In less than two weeks, the Kansas City Chiefs begin training camp and preparation for a long season ahead as they look to repeat as Super Bowl champions, and win their third Super Bowl in five years. I can’t wait. Their first official practice is on Sunday, July 23 and most training camp days will be open for the public with the exception of July 24 and August 9. Those two days are strictly open for season ticket holders. For the entire training camp and preseason schedule, click here.
Biggest Position Battle: Wide Receiver
As is the case with every team, the Chiefs are evaluating the best talent on the roster. While most of the team has a clear number one at each position, there’s still something left to be determined: who wins the job as the number one wide receiver? That’s still to be determined but they do have options to choose from. As they proved last year, going after the big name talent in free agency or via trade does not always equal success as it might throw off the chemistry between the previously established teammates and the new guy. Who do I think has the best chance? Let’s find out.
1. Marquez Valdes-Scantling
Right now, if I had to choose who has a hold of the number one receiver spot, it would be MVS. Although last season was his first in Kansas City, he made himself feel at home quite quickly and made a big impact on the offense even if the stats don’t necessarily show it. As he showed in Green Bay, his speciality is stretching the field and going over the top of a defense. Last year, Valdes-Scantling had a career high 42 receptions for 687 yards and two touchdowns. With Juju Smith-Schuster in New England, it seems that MVS has the path to be the go to guy.
2. Skyy Moore
I like Moore’s potential as long as he gets the opportunities. Moore had a quiet rookie season with 22 catches for 250 yards. But in the Super Bowl, he did score a touchdown (pictured above). I believe Moore would be a sneaky good candidate to be a top two receiver on the team this coming year. Obviously how quickly he develops a chemistry with Patrick Mahomes during training camp and preseason will determine his stake in the wide receiver group. I believe as long as he’s healthy, the sky’s the limit for Moore.
3. Rashee Rice (Rookie)
Rice is my wild card to perhaps be the Chiefs top receiver if not number two next year. Rice was a second round pick out of SMU. I think once he builds a routine of learning the Chiefs offensive system and seeing what it’s like catching passes from a veteran NFL QB, he should be good and it’s just a matter of getting playing time.
One Big Question
There is one looming question that I’m wondering about as it pertains to the roster: what happens to running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire? He’s coming off missing the second half of the 2022 season with a high ankle sprain, but even before the injury he did not get many opportunities. He only had 71 rushing attempts for 302 yards and two touchdowns. Could the team look to potentially trade him in the near future? It remains to be seen. This is a story to keep an eye on as we get closer to training camp.
