Feb 21, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Georgia Bulldogs wide receiver Christian Conley runs the 40 yard dash during the 2015 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
The Kansas City Chiefs waited until the third round in the 2015 NFL Draft to select a wide receiver. Their selection was Georgia Bulldogs receiver Chris Conley with the 76th-overall pick.
NFL analysts and even some fans have beat the “Chiefs did not have a wide receiver touchdown” horse for what seems like most of the offseason.
With the selection of Conley, the Chiefs have gained another speedster for their already-stacked team of fast players. He also performed with high marks at the 2015 NFL Combine, posting the best times in the 40-yard dash, broad jump, bench press and vertical jump for receivers. Conley clearly has skills to be excited about, but does Conley have the skills necessary to become the number-two receiver for the Chiefs?
Kansas City was seriously lacking in receiver production in 2014, So the team went out and spent $55 million in free agency on Jeremy Maclin, who was originally drafted into the NFL by none other than Andy Reid with the Philadelphia Eagles. General manager John Dorsey also re-signed Jason Avant, who joined the Chiefs late in the 2014 season. As it stands right now, one might assume that Avant would be the number-two receiver due to the familiarity with Reid’s system. However, Avant is more of a slot receiver, meaning that Conley’s main competition is second-year man, Albert Wilson.
Dec 21, 2014; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Albert Wilson (12) runs after a catch as Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback William Gay (22) and inside linebacker Lawrence Timmons (94) chase during the second quarter at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Wilson had some flashes of brilliance in his first season with the organization. He was able to haul in 16 receptions for 260 yards, averaging 16.2 yards per reception. As it stands, Wilson could be the starting number-two receiver. If Conley is going to become the outright number two, he will need to get past Wilson.
There are other receivers that could seek that second spot such as Junior Hemingway, a four-year veteran with Kansas City. However, he has ups and downs and while he could be a solid player, he seems more likely to be a situational receiver and serve on special teams.
Another interesting player competing for the second spot is the former Indianapolis Colts receiver Da’Rick Rogers. Rogers is like Wilson in that he has shown he can be a productive receiver. However his run-in with the law will likely see him demoted, if the team decides to keep him on the the roster.
Overall, Conley has the skills and the talent to back up his case for the number-two receiver on the Chiefs. What is going to matter the most for him will be how quickly he can learn the offense and be a productive member. If he cannot learn the offense and doesn’t adapt, he will be listed behind Wilson on the depth chart. But this is one competition going into training camp that will be exciting to watch.
There you have it, Addicts. Do you think Conley will be listed as the number two come September 13? If not, who are you betting on? Let us know in the comments.
Thanks for reading.
Go Chiefs!