We continue our Kansas City Chiefs Training Camp positional previews with the wide receivers.
The Chiefs' receiving corps was the weak link of the offense last season. It led the NFL in drops with 44 and multiple guys who the Chiefs banked on to step up did just the opposite. The emergence of Rashee Rice ended up being the saving grace of the group, developing into a dependable playmaker.
The Chiefs added some juice to the WR position by signing free agent Hollywood Brown and drafting rookie Xavier Worthy. Both should provide a much-needed vertical threat to the offense as well as yards after catch ability. With the addition of those two players, let's dive into what the Chiefs receiving corps bring to the table in 2024.
Chiefs WR overview ahead of training camp
Who are the expected starters:
Hollywood Brown
Rashee Rice
Justin Watson
Who is currently hurt:
Nikko Remigio is returning from a shoulder injury that cost him the entire 2023 season. Fortunately, he is back healthy and was a full participant during Chiefs OTAs back in May and June . Remigio had a strong training camp last year and caught four passes for 71 yards in a preseason game against the New Orleans Saints.
Xavier Worthy was held out of OTAs with a hamstring injury, but coach Andy Reid and quarterback Patrick Mahomes have reassured that the team was simply acting with an abundance of caution . Worthy likely suffered some soft tissue damage while training for the NFL Combine. He should be a full-go for training camp.
Who is on the trade block:
Kadarius Toney and Skyy Moore were two big reasons why the receiving corps disappointed last year. Both were expected to take on large roles and become productive players.
However, neither made an impact whatsoever and they now find themselves fighting for a roster spot. The returns for either player won't be much, but Toney still possesses top end athleticism and special teams ability and Moore is just 23 years old.
Biggest Chiefs training camp battle:
Final few WR roster spots:
It's pretty safe to say that Brown, Rice, Worthy and Watson are locks. That only leaves two or three more open spots for nine other receivers. Three seems unlikely given the depth that the Chiefs have at tight end this year, and last year notwithstanding, they usually only keep six receivers.
Who has the edge:
With the new kickoff rules taking effect this year , special teams ability will play a large factor here. That gives guys like Toney, Moore, Remigio and Mecole Hardman a leg up on the rest. Toney and Hardman have had the most experience and success as return specialists.
Remigio was a very good return man in college and if he can carry over his success as a receiver from last year's camp, he'll have a very strong case to make the team. It's make-or-break time for Cornell Powell, who is entering his fourth season with the Chiefs and has mostly been a practice squad player.
Not to be forgotten is 2023 offseason standout Justyn Ross, who made the roster after several impressive catches throughout camp and preseason. Ross is very athletically gifted and has the size that most other Chiefs receivers don't have. A personal conduct policy suspension halted his momentum last season.
Biggest training camp sleeper: Phillip Brooks
A Kansas City area native, Brooks will have the opportunity to play for the team he grew up rooting for. The former Kansas State Wildcat is as seasoned as a rookie can get with six years of college experience.
Brooks is a jack-of-all-trades player who can contribute as a kick returner, receiver or running back. If he can make plays throughout camp and preseason, he could push out some veterans who have already had their chance.
Related: Chiefs Training Camp Preview: Offensive line features biggest battle of the offseason
Local Kansas State
Most Popular
Comments / 0