Brett Veach overhauled the wide receiver position for the first time since taking over the General Manager position. Who will be at training camp? We discuss.
To the surprise and panic of many, Tyreek Hill was traded for almost an entire draft class. Now, the Kansas City Chiefs will have a lot of new guys at the wide receiver position. General Manager Brett Veach has added a lot of new pieces on what are virtually one-year deals. This could set up some players for big contracts at the end of the year as the only player that is virtually guaranteed another year is rookie Skyy Moore.
The players at this position are full of tougher and bigger-bodied guys. They will likely be a major part of a new-look offense. Here are your 2022 Chiefs wide receivers.
#9 JuJu Smith-Schuster
College: USC
Years Pro: 6 (25 years old)
Chance of Making the Roster: Lock
After the second offseason of interest, the Chiefs finally got their guy. JuJu Smith-Schuster will enter his sixth season as a professional and his first as a Chief. Smith-Schuster is about to take a significant role in the offense as the number one wide receiver. With a much different skill set than former number one receiver Tyreek Hill, the offense is bound to look much different in the passing game. If he can have a good season, he may find himself lined up for a huge payday at the end of the season.
There is little doubt that Smith-Schuster will make the roster. The hope is that the Chiefs can make Smith-Schuster a true number one receiver and that he can stay healthy throughout the season. Travis Kelce will likely be Patrick Mahomes’s favorite target but Smith-Schuster could prove to be very valuable.
#11 Marquez Valdez-Scantling
College: South Florida
Years Pro: 5 (27 years old)
Chance of Making the Roster: Lock
There have been rumblings that one of the most impressive receivers at minicamp was Marquez Valdez-Scantling. With a 6’4 frame, Valdez-Scantling has a wide catching radius. While he is not necessarily as physical as his physique might suggest, his speed and size could certainly cause headaches for defenders and defensive coordinators in Kansas City.
Not only will Valdez-Scantling make the roster, but he will also take over the second wide receiver role on day one. A guy like Valdez-Scantling could be the kind of player to put them over the top. Look for him to have one of, if not his best season as a pro in 2022.
#24 Skyy Moore
College: Western Michigan
Years Pro: Rookie (21 years old)
Chance of Making the Roster: Lock
To the surprise of many, Skyy Moore fell to the Chiefs in the second round. While he was not the top receiver on draft boards, he has a real opportunity to make teams regret not taking him sooner. While Moore lacks size he does not lack explosiveness. With both a quick first step and great acceleration in and out of his routes, Moore could be a player that turns some heads this season.
Moore is going to be on this team. The Chiefs spent a second-round pick on him and he is one of two receivers on the roster that is under contract for another year after this one. Look for Moore to make an immediate impact on the offense.