From war-torn Liberia to fourth-round NFL Draft Pick … that’s been Jehu Chesson’s journey, by way of the University of Michigan, and he’s grateful to have gotten the opportunity.
Kansas City has given him another one, and he plans to make the most of it, noting he’s more than just a receiver ... he also loves playing on special teams.
“I feel like I’m a competitor,” he said. “It’s part of what you have to do to win the game. It takes running down on kickoff and punt return and whatever else it may be. Whatever the team needs, I’m going to do that.”
Chesson graduated Michigan with 114 receptions for 1,639 yards with 12 touchdowns, including a 10-catch, 207-yard, four-touchdown game in 2015. He also became one of the team’s best run blockers at wide receiver, a fact the Chiefs noticed.
“He’s big, he’s fast, he’s tough and he’s a great kid — he will be excellent in our room,” Chiefs scout Pat Sperduto told Chiefs.com after the pick. “Such high character, plays on special teams. He’s been a starter there for the last couple of years. He’s made a bunch of plays and he’s lined up everywhere for them.
“There are not going to be any issues when it comes to the intelligence part of it and that probably helps the coaching staff know that this guy can play a bunch of spots.”
The Chiefs’ offense isn’t easy to pick up … complex, where ‘the receiver positions are interchangeable and the routes vary depending on coverage within a specific call,’ Chiefs.com noted.
Sperduto believes Chesson will pick it up quickly.
“I talked to him at his pro day,” Sperduto said. “There was never a doubt with him. He is a football guy, which is great. He could play all three spots for them, which you couldn't say for every other receiver in that group. You appreciate him. You appreciate his state of mind and how he approaches the game.
“This kid’s going to bring a lunch pail. He’s not a prima donna wide receiver.”
Chesson is ready to prove as much.
“I’m eager to get there,” Chesson said. “I’m eager to learn, eager to get a playbook in my hands and meet my coaches and teammates. Like I said earlier, it’s going to be a great experience and I can’t wait to attack it with enthusiasm.”
Maybe even one unknown to mankind.
