People were puzzled when the Chiefs released their No. 1 outside receiver Jeremy Maclin last year. Now we know why. Despite playing with a QB known more for avoiding errors than generating big plays down the field, Hill led the NFL with nine catches of 40-plus yards on only 105 total targets (T-29th). Not surprisingly, he also led the league with 11.3 YPT and was sixth with 15.8 YPC. At 5-10, 185, Hill is small but lightning quick, as dangerous as any player in the league in open space, and reportedly ran a blistering 4.24 40 at his college pro day, i.e., he's arguably the fastest player in the NFL. The downside for Hill is his lack of red-zone work - only four of his targets came from that area, so he has to do his damage from distance. While he managed seven TDs on a modest target total, there's far more variance when you're reliant on 40-yard TDs than when you post up at the goal line for short tosses. Accordingly, unless the Chiefs target him more from in close - something that's unlikely, given the presence of elite TE Travis Kelce and other bigger receivers like newly signed Sammy Watkins - Hill could range anywhere from four to 10 scores in 2018, the same way DeSean Jackson has during his career. Hill might see a slight boost to his stats as a gadget-play rusher, though last year (17 carries for 59 yards) he was far less successful in that role than in 2016 (24-267-3). Of course, the biggest wild card for Hill is the loss of QB Alex Smith, who despite his reputation for caution took advantage of Hill's skills. Second-year man Pat Mahomes is less polished, but he'll buy extra time with his athleticism, and he has a cannon for an arm, making Hill a good bet to lead the league in big plays again in 2018. Just don't expect a spike in volume, as Watkins will almost certainly see more targets than the departed Albert Wilson.

The cautionary comp here is Cordarrelle Patterson, a dynamic, versatile rookie that turned out to be everything except a competent wide receiver. Apparently, coach Andy Reid isn't concerned -- this spring he said he'd like to get Hill more targets, and why not? Hill scored 12 times despite totaling only 107 touches from scrimmage last season, and while almost all of his pass-catching opportunities came on short throws, he impressively hauled in 61 of his 83 targets (73 percent, 6th). Hill also had 24 carries for 267 yards and three touchdowns, with another trio of scores as a return man. At 5-10, 185, Hill is small but reportedly ran a 4.24 40 at his Pro Day, and he's as quick as anyone in the league. The Chiefs apparently have high hopes for the second-year speedster, who likely will take over as the team's No. 1 wide receiver after Jeremy Maclin was cut in June. TE Travis Kelce could be the primary pass catcher, and fellow wideout Chris Conley also figures to benefit, but Maclin's release still speaks volumes about Kansas City's confidence in Hill. And while his size might serve to limit his red-zone opportunities, Hill did draw 15 targets in the area last season, though he converted only three into touchdowns. The only downside is that his role on special teams likely will be scaled back.

Character issues led to a big drop in the NFL Draft but Hill ran a blazing self-reported 4.24 40-yard dash at his Pro Day and has impressed early in camp. The rookie was listed as the team’s top punt returner on the initial depth chart release, but seems unlikely to see consistent playing time on offense this season.