Nikko Remigio’s prospects for advancing up the depth chart during training camp

A name gaining attention from the media during the Chiefs’ organized team activities (OTAs) and last week’s mandatory minicamp is second-year wide receiver Nikko Remigio.

The former Cal and Fresno State receiver, who joined the Chiefs as an undrafted free agent in 2023, has caught the eye of several Chiefs insiders, including Arrowhead Pride’s Pete Sweeney.

Remigio was a standout early in last year’s training camp, highlighted by a stellar performance in the preseason opener against the New Orleans Saints. Unfortunately, a shoulder injury sidelined him for the rest of the preseason, and he spent all of 2023 on injured reserve.

As Remigio showcases his impressive skills, the key question remains: Can he convince the Chiefs to part ways with a more highly invested player?

To make the team, Remigio will likely need to surpass either Skyy Moore or Kadarius Toney on the depth chart. Toney, a former first-round pick by the New York Giants and acquired by the Chiefs in 2022, had a poor 2023 season despite his Super Bowl LVII heroics. Though the Chiefs have expressed continued faith in Toney, his return game skills may be his saving grace under the new kickoff rules.

Remigio could also compete for a return role. In his final college season at Fresno State, he averaged 19.9 yards on punt returns with two touchdowns and 22.9 yards on 21 kickoff returns. His prowess in the return game could be his best path to making the roster.

Skyy Moore, selected in the second round of the 2022 draft, has yet to live up to expectations, with just 496 receiving yards and one touchdown in 30 regular season games. While some believe Moore’s draft status secures his roster spot, Chiefs general manager Brett Veach has shown a willingness to move on from high draft picks if better options emerge, as seen with the quick departure of 2018 second-rounder Breeland Speaks.

Assuming neither Toney nor Moore secure a top-four spot on Kansas City’s receiving depth chart, Remigio’s special teams value could give him an edge for one of the final places. However, his success hinges on maintaining his impressive performance when training camp begins in St. Joseph in late July. Despite his summer success, Remigio remains a small target without game-breaking speed and had modest receiving yards during his time at Cal. While he may excel in practice, these limitations could prevent him from becoming a key game-time player.

If Remigio continues his hot streak this preseason, the Chiefs may be willing to make room for him, even at the expense of more prominent names, as they did with Speaks.