WR7

Direckshun · 06-20-2023, 09:04 AM

Props to Veach for putting together a pretty fascinating matchup for who has the best shot to make WR7.

I have WR1-6 etched down as:

Toney
MVS
Moore
Rice
Watson
James

Should the Chiefs go for a WR7, there is a pretty fascinating trio of players who, I think, are the primary competitors for the spot.

--> I think we all assume Justyn Ross is in that fight.
--> According to Ryan Galco of the East-West Shrine Bowl, he's received calls from the Chiefs about Nico Remigio this year during minicamp that directly echo that calls he received about Pacheco during minicamp last year. (And, he says, echo calls he got from the 49ers about Purdy during last year's minicamp.)
--> John Ross is probably on the outside looking in, but I'm putting him in here for reasons I've highlighted before.

The fun thing about these three receivers, is that they're three different kinds of receiver.

Justyn Ross is a physical possession receiver, an X.
Nico Remigio is a slippery slot receiver, a Y.
John Ross is a speed demon gadget athlete, a Z.

Again, this is some next level stuff by Veach. That different kinds of receivers are competing for a spot is not new, but I can't remember three promising guys like these three all having such distinctive styles as they match up against each other.

John Ross, in theory, should have a leg up because the Chiefs don't have a Z on the roster ahead of him. But of course, he has had a terrible career thus far, and hasn't shown the ability to stay healthy. And considering that the Chiefs' #1 WR can't stay healthy either, that may doom him. However, he is extremely likely to survive waivers and could hang out all year on the PS. So I think WR7 is unlikely.

Justyn Ross also has the advantage of there not being much in front of him in terms of body types. The Chiefs just drafted Rashee Rice to be their physical possession X, but Ross has a whole additional year in the classroom on him, and Rice will probably need a Moore-like redshirt year to get up to speed. Ross is also earning all kinds of buzz, and may just be the best of the three in terms of talent.

Remigio, I think, has a real shot of being a "mystery IR" guy, or traded for a draft pick. According to Galko, he's getting a ton of buzz in the facility. But the position he plays is already well covered on this team. Toney is a Y, Moore is a Y, Watson is a Y, James is a Y. His role is well covered, even though he may be the most talented of the three.

My best guess: John Ross to PS, Remigio traded/IR'd, Justyn Ross is WR7.

DJ's left nut · 06-20-2023, 09:39 AM

I still think there's a decent chance that Watson gets cut.

If guys like Justyn Ross and Remigio end up standing out while Watson was out there unsigned WAY late in the process, that just looks like a guy you cut, put on the practice squad and break glass in case of emergency. And if you lose him - who cares?

I'm renting, not buying, if I'm Justin Watson. 2-year contract (full of non-guaranteed money) be damned.

Direckshun · 06-20-2023, 09:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DJ's left nut

I still think there's a decent chance that Watson gets cut.

If guys like Justyn Ross and Remigio end up standing out while Watson was out there unsigned WAY late in the process, that just looks like a guy you cut, put on the practice squad and break glass in case of emergency. And if you lose him - who cares?

I'm renting, not buying, if I'm Justin Watson. 2-year contract (full of non-guaranteed money) be damned.

I had this thought yesterday, and I know how it sounds: Watson is probably the best WR5 this team has ever had.

That's a valuable role: someone who can contribute on the field in spots (which he does do), take a heavier snapload when there's injuries and not embarrass himself, and play a ton of special teams. He logged receptions in every playoff game, I believe. [Edit: he logged a reception in the Jags game and the Super Bowl, but not the AFCCG.]

Watson fits like a glove on this roster. He's not a high-end receiver but we don't need WR5 to be one. We need him to be reliable and versatile and contribute, and he's all three.

DJ's left nut · 06-20-2023, 10:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Direckshun

I had this thought yesterday, and I know how it sounds: Watson is probably the best WR5 this team has ever had.

That's a valuable role: someone who can contribute on the field in spots (which he does do), take a heavier snapload when there's injuries and not embarrass himself, and play a ton of special teams. He logged receptions in every playoff game, I believe. [Edit: he logged a reception in the Jags game and the Super Bowl, but not the AFCCG.]

