Chiefs waive 2021 NFL draft pick WR Cornell Powell
Just months ago, Cornell Powell was selected at pick No. 181 overall in the 2021 NFL draft. Now, the former Clemson Tiger had been waived during the Kansas City Chiefs’ 53-man roster cuts.
The 6-foot and 204-pound wideout had a breakout campaign at Clemson in 2020, catching passes from No. 1 overall draft pick Trevor Lawrence. As a redshirt senior, Powell caught 53 passes for 882 yards and seven touchdowns in 12 games played.
Arriving in Kansas City, excitement was abounding that the Chiefs had landed a potential steal in Powell. By training camp, it became apparent that this wouldn’t be the case. When we first suggested that Powell was on the roster bubble it was met with criticism. While players like fellow fifth-round pick Noah Gray routinely saw snaps with the first-team offense, Powell saw action with the third- and fourth-team.
The carried over into the preseason, where Powell saw just 30 total snaps, mostly in the third and fourth quarter of games. He finished the preseason catching four passes on six targets for 34 yards. He didn’t see much action on special teams either, with most of his work coming on the kick and punt return teams.
What’s clear is that Powell didn’t do enough to ingratiate himself to either the offensive or special teams coaching staff in Kansas City. I’m certain that the coaching staff is not willing to give up on him yet. Should he clear waivers, which isn’t a given, expect him back with the Chiefs on the practice squad.
List
Tracking Chiefs' 53-man roster cuts
