The Chiefs' final wide receiver spots are surprisingly still up for grabs

The Kansas City Chiefs have now completed training camp and their first two preseason games. Most of the roster is starting to take shape, with only a handful of questions remaining. One of those biggest unresolved position battles is for the final wide receiver spots. As the Chiefs prepare for their final preseason game against the Chicago Bears on Thursday, there are still four wideouts competing for 2-3 roster spots.

At this point I feel confident that Rashee Rice, Xavier Worthy, Marquise "Hollywood" Brown (once he's healthy), and Justin Watson are all locks to make the 53-man roster. I also feel confident that we can cross Kadarius Toney's name off the list of contenders. Between his injuries, inconsistent play, running with the third string recently at camp, and his dumbfounding two penalties on the same play in KC's most recent preseason game, I think it's time to cut ties with the former first-round pick.

Depending on if the Chiefs keep six or seven wide receivers, that leaves Skyy Moore, Justyn Ross, Mecole Hardman, and Nikko Remigio competing for two or three spots. You can make a compelling argument for and against all four of these wideouts. Let's recap where each of them stands going into the final preseason game.

The case for and against Skyy Moore

Skyy Moore has three arguments in favor of him making the roster. First, the Chiefs invested a 2nd round pick on him and he's still cost-controlled for a couple of more years. Second, the Chiefs have talked about how he knows all the different receiver spots and he can back up any receiver position. That makes him a valuable backup on offense. Finally, Moore flashed some kick return upside against the Lions on Saturday when he had two strong returns, averaging 35.5 yards between the two.

The argument against Moore is that he has not and is not producing as a wide receiver. Last season when KC desperately needed wide receiver production he offered almost nothing. In two preseason games, it's been more of the same. On top of that, while he did return a couple of kicks, Moore doesn't play on kick coverage units, which would be a nice use of the final wide receiver spot or two.

The case for and against Justyn Ross

Justyn Ross is my top pick for the 53-man roster out of the four options on this list because he offers some skills that the other wideouts on the roster don't have. His size and length make him a downfield jump ball target unlike anyone else. He's also a natural weapon in the red zone and unlike the other options on this list, he does play on some of the kick and punt units on special teams.

The case against Ross is simply that he hasn't ever been consistently productive. He'll make a highlight reel type of play in camp or in a game and then you don't hear from him again for a while. Through two preseason games Ross has one reception for 23 yards. That one grab was impressive, but will the Chiefs feel like those flashes are worth taking up a roster spot?

The case for and against Mecole Hardman

Mecole Hardman is the most known commodity on this list. He has been with the Chiefs for longer than any other receiver on the roster. He also has far more NFL production than any other option on this list. He can return punts and is known to make a splash play on offense every once in a while.

The problem is that we also know that there's a cap to what Hardman can be. He isn't a great route runner and he typically only runs deep routes or manufactured touches. So while he has more reliable production than someone like Skyy Moore, he can't back up as many spots and his production has to be in a specific role. Hardman is a safe pick for the roster, but he doesn't fill any one major need like some of the other options do.

The case for and against Nikko Remigio

If the Chiefs were going to set aside one wide receiver spot for someone to be a primary kick and punt return specialist, Nikko Remigio might be the best pick on this list. Remigio has consistently been one of KC's first men out on kick returns both in camp and in games and last Saturday he added a nice 42-yard punt return as well. He has also added 5 receptions for 51 yards on offense through two preseason games, primarily with the 2nd and 3rd string offenses.

The case against Remigio is that he has the least experience and is probably the most likely to be a safer stash on the practice squad. It's also possible that Remigio has a lower ceiling in terms of long-term upside, but at this point, none of these players are likely to be stars. This decision should be more about who can fill specific roles on this team, and I think Remigio can make an argument that his return skills could do just that this season.

If I was the one making the calls in Kansas City I would include Justyn Ross and Nikko Remigio on the 53-man roster. I like that Ross gives them a different type of receiver for certain situations and he has a higher ceiling than the other options on this list. I also like that Religio can play on special teams coverage units. For Remigio, I would make him the primary return specialist who could also provide some receiver depth if needed.

If the Chiefs do keep a 7th wide receiver, I would probably choose Mecole Hardman, but I believe the Chiefs will pick Skyy Moore, especially with an injury likely to keep Hollywood Brown out the first couple of weeks. Moore is a valuable backup piece who knows the routes and if he can also be a kick return option, that helps his case for the roster too.

So what do you think Chiefs fans? Which of these receivers do you think should make the 53 man roster? Do you think Kadarius Toney should still be in this discussion? Do you think the Chiefs have already made up their mind or do you think these guys still have a chance to earn their spot against the Bears this week? I'd love to read your thoughts in the comments below.