Underrated Chiefs: Chris Conley
The Chiefs have more players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2016 list than any other team, but there are also a few key players that don’t get the attention they deserve. Check out the last edition of Underrated Chiefs.
If you had to point out what the weakest unit on the Chiefs’ roster has been the last 5 seasons, the answer would be pretty clear. The wide receivers haven’t had the best performances in recent seasons. It’s a well-known fact that two years ago, Kansas City didn’t score a single touchdown all season with a receiver.
Flash forward to today’s roster, and there is plenty of potential in the WR corps to break out of this slump.
Jeremy Maclin is the clear top target of the group. He’s the most experienced receiver on the roster and was the biggest KC acquisition of the 2015 offseason. While he did battle some injuries late last season, including reportedly playing hurt in the playoff loss to New England, Maclin definitely showed his worth throughout the campaign.
Right behind him is Albert Wilson, a gritty player who showed efficiency when thrown to last season, averaging 12.9 yards per reception. Rookie Tyreek Hill has plenty of upside, including speed that has reportedly impressed coaches during offseason workouts. Newly-acquired veteran receivers Rod Streater and Mike Williams could play big roles in the Chiefs’ passing game this season.
But there is one player in the WR group that has proven he should get more playing time. He sat low on the depth chart last season and was a playmaker whenever he was targeted.
Chris Conley is entering his second season in the NFL. The Chiefs drafted the WR out of Georgia with the 76th overall pick in the 2015 Draft. Conley was standout, four-year player for the Bulldogs. His senior year was especially impressive, averaging 18.3 yards per reception and snagging 8 touchdowns during the 2014 college season.
In his rookie season, Conley sat fourth on the KC depth chart, behind Maclin, Wilson and the current free agent Jason Avant. When he did get playing time, Conley made the most of it. He only had 17 receptions all season, but had 199 yards and a touchdown.
He also impressed during the playoffs. When Maclin went down with an ankle sprain late in the win against Houston, Conley caught a nine-yard touchdown strike to secure the 30-0 victory. In New England, Conley had 33 receiving yards on 5 receptions.
Conley might have the best hands on the Chiefs roster. His catching ability mixed with his verticality has proven to compliment his playmaking ability. He also has underrated speed, something that he can use to catch defensive back off guard.
Another aspect of Conley’s play that often goes overlooked is his role on the Chiefs’ special teams. He saw most of his field time last season with the special teams unit. He played gunner on the punt team and corner on punt return. It was rumored the Chiefs were grooming him into their next star returner. But with players on this year’s squad like Hill and DeAnthony Thomas vying for the returning spot, it looks as though that won’t come to fruition.
So what kind of impact could Conley have on the 2016 Chiefs?
Depending on how well Hill, Streater and Williams impress in training camp and the preseason could determine what Conley’s role will be. He could easily be the number 3 wide receiver on the roster. However, if Andy Reid and Brad Childress favor experience, he could fall and see less and less playing time. Again, it all depends on how well the new veteran receivers perform.
Despite all of this, Conley still holds a huge role in the KC special teams units. He has shown his talents in that aspect of the game and he also has said that he enjoys playing those positions. If his prospects as a receiver fall, his abilities on special teams will keep him on the field.
With more experience, Conley should be able to prove his worth. He has a lot of potential and a lot of upside. His athleticism and abilities on both offense and special teams make him one of the most promising, and most under appreciated, players on the Kansas City roster.