2011 Fantasy Football Rookie Report: Jonathan Baldwin, WR, Kansas City Chiefs

Posted by Andy Miley on 08/22/2011 | 0 Comments

Tags: kansas city chiefs, scouting report, wide receiver, rookie, jonathan baldwin, dwayne bowe, nfl, dynasty, keeper, matt cassel, jamaal charles, steve breaston

The 2010 AFC West Champion Kansas City Chiefs looked great in early 2011 when they held off the San Diego Chargers.  The Chiefs passing game, namely Dwayne Bowe and Matt Cassel, did some big things last season especially during weeks 6-12.  RB Jamaal Charles broke out big, as it was looking like the sky was the limit with a touch of smokey KC BBQ sauce.   Then trouble began as OC Charlie Weiss wasn't allowed to call the Chiefs playoff offense and was let go in the offseason.  Now, former o-line coach Bill Muir was named new OC, but we know who is really going to call those plays, HC Todd Haley.  The Chiefs decided to make their move in the first round by selecting Jonathan Baldwin.

Jonathan Baldwin - WR - Kansas City Chiefs

Height: 6'4" Weight: 228 lbs College: Pittsburgh

2010 Stats: 53-822 receiving yards, 15.5 YPC, 5 TDs

Scouting Report- If you take a look at Baldwin physically, you are thinking wow!  He is built like Calvin Johnson, but ladies and gentlemen, he is no Calvin Johnson.  Yes, he has good 40 speed for a big guy at 4.4 seconds.  However, Baldwin has some serious flaws in his game.  He cannot run block, which may limit his early season appearances to third downs. In a run first KC offense, this will hold Baldwin back.  This is the same KC offense that didn't have Cassel throw a single pass in the opening series of preseason game one.  Gaining separation, running crisp routes, securing the ball, and seeing the entire field are skills he needs to improve.  Chances are this big lumbering WR will need to play in the slot so he can get a clean release off the line.  Maturity issues have also crept into the discussion.

Once off the line, Baldwin can excel at catching the ball in traffic while being mindful of where he is on the field.  With the ball in his hands, he can be shifty, use his great balance and footwork, and even power through arm tackles.  OC Muir and HC Haley will have to find special plays to use this big man well.

2011 Analysis- The Chiefs have a much harder schedule against the pass this year.  Games against the AFC East division and NFC North division are not cakewalks, so I expect Baldwin to be used sparingly at the beginning of the season.  Steve Breaston is familiar with Haley's offense and will be used opposite Bowe to start.  When the Chiefs split out wide, Baldwin along with Dexter McCluster will be used more efficiently in the slot.  Bonehead update: Baldwin got into a fight with Thomas Jones and injured his thumb/wrist in the melee.  Now, Baldwin may miss 1-2 months with this injury.  Can we say wasted season in re-draft and in dynasty/keeper some serious concerns?  I would look to Baldwin as a high risk/high reward pick that should be made late in dynasty/keeper leagues.

Compares To: Malcolm Floyd, a bigger Alvin Harper