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Chiefs'' Rashee Rice, Justyn Ross news gives chance to undrafted WR with 4.43 40 speed | Sporting News

The Kansas City Chiefs, a powerhouse in the NFL, are always on the lookout for talent to bolster their roster, particularly at the wide receiver position, where depth and versatility are crucial for maintaining their high-powered offensive system under head coach Andy Reid and quarterback Patrick Mahomes. A recent article from Sporting News delves into the Chiefs' ongoing evaluation of their wide receiver corps, focusing on two players—Rashee Rice and Justyn Ross—who are generating buzz for different reasons, as well as highlighting an undrafted wide receiver with exceptional speed who could be a dark horse in the team's plans.

Rashee Rice, a second-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft out of SMU, has quickly become a focal point of discussion among Chiefs fans and analysts. Rice entered the league with a reputation as a polished route-runner with reliable hands and the ability to create separation, traits that align well with the Chiefs' offensive philosophy. During his college career at SMU, Rice demonstrated a knack for making big plays, often serving as the go-to target in critical situations. His transition to the NFL has been closely watched, as the Chiefs have historically struggled to find consistent production from their wide receivers outside of star tight end Travis Kelce. With Tyreek Hill's departure to the Miami Dolphins in 2022, the team has been searching for a dynamic playmaker to complement Mahomes' elite passing ability. Rice represents a potential solution, bringing a combination of physicality and finesse to the position.

Throughout training camp and the preseason, Rice has shown flashes of brilliance, earning praise from coaches and teammates alike. His ability to quickly grasp the complexities of Andy Reid's playbook—a notoriously challenging task for rookie wide receivers—has been a significant point of emphasis. Reid's system often requires receivers to read defenses on the fly, adjust routes based on coverage, and maintain precise timing with Mahomes, who is known for his improvisational style. Rice's early adaptation to these demands suggests he could carve out a meaningful role in the Chiefs' offense sooner rather than later. Observers have noted his chemistry with Mahomes, particularly in short-to-intermediate routes where Rice can use his body control and strong hands to secure catches in traffic. Additionally, his willingness to block in the run game—a key component of the Chiefs' balanced attack—has endeared him to the coaching staff. While it's still early in his career, Rice's trajectory points toward him becoming a reliable target in an offense that thrives on spreading the ball around.

In contrast, Justyn Ross, another wide receiver on the Chiefs' roster, represents a different kind of storyline—one of perseverance and untapped potential. Ross, who signed with the Chiefs as an undrafted free agent in 2022 after a standout college career at Clemson, has faced significant challenges due to injuries. At Clemson, Ross was once considered one of the top wide receiver prospects in the nation, showcasing elite athleticism and playmaking ability. However, a congenital spine condition sidelined him for an extended period, causing him to miss an entire season and ultimately leading to his decision to forgo his senior year and enter the NFL Draft process. Despite his undeniable talent, concerns about his long-term health caused him to go undrafted, a disappointing outcome for a player who had previously been projected as a high-round pick.

The Chiefs took a chance on Ross, recognizing his potential to be a steal if he could overcome his injury history. His journey with the team has been a rollercoaster, marked by moments of promise interspersed with setbacks. When healthy, Ross has displayed the same traits that made him a star at Clemson—smooth route-running, excellent body control, and the ability to make contested catches. However, his availability has been inconsistent, and he has yet to fully establish himself as a regular contributor in the Chiefs' offense. The team remains patient with Ross, understanding that his development may take time given the physical and mental toll of his past injuries. For Ross, the 2023 season represents a critical opportunity to prove that he can stay on the field and contribute to a Super Bowl-contending team. His relationship with Mahomes, who has publicly expressed confidence in Ross's abilities, could be a key factor in his resurgence. If Ross can string together a healthy campaign, he has the potential to become a valuable asset in the Chiefs' receiving corps, adding depth and a different dimension to their passing attack.

Beyond Rice and Ross, the Chiefs are also keeping an eye on lesser-known prospects who could emerge as surprise contributors. One such player is an undrafted wide receiver who has caught the attention of scouts and coaches due to his exceptional speed. Described as a burner with a reported 40-yard dash time in the 4.4-second range, this player brings a raw but intriguing skill set to the table. Speed is a coveted trait in the NFL, especially for a team like the Chiefs, who have historically utilized fast receivers to stretch the field and create mismatches. While this undrafted player lacks the polish and experience of someone like Rice, his athleticism alone makes him a candidate for a roster spot, particularly on special teams where his speed can be an immediate asset.

The Chiefs' interest in this undrafted prospect underscores their broader strategy of finding value in overlooked talent. Andy Reid and general manager Brett Veach have built a reputation for identifying diamonds in the rough, whether through late-round draft picks or undrafted free agents. This approach has been a cornerstone of the Chiefs' sustained success, allowing them to maintain depth across their roster even as they allocate significant resources to star players like Mahomes and Kelce. For this speedy wide receiver, the path to making the team will likely involve excelling in preseason games and demonstrating versatility beyond just running deep routes. Special teams contributions, such as returning kicks or covering punts, could be his ticket to earning a spot on the 53-man roster.

The Chiefs' wide receiver situation as a whole remains a work in progress, with a mix of established veterans, promising rookies, and unproven talents vying for roles. Rashee Rice appears to be on the fast track to becoming a key piece of the puzzle, with his early performances suggesting he can handle the demands of the NFL. Justyn Ross, meanwhile, embodies the uncertainty of a player with immense potential but significant hurdles to overcome. His story is one of resilience, and a breakout season could solidify his place in the league after years of adversity. The undrafted speedster represents the kind of wildcard that the Chiefs have often turned into a weapon, provided he can refine his game and seize the opportunities presented to him.

As the 2023 season approaches, the Chiefs' coaching staff faces the challenge of integrating these players into an offense that remains one of the most dynamic in the NFL. Patrick Mahomes' ability to elevate those around him will be crucial, as will Andy Reid's knack for scheming players open and maximizing their strengths. The wide receiver position, long a point of concern for Kansas City, could finally see a resurgence if Rice, Ross, and others step up. For fans, the development of these players offers a compelling subplot to the Chiefs' broader quest for another Super Bowl title. Whether it's Rice's emergence as a dependable target, Ross's redemption arc, or an undrafted rookie's unexpected rise, the Chiefs' receiving corps is poised to be a storyline worth following throughout the season. The combination of youth, talent, and raw athleticism in this group suggests that Kansas City may have the pieces to address a lingering weakness and further solidify their status as a perennial contender in the AFC.

Read the Full Sporting News Article at:
[ https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/kansas-city-chiefs/news/chiefs-rashee-rice-justyn-ross-news-chance-undrafted-wr-443-40-speed/c170d4cee7bc10fe714b314e ]