Chiefs training camp: Watching the wide receivers
By John McCarty
Oct 26, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Jeremy Maclin (18) against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Eagles 24-20. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
The worst position group in the league last season, marked by the dubious distinction of failing to record a single receiving touchdown, received a top-heavy makeover and appears ready to make it’s mark on the 2015 season.
Two draft picks along with a high-level free-agent acquisition help to bring fresh faces and outlook to what will easily be one of the top story lines as the Kansas City Chiefs slog to training camp. Let’s take a look at the wide receivers, who need to be greatly improved for Kansas City to have success.
The current wide receiver roster as we head into the second week of training camp:
(Editor’s note: This was written prior to signing L’Damian Washington)
Jason Avant, 81, Michigan
Armon Binns, 14, Cincinnati
Da’Ron Brown, 4, Northern Illinois
Chris Conley, 17, Georgia
Kenny Cook, 6, Gardner-Webb
Frankie Hammond, 85, Florida
Junior Hemingway, 88, Michigan
Donatella Luckett, 15, Harding
Jeremy Maclin, 19, Missouri
Jaret Smith, 8, McMurray
Albert Wilson, 12, Georgia State
Jason Avant returns this season after joining the Chiefs for the last five games of the 2014 season. In quick order, Avant worked his way into the lineup, becoming a steady presence in the lineup. His ability to work the chains and hold on to the football will help the offense providing Alex Smith with a security blanket. Avant also provides the team with a veteran presence and a quiet leader. Avant and Maclin can be a nice tandem on offense combined with Charles and Kelce.
Armon Binns is a big wide receiver, standing 6-foot-3 and 211 pounds. He has limited physical tools outside of that, going undrafted in 2011, spending that season the Jacksonville Jaguars practice squad. He has some playing experience with the Cincinnati Bengals and was on the Miami Dolphins injured reserve list during the 2013 season. Binns spent the 2014 season on the Chiefs practice squad. For his career, Binns has 24 receptions for 277 yards and one touchdown. I don’t see much of an opportunity for Binns in Kansas City, but an impressive training camp could catch the attention of another team.
Da’Ron Brown is the Chiefs seventh-round draft pick out of Northern Illinois. He will be a name to watch in training camp and preseason games, which will help determine where exactly he fits into the Chiefs plans. He does have some nice physical tools and has experience on special teams, which he obviously would need to make the team, but it will be interesting to see what Kansas City plans for Brown. More then likely, he will be on the practice squad but could play himself on the roster.
Next: Will Chris Conley step up and get healthy?