The Kansas City Chiefs wrapped up their mandatory minicamp on Thursday.
Now we enter the calm before the storm that is training camp, which begins in late July. It will be crucial for players to stay in their playbooks and remain mentally sharp, as well continuing to work out so that they arrive at camp in shape and ready to go.
Perhaps the scrutinized position battle that will occur during camp will be at wide receiver. Outside of the late season breakout by Rashee Rice, the Chiefs' receiving unit was one of the worst in the league last year. The downfield passing attack was basically nonexistent and K.C. led the NFL in drops.
The Chiefs addressed the receiver position in a big way during the offseason by acquiring veteran Hollywood Brown and rookie Xaiver Worthy. Both are extremely speedy players who should legitimize the threat of the deep ball. However, the Chiefs also brought back a lot of receivers from last year to give another shot - such as Kadarius Toney, Skyy Moore, Mecole Hardman and Justyn Ross.
At the completion of minicamp, Mahomes spoke to the media about how he feels the receiver's room is shaping up.
“I think it’s shaping up really well. I thought Hollywood (Brown) did a great coming in and being prepared and learning really fast and being able to go out there and make plays. I thought Rashee (Rice) did a great job, J (Justin) Wat (Watson), Skyy (Moore), all these guys really competed, and I think that’s a good thing to have. I’m excited to get (Xavier) Worthy out there more, I got to throw to him a couple times, but you want to get him out there kind of in some more team-based drills and let him work and learn on the fly. You saw him learning on the side and now it’s just about him getting ready to be at camp and being in shape and ready to roll there.”
With Brown, Worthy, Rice and Watson likely to be locks to make the roster, that only leaves two or three spots open. Toney entered last year's training camp as the projected No. 1 receiver, but injuries and drops factored into what became a disastrous 2023 season. Many expected Moore to take on a significant role last season, but he was unable to make any sort of impact.
Ross was the star of training camp and preseason one year ago; however, a personal conduct suspension derailed his momentum. Nikko Remigio also made a positive impression during camp last year but was put on season ending injured reserved during roster cuts. Other familiar receivers vying for a spot are Cornell Powell and Montrell Washington.
That's a lot of bodies for only a few spots. It could be the last shot for a lot of them as far as being a Chiefs goes. The ability to play special teams will be a huge advantage, especially with the new kickoff rules. The looming suspension of Rice will also provide an opportunity for someone to step up. Regardless of how the Chiefs' receiving corps shakes out in 2024, it's sure to be an improved unit.
