KC Chiefs: Most intriguing positional battles for 2022

2. The Passing Game and Fight for Target Share

There is no doubt that the biggest question heading into the draft, and for most of the offseason thus far, was what the heck the Chiefs were going to do with the passing game. This became especially true after Tyreek Hill was traded to the Dolphins back in March. In fact, just before this very draft, you would have been hard-pressed to find someone who did not believe the Chiefs were taking a receiver in the first round, or even moving up in the draft to get a highly sought pass catcher. Well, that did not happen. Instead, Skyy Moore fell right into their lap at pick 54, who certainly brings some compelling traits to the table.

However, that doesn’t answer the question, “who is going to make up for the lost production from Tyreek Hill?” How are the Chiefs going to cover 159 targets, 1,239 yards, and 9 TDs? I know that seems like an impossible task. No one else can be Tyreek Hill. Yet, I believe Veach has brought in the right pieces to totally revamp this aerial attack and cover that production is a less predictable way. That unpredictability is what makes this incoming wide receiver group one of the more intriguing positional battles heading into the season. You saw the number of targets. Who out of Mecole Hardman, JuJu Smith-Schuster, Marques Valdes-Scantling, and Skyy Moore is going to account for the 159 targets that will be missed.

In my opinion, the most intriguing part of this “battle for the lost target share” is the fact that each of these players brings a little something different to the table.  Smith-Schuster and Valdes-Scantling are both bigger receivers and yet both have totally different playing styles. One is traditionally viewed as more physical, while the other is more of a lengthy speedster. Skyy Moore is a Slot-o-Matic machine and is excellent at creating space, quickly but does not have the sub 4.4 forty speed that Hardman and Valdes-Scantling carry. Not to mention the return of Josh Gordon to the fold, and the potential for him to recapture some of the old flashes. Or the undrafted free agent flyer with Justyn Ross, who was a locked-in first-round pick after the 2019 College Football title game.

Obviously, though, someone has to somewhat step into the solidified “Number 1” role at the wideout spot. That role probably will start with Mecole Hardman, and deservedly should. He’s been in the system, had some productive moments, and has somewhat had to be in the shadow of Tyreek Hill since he got into the league. Let’s not forget, the Chiefs literally drafted this guy in an attempt to have Tyreek 2.0 when there was some uncertainty he was going to be available that season.

Low key too, it’s not like the guy had terrible numbers in 2021. In fact, he posted career highs in targets, receptions, and receiving yards last year. So who’s to say giving Hardman some extra looks and scheming him into the game plan more doesn’t produce some “Tyreek level” stat lines? With that being said though, the front office would not have made the offseason moves they did, if they felt they had everything in the locker room to lose Tyreek Hill and not miss a beat. So, that number 1 role is going to start with Hardman, but most certainly be his spot to lose.

That is what makes this all so exciting for The Kingdom. There are so many potential players to become “the guy” or, even a few from this group who can collectively become “the guys.” Either way, this Chiefs passing attack is going to have a completely different look coming into this next season, and no one knows what to expect with this plethora and variety of talent. I for one, am here for it, and cannot wait to see what ‘ole Reid cooks up.