Kansas City Chiefs: Top ten players that could break out in 2017

3. Tyreek Hill, WR

You can certainly make the argument that Tyreek Hill broke out last season as a rookie. The fact that he went from an unknown mid round draft pick to one of the most important offensive players on the team certainly points to that. However, I am still putting him on this list because I believe the Chiefs think what we saw last season was just the tip of the iceberg.

By the end of last season Tyreek Hill had gone from a gadget player and return specialist to an integral part of the offense itself. While Jeremy Maclin’s release certainly opens the door for guys like Demarcus Robinson and Chris Conley I believe it was their faith in Tyreek Hill to take another big step forward that gave them (or him if it was just John Dorsey) the confidence to release Maclin. I think the Chiefs see Hill as a possible number one wide receiver. While it is still way too early to compare him to guys like DeSean Jackson and especially Antonio Brown, I think it is a mix of those two receivers that the Chiefs are hoping to develop Hill into.

So while Hill definitely did break out in 2016, I think he could do it again in 2017 if he is able to prove himself as a big play number one receiver in Andy Reid’s offense. Hill caught 61 passes as a rookie that they were just trying to create ways to get the ball to. Given that, I don’t think 80-90 receptions as a number one wide receiver that plays way more snaps, better understands the offense, and has a much bigger role is impossible.