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Are fans expecting too much from the Kansas City Chiefs rookies?

By Lyle Graversen

COLUMBIA, MO - OCTOBER 5: Linebacker Nick Bolton #32 of the Missouri Tigers in action against the Troy Trojans at Memorial Stadium on October 5, 2019 in Columbia, Missouri. (Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images)
COLUMBIA, MO - OCTOBER 5: Linebacker Nick Bolton #32 of the Missouri Tigers in action against the Troy Trojans at Memorial Stadium on October 5, 2019 in Columbia, Missouri. (Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images) /
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Jan 1, 2021; New Orleans, LA, USA; Clemson Tigers wide receiver Cornell Powell (17) runs the ball past Ohio State Buckeyes cornerback Sevyn Banks (7) during the second half at Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2021; New Orleans, LA, USA; Clemson Tigers wide receiver Cornell Powell (17) runs the ball past Ohio State Buckeyes cornerback Sevyn Banks (7) during the second half at Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports /

Cornell Powell

Cornell Powell is the other pass-catching option who fans need to be realistic about going into the season.

When Chiefs fans were still fawning over the idea of trying to get Julio Jones, I took a look at what kind of production K.C. needs from their #2 wideout spot. Over the last few seasons the combination of Sammy Watkins (when healthy) and Demarcus Robinson have averaged a combined 80-85 receptions per season opposite of Tyreek Hill.

Let’s say the Chiefs get similar production from that spot again this season from the combined trio of Robinson, Byron Pringle and Cornell Powell. Robinson and Pringle both have an advantage over Powell in terms of experience and knowing the playbook. The best case scenario for Powell may be earning an even split with those other two.

If that spot gets 85 receptions total this season, it would be an average of about 28 receptions for each of Robinson, Pringle, and Powell. So if Powell can earn an even amount of reps with those two veterans as a rookie, you are probably looking at a ceiling of about 30 receptions as a realistic best case scenario for him. It’s also possible that Robinson and Pringle (or another vet signed after roster cuts) get the majority of snaps and Powell is primarily a special teams player as a rookie.

Again, I really like Powell and think he has the potential to develop into a nice complementary receiver in this offense, but his rookie contribution probably will be limited.

Trey Smith

That brings us to Trey Smith. In my draft grades piece, I went as far as to say Smith could end up being the biggest steal for any team in the entire 2021 NFL Draft. I clearly like Smith and think he has the upside to become a very good NFL starter if his health concerns don’t derail his career. That having been said, I think we’re getting a little carried away when I see people projecting him to start as a rookie now that Kyle Long is out for a little while with an injury.

The Chiefs have a ton of guys with starting experience at guard on the roster (Long, Laurent Durvernay-Tardif, Andrew Wylie, Nick Allegretti, Austin Blythe, and Mike Remmers). For Smith to get the nod for a Super Bowl contender over multiple vets with starting experience, all while trying to transition to facing NFL-caliber defenders and improving/learning his technique like a normal rookie (while also having to figure out what his limits for practicing with his medical condition are) seems really lofty to me.

I wouldn’t be shocked if the Chiefs figured out a way to “redshirt” him this year on the IR and then give him more of a chance to compete for playing time next year. I’d love to be wrong on this one because I love Smith as a player, I just once again think fans shouldn’t set the bar too high.

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