We've got almost an embarassment of riches with the WRs right now, I think.

Although, maybe "riches" isn't the right word, because I'm not convinced there's a true #1 receiver among them.

Cross-posted at my new site, Chiefly Musings.

But it does seem like every single WR in camp has enough potential to be worthy of development. Every single one could be on an active roster in the league within two years, if given the chance to develop. So you've got to factor in the possibility of sneaking 1-2 through a season on the practice squad.

Looking from that angle, Freddie Mitchell is probably the 6th WR to make the team. He's the WR with the most experience, and he is the only one who has proven he can produce on the field in NFL games against the best opponent. Sure, he didn't have gaudy numbers for the Eagles, but in crunch time in the playoffs, when McNabb couldn't afford to ignore an open target for personal reasons, Freddie played an important role, moving the chains and scoring TDs. Along with Boerigter, he's the WR that has the best chance of eclipsing Kennison to be a true #1 threat, and he looked like he might actually do that before he tweaked his knee. In any case, I don't think he can even qualify for the practice squad. If his knee keeps him out too long and the Chiefs don't trust him, he's cut. But I think he'll make the team.

I was happy to see Horn start in the pre-season game against the Vikings. He's perhaps my favorite player on the Chiefs right now, and based on last year, and the knee injury he sustained at the end of the season, I wasn't sure he'd make the team. But it looks like he's stepped up his game this off-season, and people are starting to notice. Barring an injury, he seems to be a lock to make the team, and I'm pleased.

Boerigter also seems to be a lock, based on size, speed, history with the Chiefs, and the obvious recovery from his injury. Parker, Hall, and Kennison are locks.

Among the rest (Booth, Curry, Thorpe, Richard Smith, McIntyre), Curry can easily sneak by on the practice squad, and Booth probably could, too. I'm not sure Smith still qualifies, but if he does, another year on the practice squad would help him, too, and I don't think anyone would sign him away. I think (emphasize: think!) that McIntyre and Thorpe are probably the WRs with the most potential, and so those are the guys you'd most want to stick on the practice squad. The problem is, Thorpe had a high enough profile that I could see Thorpe being signed off of the practice squad by a team thin at WR and looking for a project they could keep on the active roster. McIntyre would probably be safe there, though.

So with all the above, I'm going to have to conclude that if Mitchell returns quickly from his knee injury, he makes the team based on his proven performance. Thorpe and McIntyre are on the practice squad, and the other guys are told to stay close to the phone.

But if it turns out Mitchell made a dumb choice and his knee keeps him out too long, he's gone; as much for going against team advice to get it 'scoped as for not being on the field to prove what he's got. Then the WR that makes the team is the best special teamer. My gut feeling is it would be either Thorpe or McIntyre, with probably Curry making the practice squad with whoever comes out 2nd best. I can't see us carrying more than 2 WRs on the practice squad.