For young wide receivers in training camp with the Kansas City Chiefs, it’s not only about making the 2019 roster. 2020 is also in play.
When a team has a starting quarterback with the abilities of Patrick Mahomes, the primary task of those in the front office is the same as the one responsible for the warmth at a campsite. The number one rule is to keep the fire burning.
For general manager Brett Veach, that means he’s got to keep the pipeline loaded with offensive playmakers. Mahomes and head coach Andy Reid will regularly make guys look better than they would on other teams, but if the players added are already exceptional themselves—say, perhaps, blessed with the sort of top-end speed of Mecole Hardman—then the league’s top offense will keep rolling.
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Right now the Chiefs look fairly loaded at wide receiver, especially up top, but there’s still room for a young player or two to upset the apple cart. Tyreek Hill and Sammy Watkins are the anchors. Demarcus Robinson is the experienced youngster ready to replace Chris Conley. Hardman is the new sensation at wideout/returner. From there, it’s anyone’s guess how the younger options will show.
Can Gehrig Dieter show a chemistry with Mahomes on the field as well as off the field? Can Jamal Custis reward the Chiefs’ vision of a major rookie free agent bonus? Can Cody Thompson continue to improve on a strong showing in rookie minicamp? Can Byron Pringle stay healthy and become more than a preseason darling? What about guys like Marcus Kemp, Felton Davis or Davon Grayson?
Even for those guys who are unable to break through to the active roster this coming season, their ability to turn heads this summer could still yield important dividends down the road for the Chiefs.
The Chiefs are reportedly working on an extension with Hill (or interested in such talks), so let’s assume that both parties will find a workable solution to keep him here. Hardman, the team’s second round pick, will also be around for four years on his rookie deal. From there, the ranks thin out quite a bit.
Watkins, who will be due over $21 million next offseason, is going to force the Chiefs to make a tough decision concerning his employment. Is he worth that much? Can he stay healthy? That’s a significant amount of money.
Robinson is also likely going to hit free agency next year, just like Conley and Albert Wilson before him. The Chiefs need a pipeline instead of reactive signings that cost more money than they should pay. Robinson is nice, but unless the price is right, there’s little reason for the Chiefs to re-sign him for a few more years.
If the Chiefs decide to move on from Watkins because Hardman and Hill are enough, and/or if Robinson is allowed to hit free agency, it likely means the Chiefs are taking a long look at receivers they know well.
This means even if names like Cody Thompson or Felton Davis fail to make the final active roster this year, it would help them to still make a solid impact and remain in orbit around the franchise. Whether that means taking a practice squad spot or just staying in contact, a player like the aforementioned candidates could eventually earn a spot if they stay focused and determined.