The Kansas City Chiefs passed on remaking their wide receiver room early in the offseason, instead deciding to double down on their current options. Rashee Rice returning should elevate the offense in 2025, but the Chiefs need to add more talent through the 2025 NFL draft.
San Jose State Spartans wide receiver Nick Nash began his college career as a quarterback before fully transitioning to wide receiver in 2023. He’s an older prospect, but his inexperience at the position gives him untapped upside. Nash caught 104 passes for 1,382 yards and 16 touchdowns in 2024 on his way to earning All-American honors.
At 6'2 1/2", 203 lbs., Nash offers impressive size for a player who primarily aligned in the slot this past season. He lacks a developed release package to combat press coverage but showcases nice urgency getting into his routes. Nash uncovers early in plays to support quick game passes, which helped San Jose State keep its offense on schedule.
Nick Nash for San Jose State vs. Oregon State. Nash is a converted quarterback. Two not-so-great drops in this game, but Nash offers intriguing size and length with decent speed. Here's a cut of some of his most notable plays from the game. #NFLDraft#NFLDraft2025#2025NFLDraftpic.twitter.com/y3T8U3lkS6
— Sam Teets (@Sam_Teets33) November 14, 2024
Nash lacks the speed to separate and threaten defenses vertically, but his short-area burst and acceleration create separation against man coverage at the intermediate level. He uses shoulder and head fakes to confuse defenders at the top of the route and manipulates his route stem to create advantageous spacing. Nash excels at finding and lingering in holes against zone coverage.
Nash possesses a massive catch radius when he fully extends and leaps for the ball. This helps him play above the rim at the catch point and finish catches through contact with his strong hands. Nash’s awareness and body control help him make impressive catches and get both feet down along the sideline.
Nash struggles to combat contact early and in the middle of the route, which makes him vulnerable against press corners. He lacks the elite agility and speed to generate consistent separation against sticky coverage and won’t pose a vertical threat in the NFL.
Nash generates yards after the catch with sidesteps and some basic jump cuts. He lacks the elusiveness, twitch and long speed to break big plays. Nash’s lack of polish and physical shortcomings make him project as a fifth round selection in this year’s draft.
This article originally appeared on Chiefs Wire: 2025 NFL draft scouting report: San Jose State Spartans WR Nick Nash
