Chiefs fans shouldn't be surprised if KC keeps 7 wideouts (and here's why)

The Kansas City Chiefs have many challenging decisions to make when assembling their 53-man roster. How many players to keep at each position will be one of the main sticking points. For the wide receiver spot, however, it feels like there is a much clearer path that Kansas City may be taking. Honestly, if the Chiefs keep anything other than seven wide receivers going into Week 1, it would be a bit shocking.

The top five on the depth chart appeared to be set well into the thick of training camp. After that, there was an immediate standout throughout training camp. That standout was not a lock to make the team, but with his top traits and fit within the offense, Kansas City has likely penciled him into their plans for some time now. Finally, special teams is one of the main reasons why a seventh wide receiver may be necessary as the regular season kicks off.

What other factors play into the roster decisions at wide receiver? Plus, how could keeping seven wide receivers affect other skill positions on the Chiefs' offense?

Top five WRs on the depth chart

Going into training camp, the Chiefs were pretty much set at their top four spots. Rashee Rice, Xavier Worthy, Hollywood Brown, and JuJu Smith-Schuster were likely going to get the bulk of the targets when all four were available. Smith-Schuster is no longer in his prime, although he has been a dependable piece within the offense, particularly when making catches in traffic and excelling at blocking.

That fifth spot was quickly secured by rookie Jalen Royals. The Utah State product began to look extremely comfortable in the early stages of training camp. His route running, tempo, and ability to get yards after the catch were things that easily jumped out when he was mixing in with the starters.

Camp standout forces Chiefs hand

The training camp standout at wide receiver was Tyquan Thornton. Joining the Chiefs' practice squad late last year, it was unclear if he would get much of a shot to prove himself this training camp. Other names appeared to have a leg up on him entering practices in St. Joseph, Missouri. Yet, Thornton continued to stack one flash play after another.

Thornton has always had a great deal of speed, which will help any wide receiver's chances of making a team led by Andy Reid. Beyond the speed, Thornton can be utilized as a potential versatile piece. Kansas City's offense loves to throw out as many formations as possible when attacking opposing defenses.

Thornton gives K.C. a skill set that can be trustworthy in a complementary role. If he can avoid drops and cold spells like he did in New England, the Chiefs could be getting a steal among tertiary options with Thornton.

Special teams will always play a factor

On a team like the Chiefs, we know that special teams roles are highly viewed by the coaching staff. That is where the last wide receiver spot gets intriguing, especially if Kansas City does retain seven names at the position. Nikko Remigio is likely still the most trusted returner on the team after training camp and the preseason. That is even more true on punt return.

There are other names fighting for a wide receiver spot that just do not possess the same pedigree on special teams. Jason Brownlee is a large body who is best suited as a situational target on offense. Skyy Moore was already traded away, giving Remigio one less name to worry about in the special teams game. Plus, the success that Remigio had as a returner late last year could very well give him a boost in this roster decision, overall.

Rice suspension insurance

Beyond special teams acumen, another major factor will come into play for K.C.'s decision-makers at wideout. The Chiefs have to go into the year with as many options as possible because of the looming Rashee Rice suspension. Who knows when exactly a punishment may come down? But even if Rice is available in the first few games of the season, Kansas City will still need to keep the cupboards stocked with WR options if Rice misses some games in the middle portion of the year.

Beyond Rice suspension insurance, Hollywood's health has been a nagging area of concern throughout portions of his career. The Chiefs have not dealt Patrick Mahomes the greatest of hands at the wide receiver position in recent years.

As a result, ensuring as much suitable depth as possible will be vital as the season gets deeper. Having six names available if Rice is gone for a specific period of time just makes too much sense.