Watson fits like a glove on this roster. He's not a high-end receiver but we don't need WR5 to be one. We need him to be reliable and versatile and contribute, and he's all three.

I'm looking at it from an asset management standpoint.

If you think Justyn Ross and Remigio are potential NFL players, those are guys you want to keep. And I don't think Watson can be considered the best WR5 we've ever had because I think Richie James is a flat out better player pretty much across the board so at that point HE'S the best WR5 we've ever had.

So the question becomes whether or not Ross/Remigio can work their way past Watson on the depth chart. And yeah, it's a tall order - but it's not impossible. Ross has a year in the system now, he should be able to put his tools on display (provided they still exist). And if Remigio is generating buzz - well, that's what Camp is for.

Could they IR him? Sure - and that's definitely the path of least resistance. But if he plays beyond his UDFA status, they may just want him on the roster. And if they don't think they can sneak him to the practice squad but want him out there practicing with the team, that's how they'll have to do it.

O.city · 06-20-2023, 10:09 AM

The issue with those guys over Watson is that can you see them as ST players? Cause he's definitely that.

Direckshun · 06-20-2023, 10:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DJ's left nut

I'm looking at it from an asset management standpoint.

If you think Justyn Ross and Remigio are potential NFL players, those are guys you want to keep. And I don't think Watson can be considered the best WR5 we've ever had because I think Richie James is a flat out better player pretty much across the board so at that point HE'S the best WR5 we've ever had.

So the question becomes whether or not Ross/Remigio can work their way past Watson on the depth chart. And yeah, it's a tall order - but it's not impossible. Ross has a year in the system now, he should be able to put his tools on display (provided they still exist). And if Remigio is generating buzz - well, that's what Camp is for.

Could they IR him? Sure - and that's definitely the path of least resistance. But if he plays beyond his UDFA status, they may just want him on the roster. And if they don't think they can sneak him to the practice squad but want him out there practicing with the team, that's how they'll have to do it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by O.city

The issue with those guys over Watson is that can you see them as ST players? Cause he's definitely that.

I think you're both correct, and ultimately Toub gets a lot of pull on the core STers, which Watson definitely seems to be.

DJLN isn't wrong either, however.

DJ's left nut · 06-20-2023, 10:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by O.city

The issue with those guys over Watson is that can you see them as ST players? Cause he's definitely that.

Remigio, perhaps.

But ultimately I think James would have to take over the WR5 slot for Watson to get cut. Because generally speaking, WR6 is a gameday inactive. If James is a genuine STs contributor in all phases, he takes over WR5 and Watson becomes a gameday inactive.

In which case, you use that WR6 slot as a stash, IMO. Now maybe without a FB we run an active WR6 and that would certainly be to Watson's benefit.

That being said - which would be more valuable as WR6 - a STs player or a guy like Ross who could potentially be a sub-set player you use in the red zone or on 3rd and short situations?

I think that's actually a pretty close question and at that point I get back again to asset management - I think you protect the guys with the long-term value.

O.city · 06-20-2023, 10:31 AM

Side note, but I think Richie James ends up being more than "WR5" here.

Direckshun · 06-20-2023, 10:54 AM

QB: Mahomes, Gabbert, Buechele
RB: Pacheco, McKinnon, Edwards-Helaire, Prince

WR: Toney, Valdez-Scantling, Moore, Rice, Watson, James, WR7 (Ross, Remigio)
TE: Kelce, Gray, Fortson, Bell

LT: Smith, Morris
LG: Thuney, Allegretti
C: Humphrey, Allegretti
RG: Smith, Kinnard
RT: Taylor, Niang

DE: Omenihu, Anukie-Uzomah, Thompson
DT: Jones, Wharton
DT: Nnadi, Koburn
DE: Karlaftis, Danna, DE6 (Kaindoh, Jones, Herring)

WLB: Gay, Tranquill
MLB: Bolton, Tranquill
SLB: Chenal, Cochrane

CB: Sneed, McDuffie, Watson, Williams, Jones, Johnson
S: Reid, Cook, Edwards, Bush, Conner

K: Butker
P: Townsend
LS: Winchester

That's 50 players I have locked in, with 6 "maybe" roster spots.

