It's no secret that Jon Baldwin was a big-time red-zone target for QB at the University of Pittsburgh.

This shouldn't change in his first year in the NFL, as the Chiefs will likely be looking for him early and often once they get to that part of the field.

His 43" vertical will give him an immediate edge on any jump balls against opposing CBs in the end zone.

Jonathan Baldwin Will Have at Least One Jaw-Dropping Reception

Jared Wickerham/Getty Images

PITTSBURGH - DECEMBER 05: Jonathan Baldwin #82 of the University of Pittsburgh Panthers catches a touchdown against the Cincinnati Bearcats on December 5, 2009 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)

Another thing that Baldwin was known for in college was his highlight-reel catches, like this one against Cincinnati in '09.

He has some of the best hands out of any receiver that the Chiefs have ever drafted, and this will be on display throughout the upcoming season.

This is great news for KC, considering how many receivers that come through Arrowhead who have had a case of the dropsies over the years.

The jury is still out on Baldwin being able to make a catch like this one from Tony Moeaki last year, but with his talents, it's very possible.