A.J. Jenkins

For the first time since the Dick Vermeil era of the Air Coryell offense, the Chiefs just might have enough talent at the wide receiver position so that quarterback Alex Smith doesn’t fall into a deep state of depression when he steps up in the pocket and looks down field.

Dwayne Bowe is the unquestionable leader of the group, but Junior Hemingway also has emerged as a big, reliable slot target. DeAnthony Thomas already has proven to be an electrifying playmaker, whether the rookie’s taking a handoff or splitting out wide. And a group that includes Donnie Avery, Kyle Williams, A.J. Jenkins and Frankie Hammond Jr. has all had moments of brilliance.

With a potentially faster, more athletic group of wide receivers this season, Smith hopes to be able to stretch defenses and deliver the ball deeper down the field.

“Our whole receiver crew I think has done an excellent job and had a great offseason. They’ve kept it going in camp with the pads on,” Smith said. “Those guys come out and battle every single day. They get a lot of tough looks; they come out prepared and make a lot of plays.”

This is a bit of a fluff piece from the team's official website, but it's good to hear some positive comments about the receiving corps. If TE Travis Kelce can come along, Smith may have a better time pushing the ball downfield in 2014, and that should only serve to help his fantasy value.