I have 23 offensive players as locks, and 24 defensive players, with 3 specials.

Buechele and that 11th DB seem to be toast.

So the competition seems to be between a RB4, a WR7, a backup interior lineman, and a DE6.

I think you roll with RB4, WR7, and the backup OL, unless Truman Jones explodes in camp, because Kaindoh and Herring are probably making it through waivers.

In58men · 06-20-2023, 11:10 AM

Nikko*

Direckshun · 06-20-2023, 11:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by In58men

Nikko*

DAMN IT

Couch-Potato · 06-20-2023, 11:15 AM

The answer here is definitely Justyn Ross.

Direckshun · 06-20-2023, 11:17 AM

Ryan Tracy of Rogue Analytics, take it for what it's worth:

Quote:

I'm hearing that John Ross looks great, and explosive. I think the test is going to come when he has to survive contact. But he and Smith-Marsette are making a push for return duties.

Ihmir Smith-Marsette was active for a game late last year. I think he took a couple non ST snaps.

Couch-Potato · 06-20-2023, 09:28 PM

I think realistically our lineup is...

MVS
James
Toney
Moore
Rice
Watson
Ross

None of our young guys have earned a spot ahead of MVS or James yet IMO, both those guys are established league vets. Until one of them is on pace for 800+ yards in a year like MVS, or has earned advanced stats like #1 WR for first down conversion % like James then they're still all behind on the depth chart.

Couch-Potato · 06-20-2023, 09:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Couch-Potato

I think realistically our lineup is...

MVS
James
Toney
Moore
Rice
Watson
Ross

None of our young guys have earned a spot ahead of MVS or James yet IMO, both those guys are established league vets. Until one of them is on pace for 800+ yards in a year like MVS, or has earned advanced stats like #1 WR for first down conversion % like James then they're still all behind on the depth chart.

I like Toney just as much as the next Chiefs fan, but he had a half a year in KC with the #1 QB in the game and only put up 170 yards? He's going to have to blow that number out of the water next year if he's a true #1. I suspect he ends up being a high end x-factor gadget type, but that's fine too.

I think Moore and Rice have similar trajectories, I don't expect either to break 500 yards this season. We're all rooting for Ross, if he puts up 250 yards we'll all be elated. Watson's just a dude, but he's our dude, and more valuable to us in KC than he'd be on any other team. A solid vet presence that doesn't get in the way of our young developing WRs.

06-20-2023, 09:04 AM
Direckshun __ Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Springpatch Casino cash: $4183447	WR7 Props to Veach for putting together a pretty fascinating matchup for who has the best shot to make WR7. I have WR1-6 etched down as: Toney MVS Moore Rice Watson James Should the Chiefs go for a WR7, there is a pretty fascinating trio of players who, I think, are the primary competitors for the spot. --> I think we all assume Justyn Ross is in that fight. --> According to Ryan Galco of the East-West Shrine Bowl, he's received calls from the Chiefs about Nico Remigio this year during minicamp that directly echo that calls he received about Pacheco during minicamp last year. (And, he says, echo calls he got from the 49ers about Purdy during last year's minicamp.) --> John Ross is probably on the outside looking in, but I'm putting him in here for reasons I've highlighted before. The fun thing about these three receivers, is that they're three different kinds of receiver. Justyn Ross is a physical possession receiver, an X. Nico Remigio is a slippery slot receiver, a Y. John Ross is a speed demon gadget athlete, a Z. Again, this is some next level stuff by Veach. That different kinds of receivers are competing for a spot is not new, but I can't remember three promising guys like these three all having such distinctive styles as they match up against each other. John Ross, in theory, should have a leg up because the Chiefs don't have a Z on the roster ahead of him. But of course, he has had a terrible career thus far, and hasn't shown the ability to stay healthy. And considering that the Chiefs' #1 WR can't stay healthy either, that may doom him. However, he is extremely likely to survive waivers and could hang out all year on the PS. So I think WR7 is unlikely. Justyn Ross also has the advantage of there not being much in front of him in terms of body types. The Chiefs just drafted Rashee Rice to be their physical possession X, but Ross has a whole additional year in the classroom on him, and Rice will probably need a Moore-like redshirt year to get up to speed. Ross is also earning all kinds of buzz, and may just be the best of the three in terms of talent. Remigio, I think, has a real shot of being a "mystery IR" guy, or traded for a draft pick. According to Galko, he's getting a ton of buzz in the facility. But the position he plays is already well covered on this team. Toney is a Y, Moore is a Y, Watson is a Y, James is a Y. His role is well covered, even though he may be the most talented of the three. My best guess: John Ross to PS, Remigio traded/IR'd, Justyn Ross is WR7.
Posts: 59,314

