Grading every KC Chiefs 2022 rookie at the bye week

Skyy Moore, Wide Receiver (Round 2, Pick 54)

No player in the 2022 rookie class for the Chiefs has had a more bumpy season than wide receiver Skyy Moore. Fair or not, after the Tyreek Hill trade, there has been a lot of pressure put on the 22-year-old to be a productive player but he just hasn’t gotten the playing time on offense many thought he would. He’s only been targeted 11 times this season, resulting in six catches for 100 yards and no touchdowns. Out of 14 rookie wide receivers with at least 10 targets through Week 7, per PFF ($), Moore is tied for 13th in receptions (6), 10th in yards (100), tied for 11th in receiving touchdowns (0), 2nd in yards per reception (16.7), 5th in receiving grade (70.2), 1st in yards after the catch per reception (10.5), and 6th in yards per route run (1.67). His efficiency numbers are solid, although his volume statistics are lagging. What that tells us is that while he hasn’t seen much action on offense he’s been fairly efficient when he has been on the field.

Outside of his low usage on offense, another issue that Skyy Moore has had so far is returning punts. He’s muffed (and lost) two punts so far this season and has also averaged a mere 7 yards per punt return, which is 22nd out of 30 punt returners with at least five punt returns, according to PFF ($). He also ranks 29th of 30 in terms of his overall return grade.

I definitely wouldn’t qualify Skyy Moore’s rookie campaign so far as bad, but it hasn’t been going well either given that he was a second-round pick. Andy Reid doesn’t seem to trust the rookie wide receiver yet but he should see his offensive snaps increase throughout the season, though the Kadarius Toney trade may change that, and he also should see his punt return opportunities decrease as well.

Grade: C-

Bryan Cook, Safety (Round 2, Pick 62)

One of the more under-the-radar rookies for Kansas City heading into the season was safety Bryan Cook. Before the draft, he was scouted as a hard-hitting safety who needed to develop his ball skills and coverage ability. Seven weeks into his NFL career I feel that has been the case. He has overtaken Deon Bush on the Chiefs’ safety depth chart and has seemed to earn some additional trust with defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo.

According to PFF ($), Cook has also been asked to blitz five times this season and has recorded two pressures (one quarterback hit and one hurry). In 103 coverage snaps, he has been targeted six times for five catches, 73 yards, two touchdowns, and a passer rating against of 156.9.

For the remainder of the 2022 season, barring injury problems, Bryan Cook will likely serve as the third safety on defense. Although he hasn’t been great this year, he’s performing about as well as one can expect from a safety selected late in the second round, despite the poor passing numbers in coverage. He’s been physical this season and has shown room for development in the passing game, which lines up with his scouting report from before the draft.

Grade: B-