Wide Receivers: The Ghosts of Christmas Future

David Bell

Editorializing the WR Group — It’s all fun stuff with much remaining to be sorted out. We at ArrowheadOne have delved into the future Wide Receiver Room. It has been a matter of discussion, and there is some propensity to fret and worry among fans in the Kingdom. I am highly inclined to have a positive outlook and see those with a negative view as a “Scrooge.” Why?

Let’s Start Here: I have great faith in the Chiefs under Brett Veach, his scouting staff, Andy Reid, and the coaching staff. As time has moved along quickly (as it does in my brain), I am very comfortable anticipating what this WR crew can accomplish in 2023.

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WTIV! Brett Veach – David Eulitt Photo

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The Hopkins Sweepstakes – I am sure that Brett Veach proffered a contract to D-Hop, which wasn’t enough money, and Hopkins, rather than pursue a ring… he chose the money. I cannot say what the offer details were. The Chiefs were always on the outside looking in. Put that item in the book of non-factors.

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The WR Crew Has a Ton of Talent

Though Low on End-Result Proof

From the past drafts, Trades and F/A acquisitions, and UDFA signings, we ascertain that Brett Veach has had his eye on talent for the past two seasons. Most notable among these player additions are: the signing of MVS (and JuJu) in 2022. Of course, JuJu has departed, but Marquez remains a crucial factor for Mahomes.

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MVS – YAC 2022 – Michael Owens photo credit(AP)

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In 2022, Brett Veach drafted Skyy Moore in round two, and this past draft also saw Veach select Rashee Rice in round two.

Midway through 2022, the Chiefs traded with the Giants to acquire Kadarius Toney. I am a big fan of Toney.

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Toney’s big Punt Return (65-yards) in the Super Bowl – Matt Slocum photo (AP)

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Shooting the moon with players of high potential: Justyn Ross, John Ross, and Justin Watson (who has a great rapport with QB Patrick Mahomes). The Chiefs, this off-season, also signed Richie James, who had a career year in 2022. He is a trustworthy receiver. His ability as a kick and punt returner ices it for me.

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Predictions

The Chiefs will keep Seven WRs on the Active Roster!

The Front Four MVS, Skyy Moore, Rashee Rice, Richie James

The Depth: Justyn Ross, Justin Watson, John Ross

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I will note that I am on-board the Justyn Ross Hype Train:

Wide Receivers (7)
On the Roster: Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Kadarius Toney, Skyy Moore, Richie James, Rashee Rice, John Ross, and Justin Watson

I admit it, I loved what I saw from Toney in 2022. And I am aboard the Justyn Ross Hype Train!

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Why: Toney proved a lot in his brief time with the Chiefs in 2022 and factored into a successful post-season. I think he will have a break-out season and be our leading WR in catches and yards.

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Chiefs.com Photo

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Skyy Moore

Ashley Landis Photo (AP)

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Skyy Moore and Rashee Rice were high draft picks. Skyy didn’t factor in as much as I thought he would in 2022, and I think the 3 muffed punts affected him mentally.

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What role rookie WR Rashee Rice could fill with KC Chiefs ...

Rice – Training Camp photo – KC Star

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Finally, in the Super Bowl, he scored a TD. MVS came up big time in the post-season, and they went out last year to acquire him from the Packers. He is on a three-year deal – the Chiefs coaching staff has wagered he will see increased productivity in his second season with the Chiefs. Richie James adds to the receiver options and greatly benefits the return game, keeping both Moore and Toney out of the loop as much as possible.

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Richie James Photo – GiantsWire

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Justyn Ross has already made waves in the off-season work and has worked with the “Ones” as recently as Sunday. See a clip of him working out (It’s early in the video segment, but he looks great), see it here:

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Note that John Ross adds back the Over-the-Top threat that has been missing since Tyreek Hill departed for South Beach. Justin Watson has shown a propensity to get open for Patrick Mahomes and make big plays. Rashee Rice has all the needed promise and is a big WR to boot. Watching his game film tells me he will far exceed the output of Moore in 2023. Moore himself has also made the news of being on top of his game, so I anticipate much more success for him this coming season.

Let’s Face It

It is impossible to publish an accurate list of who will be there in the group on Opening day. I posted briefs on nine WRs over the past weeks. I just do not see a reason to discount the group as a whole. In fact, if you look at the list of 13 WRs, and how the Chiefs will keep most of them, it is a group that can and will excel because the Chiefs will have a top-notch Offensive Line, and the QB throwing the ball is “PATRICK MAHOMES.” Mahomes makes everyone better by default. I’m a believer. (Queue up the 1966 tune by the Monkees):

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There are three more who I did not include in the briefs: Jerrion Ealy (RB/WR), Ihmar Smith-Marsette(WR), and Kekoa Crawford (WR). Sure! All three players have potential, but the likelihood of them making the 53-Man Roster is likely nil. Keeping 7 WRs is an oddity, allowed because there is an extra roster spot since this year, the Chiefs will not carry a Fullback. At this early juncture, I think keeping 7 is highly likely.

In the NFL, which has sky-rocketed into an Aerial League, the Chiefs will choose to put it together with seven wideouts. Patrick Mahomes has extremely viable targets in the list above. Add to that the starting RBs: Pacheco, McKinnon, Prince, and maybe CEH. Add on top of that the TEs: Travis Kelce — TE Extraordinaire — Noah Gray, and Jody Fortson. The 4th TE will be Matt Bushman, who should swipe the 4th TE spot from Blake Bell.

I still see no reason to feel horrible about the proposition. As usual, Brett Veach will stash a couple of WRs on the PS–replacement anticipation in case of injury: here, I think they once again place Cornell Powell in that group, along with Ealy, due to his ability as a RB, and Smith-Marsette seems likely to be a third. If someone goes down with a severe injury, a backfill is available.

All of the WRs in the group can be considered to be Ghosts of Christmas Future as the Chiefs roll toward the playoffs.

I hope they put this group of WRs in the book come opening day.

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David Bell — ArrowheadOne

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