06-20-2023, 09:39 AM	#2
DJ's left nut Sauntering Vaguely Downwards Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Columbia, Mo Casino cash: $2689099	I still think there's a decent chance that Watson gets cut. If guys like Justyn Ross and Remigio end up standing out while Watson was out there unsigned WAY late in the process, that just looks like a guy you cut, put on the practice squad and break glass in case of emergency. And if you lose him - who cares? I'm renting, not buying, if I'm Justin Watson. 2-year contract (full of non-guaranteed money) be damned. __________________ "If there's a god, he's laughing at us.....and our football team..." "When you look at something through rose colored glasses, all the red flags just look like flags."
Posts: 60,793

06-20-2023, 10:09 AM	#5
O.city In Search of a Life Join Date: Jul 2009 Casino cash: $2484064	The issue with those guys over Watson is that can you see them as ST players? Cause he's definitely that.
Posts: 81,444

06-20-2023, 10:31 AM	#8
O.city In Search of a Life Join Date: Jul 2009 Casino cash: $2484064	Side note, but I think Richie James ends up being more than "WR5" here.
Posts: 81,444

06-20-2023, 10:54 AM	#9
Direckshun __ Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Springpatch Casino cash: $4183447	QB: Mahomes, Gabbert, Buechele RB: Pacheco, McKinnon, Edwards-Helaire, Prince WR: Toney, Valdez-Scantling, Moore, Rice, Watson, James, WR7 (Ross, Remigio) TE: Kelce, Gray, Fortson, Bell LT: Smith, Morris LG: Thuney, Allegretti C: Humphrey, Allegretti RG: Smith, Kinnard RT: Taylor, Niang DE: Omenihu, Anukie-Uzomah, Thompson DT: Jones, Wharton DT: Nnadi, Koburn DE: Karlaftis, Danna, DE6 (Kaindoh, Jones, Herring) WLB: Gay, Tranquill MLB: Bolton, Tranquill SLB: Chenal, Cochrane CB: Sneed, McDuffie, Watson, Williams, Jones, Johnson S: Reid, Cook, Edwards, Bush, Conner K: Butker P: Townsend LS: Winchester That's 50 players I have locked in, with 6 "maybe" roster spots. I have 23 offensive players as locks, and 24 defensive players, with 3 specials. Buechele and that 11th DB seem to be toast. So the competition seems to be between a RB4, a WR7, a backup interior lineman, and a DE6. I think you roll with RB4, WR7, and the backup OL, unless Truman Jones explodes in camp, because Kaindoh and Herring are probably making it through waivers.
Posts: 59,314

06-20-2023, 11:10 AM	#10
In58men Baba Ganoush Join Date: Jan 2012 Casino cash: $1978026	Nikko* __________________ My Kansas City Chief record 9-9
Posts: 29,369	1 0

06-20-2023, 11:15 AM	#12
Couch-Potato MVP Join Date: Jan 2015 Casino cash: $2983065	The answer here is definitely Justyn Ross.
Posts: 6,260

06-20-2023, 09:28 PM	#14
Couch-Potato MVP Join Date: Jan 2015 Casino cash: $2983065	I think realistically our lineup is... MVS James Toney Moore Rice Watson Ross None of our young guys have earned a spot ahead of MVS or James yet IMO, both those guys are established league vets. Until one of them is on pace for 800+ yards in a year like MVS, or has earned advanced stats like #1 WR for first down conversion % like James then they're still all behind on the depth chart.
Posts: 6,260