After acquiring SMU’s Rashee Rice with the 55th pick, the Kansas City Chiefs didn’t get another wide receiver during April NFL Draft.
However, within hours of the conclusion of the draft, they signed undrafted free agent Nico Remigio from Fresno State, who had previously played four seasons at UC Berkeley.
After leading the Golden Bears in receiving as a true sophomore in 2019, Remigio was often used as a running back during his last two seasons at Berkeley. So he took advantage of the extra year of eligibility made possible by the coronavirus pandemic, and moved to Fresno State for one more season.
There, Remigio had his best college campaign, catching 74 passes for 852 yards and six touchdowns in 2022. He also He continued to play the deadly force role in the return leg, averaging nearly 20 yards per punt return and scoring 2 more touchdowns. He also averaged 22.9 yards on 21 kickoff returns.
Given this production, it is likely that Remigio’s disappointing Test numbers on his professional day prevented him from being drafted. At 5-foot-9 and 183 pounds, 4.56 seconds for the 40-yard dash time He wasn’t likely to open many doors for the NFL.
However, his sexy moments are baffling. Let’s look at what the bosses might see in Remigio:
Return of the game monster
Remigio’s only chance of succeeding at the next level is clear: he has to emerge as a comeback man. After suffering from a lack of experience going into the 2022 second leg, the Chiefs have gained a player with plenty of experience in both pots. And Kick-off return.
The Chiefs signed the Fresno St. WR Nikko Remigio is in undrafted free agency. Remigio’s obvious way to make it is as a returner. He doesn’t have great long speed (4.56 40 on FSU Pro Day). But he has a chance because of his quick decision-making and ability to break tackles pic.twitter.com/RVT4l9hjZP
– Jared Sapp (TrumanChief) May 22, 2023
Although Remigio isn’t the fastest game returner, Kansas City fans may see this run against Connecticut and be reminded of the recently lost tackle return that helped capture a championship. The Remigio’s decision making is almost instantaneous, allowing him to reach his top speed almost instantly. It’s also hard to drop; Six huskies make mistakes in this play.
Remigio brings extensive experience returning both kickoffs and punts and his decisiveness shows in this game against UCLA while at Cal in 2021. An inch of the sideline is all that prevents a touchdown pic.twitter.com/EXVIuNaFzo
– Jared Sapp (TrumanChief) May 22, 2023
Remigio also displays great vision on kickoff. This comeback from 2021, he’s going straight through a very narrow opening — and would have scored a touchdown without even taking a slight step out of bounds.
Now that starting running back Isiah Pacheco has had two surgeries off the season, the Chiefs will likely want to take him out as a kick returner. They may also want to limit Kadarius Toney’s use of punt returns to help keep him injury-free. Remigio could use his experience in both roles to find a spot on the Kansas City roster.
Great offensive plays
In college, Remigio’s quick decision making and ability to glide led to some impressive offensive plays—although there were reasons to be very skeptical he could be a hit on Sundays.
The missed tackling ability shown in the second leg is seen on offense when the ball is in Remigio’s hands, although the big plays often come against weaker opponents. If he’s at the back of the list, he might see a handful of fun plays designed each season. pic.twitter.com/eyuTiXTctq
– Jared Sapp (TrumanChief) May 22, 2023
While this play against San Diego State is exciting, he won’t be able to get past NFL coverage as quickly as he does here. During his best season at Cal—a program that hasn’t produced a wide receiver since 2017—he led the team in receiving with just 513 yards before declining in his offensive role for the remainder of his Pac-12 career.
Many of the notable plays last season came against Fresno State’s weakest opponents. Against USC – easily the best team he faced in 2022 – Remigio was held to just one touchdown run for six yards. So a breakout season could be the result of a very experienced player facing a weaker roster of opponents.
However, if he’s plotted in space, the traits that make him a serious running back man can produce some pretty memorable plays.
Terrorism in cases of short yardage
If Remigio ever sees major offensive playing time in the NFL, it’s likely because of what he can do on the shortstop. Even when he has a little time to build up momentum, he’s very hard to shake off – and he can make the most of a small opening.
Remigio will never mistake Kadarius Toney, but he’s an intelligent player when called upon on a tough mission. Watch his feet overwhelm a defender in this tough fourth game against a very good 2021 Oregon team. Also note his strength as he fights to win the line pic.twitter.com/c3jYA5DlgA
– Jared Sapp (TrumanChief) May 22, 2023
Late in this match against a ranked opponent, Remigio is entrusted with a crucial position from fourth. While he has to be stopped for a short time, he can point his body forward for a new set of landings. Also note how well he sells misdirection at the beginning of his path.
Remigio can also use his instincts on screens and wheel knocks – almost like a backwards-running pass game.
When watching Remigio plays in college, the ones that translate best to the NFL are short tackles, similar to what you might see on a pass catching a reel. Faster than speed, bosses can certainly find short-term uses for it. pic.twitter.com/CiLIffCeZW
– Jared Sapp (TrumanChief) May 22, 2023
While he made several big plays for the Grizzlies last season, such plays against San Jose State will likely be repeated in the NFL.
If Remigio ever had to do college again, he might have been better off putting a little more weight on his 5’9 frame and switching to an RB, where his vision and dribbling would make his less-than-ideal speed a non-worker. No matter how he gets the ball, he can move the defender forward. pic.twitter.com/ZAcsZkHI94
– Jared Sapp (TrumanChief) May 22, 2023
This option track against TCU In 2021, the question arises: Could Remigio have had more success by transitioning into running earlier in his career? While no one would mistake him for a dynamic player, he is decisive; He breaks tackles and almost always moves forward on his downs.
bottom line
Remigio Make a good impression on Arrowhead pridePete Sweeney at the Chiefs’ rookie camp earlier this month.
# heads CB Nick Jones’ seventh-inning rookie recorded an interception on the team. LB Buddy Johnson had an interception at 7-on-7. WR Nikko Remigio had the best results deep in the left sideline.
Johnson, Remigio, CB Anthony Weatherston Jr., and RB Denrick Prince were the standouts.
– Pete Sweeney (@pgsween) May 6, 2023
His biggest hurdle in making the list is the numbers game. Kansas City currently has 12 wide receivers on the 90-man roster. Another factor complicating his chances is that the president has guaranteed more than half a million dollars to a similar player: Ex New York Giants Wide Richie James.
Remigio would be a good option in depth if injuries force James into a more important attacking role. However, players ahead of him on the depth chart would make it difficult for him to win a roster spot; His unfortunate combination of size and speed means he’ll need to do a lot to fill an offensive role – even as a rotation receiver.
Expect Remigio to be a strong candidate for the coaching staff, as his skills should make him a valuable player on the scouting squad. And don’t be surprised if he sees several spikes in games to help out in the return game – maybe it will give him a chance to prove himself.