Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice. William Purnell-USA TODAY Sports

NFL executive names one player who must step up for Chiefs

By Clark Dalton | Last updated 11/7/23

Although the Kansas City Chiefs are 7-2, they have yet to establish a bona fide No. 1 wide receiver. Some in league circles believe a promising rookie must step up and assume this role.

"[WR] Rashee Rice has to step up and be that guy," an anonymous talent evaluator told ESPN NFL reporter Jeremy Fowler. "Has to."

Rice — a second-round pick out of Southern Methodist University — is having a solid rookie season. The 23-year-old has logged 32 receptions for 378 yards and four TDs, tied with superstar tight end Travis Kelce for the most on the team. Yet, Kansas City needs more from Rice.

RASHEE RICE FOR THE FIRST TD IN GERMANY 6️⃣pic.twitter.com/Y8XbA3n6xx
— PFF Fantasy Football (@PFF_Fantasy) November 5, 2023

Per Fowler, the Chiefs are tied with the Cleveland Browns for the most turnovers (17) in the league. Additionally, they don't have a WR on pace for 800 or more yards, which would be the first time the team hasn't had a wideout eclipse this mark since 2016.

Kansas City recently re-acquired WR Mecole Hardman Jr. from the New York Jets. He's not the answer, though. The 25-year-old only has 32 receptions for 332 yards and four TDs over the past two seasons.

Executives still trust Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes, a two-time league MVP. But they also noted he can only do so much with a shaky receiving corps.

"They look like they are still figuring it out, and Mahomes is pressing a little," an NFL personnel evaluator said, via Fowler. "I always trust them to get it right over the course of the season. But there feels like a lot more uncertainty there offensively there than in past years."

However, if Rice elevates his game, it will mitigate concerns and ensure Mahomes doesn't have to press. It could also help Kansas City win its third title in five years. Per oddschecker, it still has the best Super Bowl odds (+490).

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