The Kansas City Chiefs will be in need of a new leader for their wide receiver corps in 2017. They may have found one in Chris Conley.
Chris Conley has slowly rounded the corner to become a starter at wide receiver opposite Jeremy Maclin for the Chiefs, starting 5 games his rookie season and 11 last year.. He is now, at 24 years old, one of the elder statesmen of this position group. After being mentored by Maclin, it appears that Conley has taken the leadership reins in his absence.
Conley was asked by the gathered media on Wednesday to explain how his role has changed since the release of Maclin. He showed his maturity by sounding like a seasoned veteran in his reply, stating:
"“Not much is different. I’m still coming out here and doing what they ask me to do. That role is a little bit different now. I’m moving around to some different spots, doing some different things that Jeremy was doing. Other than that, things are really the same. I think we’re getting on a good page with our quarterbacks and our offense is moving at a good tempo.” – WR Chris Conley on his role"
Tyreek Hill could be a superstar in the making and we’ll start opposite Connelly as Camp opens. The expectation would be the two will be the starting receivers for Week 1. Hill described the change in Conley this week at OTAs, answering the question from reporters, “Who is the strongest voice in the receiver room?” with:
"“Definitely Chris Conley. He’s definitely stepped his game up; he’s talking more in the meeting room. It’s all on him now. He’s just got to step up and play like everybody know he can. He’s a baller” – Tyreek Hill on Chris Conley"
This position group needs both of these players to continue to improve and develop as they approach the 2017 season. If Hill can be a leader in his actions on the field and keep his nose clean off the field he will be a valuable asset.
Conley may be the room’s vocal and inspirational leader by the time the season is upon them. He has studied most closely with Maclin and represents a player who seems to have earned the respect of his teammates in the process.
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