Chiefs receiver depth shines in preseason Week 1
The Kansas City Chiefs fell 26-24 to the New Orleans Saints in preseason Week 1. While the team didn't come away with the win, they did manage to learn something about their receiver depth. This group has faced consistent questions all offseason with JuJu Smith-Schuster and Mecole Hardman landing elsewhere in free agency. As it […]
The Kansas City Chiefs fell 26-24 to the New Orleans Saints in preseason Week 1.
While the team didn't come away with the win, they did manage to learn something about their receiver depth. This group has faced consistent questions all offseason with JuJu Smith-Schuster and Mecole Hardman landing elsewhere in free agency.
As it turns out, the depth on this team at the wide receiver position is looking as competitive as ever. If the players continue to perform as they did in New Orleans on Sunday afternoon, they're going to make things very hard on Brett Veach and Andy Reid when it comes to roster cuts later this month.
Justyn Ross arrives
As I wrote ahead of the game, Justyn Ross had a chance to validate all the hype that he was getting during training camp with his performance in this game. He did just that on Sunday.
"Before I comment, I want to take a look at the tape," Chiefs HC Andy Reid prefaced when asked about Ross. "In general, I thought (he) did a decent job in there. I know he had the touchdown and that was a good play, but as a whole, I've got to see all of the work that he did."
His five targets were the second most among Chiefs receivers, but he came down with just two receptions for 29 yards and his first career NFL score.
What Reid seemed most pleased with was the fact that Ross looked good after not having played in a game for nearly two full years.
"Yeah, that's a good part of the story," Reid said. "And he came out healthy. So that's a positive thing."
Richie James as advertised
Richie James put up a solid performance working with the second-team offense, proving to be a reliable target for Blaine Gabbert. James' day was highlighted by a 43-yard reception in the second quarter and a one-yard touchdown grab just two plays later.
"Again, I've got to look at the whole work, but he had a beautiful catch there," Chiefs HC Andy Reid said. "A couple of them. So that was a good job by him. He's a good football player and we know that. He's got a good feel for it."
James certainly has a place in Reid's offense and will likely mix in more with the first-team offense should he keep up the strong performances.
Nikko Remigio goes off
On his first target and reception, Remigio hauled in a 24-yard pass from Shane Buechele which was good for the second-longest reception on the day next to James.
What was most impressive about his performance was the body control he continuously displayed. He made several mid-air adjustments to come down with acrobatic catches.
He'd wind up catching four balls on six targets for 71 yards, the most receptions and receiving yards on the day by a Chiefs wide receiver. His performance is warranting more time with the second-team offense as opposed to working with the third-team and fourth-team offense.
Forgotten draft pick has underrated game
Justyn Ross might have not even had the best game by a Clemson receiver.
Only one Chiefs receiver had a perfect game on Sunday afternoon. That's none other than former 2021 fifth-round draft pick Cornell Powell, who caught three receptions on three targets for 42 yards against the Saints. That was good for the third-most receiving yards among Kansas City's wide receivers.
Powell has spent the past two years on the practice squad and seems to be making his push for a roster spot when the team is at its most competitive.
Second-round pick earns valuable experience
Rookie WR Rashee Rice finished the day with three receptions on four targets for 30 yards. That was good for the third-most receiving yards on the day.
Chiefs HC Andy Reid was encouraged by what he saw and stressed the importance of getting adjusted to playing in a game vs. working in practice.
"That's so valuable for (him)," Reid said. "(He) needs that. The speed of this, live, the whole deal. And then, not just a handful of reps, but putting a series together there. Again, I got to look at the tape. There are going to be some corrections. But I thought for the most part (he) held his own and did a decent job there."
Name to watch: Kekoa Crawford
Ahead of the game, I posted some preseason Week 1 superlative predictions on social media. For "Secret Superstar" I named undrafted WR Kekoa Crawford. He finished the day with two receptions for 27 yards and caught one of three touchdown grabs by receivers. That score came on a scramble drill from Shane Buechele.
Crawford might not have a clear path to the 53-man roster, but he could wind up as one of the team's top practice squad players should he continue to shine.
Chiefs HC Andy Reid provides injury update after loss to Saints
Kansas City Chiefs HC Andy Reid provided reporters with one significant postgame injury update involving a rookie draft pick.
Featured image via Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
