This is going to be a tricky topic to post about. Who are the Chief’s starters at WR? Who are the next three? Your guess is as good as mine!
Let’s Start out with the Plausible Starting Three~!
Due to Hill’s legal matters, the Chiefs potentially drafted Mecole Hardman to potentially replace Tyreek Hill. I recall a 40-yard contest between the two, and Hardman finished a tick and half behind Hill. It was that close. On the field of play, there were differences. Hill has quicker feet than Mecole. Hill dominates among WRs in tracking the ball on deep passes. Hill had a symbiotic relationship with Patrick Mahomes–he seemed to read what Mahomes was going to do and put himself in the position, even if contested, to make the catch.
All that has changed. Ty Hill is now a Dolphin. Let’s move on.
I want first to stake a claim to the WR competition in Camp. It’s is going to be Fierce. If you buy into my first three proposals, you will be considering who it is, among 11 other WRs that will rise to the occasion! But, first, allow me to frame this with the “Starting Three.”
Mecole Hardman
o Mecole Hardman will not have to contend with Ty Hill being on the field
o Hardman’s speed will have the same effect as Hill’s!
o Hardman must develop the symbiosis that Mahomes had with Hill — a natural progression of Patrick finding Hardman as a target
o Andy Reid needs to call plays that put Hardman as the target–Crossing routes must be part of the playcalling
o Hardman must react to the individual plays so that he drops into openings to receive passes on Mahomes scrambles
Hardman Predictions?
It’s tough to anticipate what Mecole will accomplish. My general observation is that Hardman has improved the numbers each year since signing. In 2021, Hardman’s Catch rate was 71.1%, with 83 targets, 59 catches for 693 yards, and 2 TDs. He did have 6 TDs in 2019. With Hill departed, I foresee a 1,000-yard season for Hardman, which would be hard to dispute. If it were my wager, I would say that Hardman would exceed that number. Yards from Scrimmage should also be top-notch.
Next Up – Juju Smith-Schuster – JS-S was a top target for Ben Rothlisberger. His numbers declined in 2021. This had to be internal to the Steelers as he started only five games. In previous seasons, he had a high-yardage total of 1426 with 7 TDs. Brett Veach bets that JS-S will be highly productive as he was in 2018.
Then Valdes-Scantling – MV-S is another receiver for another successful football club, the Green Bay Packers. In 2021, MV-S had 55 targets, 430 yards, and 3 TDs. The year previous, he had had 630 receiving yards.
The Youth Movement – Skyy Moore – You all know the promise of Moore, who has the speed and feet to excel in the NFL. It’s all collegiate for Moore as far as production is concerned. He might well end up as the #3 WR, Superceding MV-S.
The Youth Movement – Part 2
Far tougher to anticipate are WRs that follow the front four. I expect Josh Gordon, Cornell Powell, and Justyn Watson to vie for position and snaps. I was very positive about Powell last season.
I am far more hopeful when considering Ross. However, I do have a favorite, and that is Justyn Ross. He just has caught my attention, even before the draft.
Am I rendering 2 WRs of those newcomers? I’d pick Watson and Powell.
The Vet Competitors
At this point, the Vets who are on the roster must be considered. Josh Gordon was retained in 2022 despite his weak showing in 2021. Justin Watson is in the mix with five years of NFL time. The staff must see a plus side that might emerge. Corey Coleman was signed as a F/A from the Giants with five years of experience. Fan Favorite Daurice Fountain is in the mix. He has three years of accrued NFL time. There are 14 WRs on the 90-man roster.
If I had to lay money on a bet for a young player upsetting my top Six players? I’d place it on the nose of Justyn Ross, who might displace MV-S, for example.
Who else? It’s Your Money–Who You Got?
David Bell – ArrowheadOne