On some drops, sources say, receivers were a few feet away from the exact spot they were supposed to be, which is where Mahomes would hand off the ball. This is just experience versus inexperience, which contributed to a few drops, though sources say this type of issue improves dramatically in practice and should translate into the game soon.
That’s why there are high hopes that this young pass-catching group can run it long term.
Mahomes knows the team’s focus, as always, is on protecting him and supplying him with weapons. That was the case this offseason. To understand why the Chiefs have such a young future group, it’s helpful to take a look at how they got to this list.
After losing two offensive tackles (Orlando Brown Jr. and Andrew Wylie), the Chiefs signed Jawaan Taylor and Donovan Smith to big-money deals during free agency. The free agent receiving group has not been considered great, as some veteran receivers, such as Odell Beckham and JuJu Smith-Schuster, who won a Super Bowl with the Chiefs last year, have not had the impact they expected on their teams so far this term.
Instead of signing a big-money receiver, the Chiefs spent that money on defensemen Drew Tranquille, Charles Omenihu and Mike Edwards — players who helped turn the defense into a top unit.
Sources say the Chiefs tried to trade up in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft in order to select a receiver, but were unable to reach the 20s. Kansas City has traded second-round pick Rashi Rice, whose potential was highlighted during his rookie season.
With Chris Jones’ new one-year contract and the extra money in Mahomes’ reworked contract, finances are tight.
While some have wondered if the Chiefs would move for a receiver at the Oct. 31 trade deadline, moving draft picks on a one-year lease isn’t usually the way to achieve sustained success.
However, the team likes Rice and this young group, and if they stay healthy and minimize mistakes, they could be fine.
That’s why Mahomes has maintained optimism both publicly and privately, as the Chiefs control their way to a potential No. 1 seed in the AFC.
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