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After taking a look at the linebackers, running backs and corners in the first three editions of our position breakdowns, it's time to turn the attention to the Kansas City Chiefs wide receivers.
This group has a new member in Donnie Avery, who was signed away from the Indianapolis Colts on a three-year contract. Outside of Avery, many of the names are very familiar with Dwayne Bowe, Dexter McCluster and Jon Baldwin still manning the depth chart.
Last season, the Chiefs had the lowest ranked passing offense in the NFL. Much of this had to do with Matt Cassel, Brady Quinn and Kansas City becoming the first team in league history to play without coaches.
However, some of the blame falls on the receivers. Baldwin, a first round pick in 2011, has done absolutely nothing with his career and McCluster has never found his niche. Bowe only played 13 games last year as well, leaving the offense with no hope save Jamaal Charles.
Now, let's go ahead and take an in-depth look:
The starters
On one side will be Bowe, a man with three 1,000-yard seasons under his belt and 39 career touchdowns. As evidenced by NFL Network's Top 100 List which is voted on by players, Bowe is elite. He was ranked #65 in case you missed it, and Baltimore Ravens corner Chris Carr said he's a top-10 receiver.
On the other flank will likely be Donnie Avery until Baldwin can prove he belongs on the field consistently. Avery was productive for Indianapolis last season but dropped the ball, causing consternation among Colts fans. Avery is coming off his best campaign, when he caught 60 passes for 781 yards. He's a burner who will stretch the field.
We can count on...
Bowe going for 1,000+ yards for the fourth time is his career. Along with Derrick Johnson and Charles, nobody has been more consistent in the last few years than Bowe, despite playing with atrocious quarterbacks. Even last season, Bowe was on pace for 1,000 yards until he was injured.
Bowe catches a lot of flack because of this perception he drops passes, which was true early on Now, not so much, but people still criticize him for it. The whole argument reminds me of a girl who still resents her boyfriend because of a fight that happened two years ago, but I digress.
The biggest area of concern...
Bowe, Baldwin at Chiefs OTAs
Summary or blurb about the related article
Everybody but Bowe. Avery is a somewhat proven quantity, but Baldwin and McCluster both need to produce if they want to be in a Chiefs uniform long-term. Baldwin has immense physical gifts, but has done nothing in his career other than fail to beat press coverage and look great in training camp.
McCluster has been bounced all over the field and has health concerns. Nobody expects a monster receiving year out of him, but he needs to make defenses notice him. Beyond those guys, the rest of this group is a disaster. Hope for health everyone.
My prediction...
Bowe will be back in the Pro Bowl, and nobody else will sniff 1,000 yards.
With a legitimate quarterback (not top-10, but legit), Bowe will breakout even further and put up something like 1,250 yards and nine touchdowns. Think about the Chiefs schedule and tell me what corner is shutting him down? Joe Haden maybe, someone one Dallas maybe. Outside of that? Good luck.
Unfortunately, the rest of this group worries me. Avery should serve his purpose, but I have no faith in Baldwin. The guy hasn't shown much in two years. I'm not saying he's a bust yet, but it's time to show up or be shipped out.