Could Richie James Carve Out Meaningful Depth Role In KC?

The wide receiver position has been a fascinating topic to monitor in Kansas City. Over the course of Patrick Mahomes‘ career as the starting quarterback, the Chiefs have undergone numerous changes to that spot. None have been quite as seismic of shifts as what has taken place in just the last two years. Kansas City benefitted from having one of the league’s best wide receivers in Tyreek Hill. After his departure, the Chiefs have needed some names to fill crucial roles, while stepping up in the most vital of moments.

Names like Byron Pringle, Marquez Valdes-Scantling and even Demarcus Robinson all had some solid stretch runs at the right time. They may not have been star receivers or consistent producers all season long. Yet, the Kansas City Chiefs offense was able to count on them more than a couple of times when the game was on the line.

Could that be a similar role to what Richie James fills for the Chiefs in 2023? What will his usage possibly look like in Kansas City? Let’s kick it off.

Replacing Hardman?

If there is any role that you could point to Richie James potentially filling, it may be that which used to be possessed by Mecole Hardman. James has a quick-twitch cutting ability and smoothness when getting in and out of breaks. His effectiveness on horizontal stretch routes are just as impactful as his vertical stretch routes. As a result, James may be perfect for those sharp crossing routes that Hardman found a groove on.

Meanwhile, the speed and lateral quickness of Richie James can be utilized in a multitude of areas. His ability as a route runner is likely more well-rounded than what Hardman ever was. On top of that, James could be extremely dangerous after the catch within the Kansas City Chiefs offense. That is especially true, when you consider how limited his opportunities could truly be. Elsewhere, would it be all that shocking to see Richie James get chances to run the ball on reverses or end-around? Not necessarily. And even though Kadarius Toney and Isiah Pacheco are fine punt returners or kick returners, James has past success in that area as well.

Building Off Of Last Season

Once again, Richie James will not be viewed as anything more than a depth piece. He is still looking to continue his improvement and growth from last season, however. In 2022 with the New York Giants, James set new single-season career highs in targets (70), receptions (57), receiving yards (569) and receiving touchdowns (four). That production may not blow anyone away. But when you consider the injuries and changes that the Giants endured at wide receiver last year, Richie James was still an important piece in getting New York to the playoffs.

Now after joining Kansas City, the Chiefs are hoping that his impact plays can pop up more often. Sure, he will at least likely sit behind Toney, Valdes-Scantling and Skyy Moore on the initial depth chart. Though, the skill set of Richie James is still unique, compared to the other Kansas City wide receivers. James is going to be able to attack defenses with a different tempo and athletic ability than even some other Chiefs pass catchers. That could very well make Kansas City even more stout as a pass catching group, to boot.

Chiefs Continue To Become More Versatile

Speed and explosive plays have always been the name of the game at wide receiver for this current Chiefs regime. Quietly, this KC wide receiver room has built a more versatile foundation than what some may realize. Richie James only adds more fuel to that fire, of course. And even with all of the changes that the Chiefs made at the position last year, Kansas City was the best offense in the league.

Overall, James could be entering a win-win situation for both he and the Chiefs as a whole. The Middle Tennessee State product has a shot to increase his individual production and role once again. As for Kansas City, they do not need him to be a high-volume pass catcher to get the most out of him. Anything close to consistent production week-to-week is an added bonus. Simply put, many wide receivers have benefitted tremendously by handling their niche roles within the Kansas City offense. If Richie James can carve out a meaningful depth role, the Chiefs could be rewarded greatly with this possible savvy addition.