The Kansas City Chiefs’ receiving corps had a poor showing in Super Bowl LV, and the departure of Sammy Watkins this offseason has left the team even thinner at the position. Even with third-year wideout Mecole Hardman playing in an expanded role, Kansas City will need contributions from receivers all over the depth chart.
Andy Reid has rostered several receivers over the years that have seen little to no time in the offense, and this season could be their breakout opportunity. Marcus Kemp in particular has been buried by more established competition in previous years but looks to factor into the passing game significantly this year.
The Hawaii product, originally signed as an undrafted free agent by the Chiefs in 2017, spent significant time on the practice squad before tearing both his MCL and ACL in 2019. Now entering his fifth season in Kansas City, Kemp seems as motivated as ever to carve out a role for himself in the Chiefs’ offense.
“It has been an interesting journey,” Kemp told reporters Tuesday of his time in Kansas City. “I’ve been here a little bit, so I know Coach Reid’s camps and how tough they are. I’m still a young guy, but after five years with Coach Reid and his camps, you start to feel the aches and pains a little bit more. I’m comfortable in the offense and I’ve got to learn it quite a bit, so I’m just happy to be here and happy to do what I can.”
In previous years Kemp was seen as a player on the bubble during camp, but with a couple of weeks of practice under his belt, he seems confident this season will be the one he finally sticks on the 53-man roster. The 6-foot-4 receiver fits a different mold at the position than others on the Chiefs’ roster and thinks his inclusion on the final team could help everyone in the group.
“Here it’s like a family,” Kemp said of the wide receiver room. “We’re all just trying to compete to make each other better. If I do well, it makes Mecole [Hardman], D-Rob [Demarcus Robinson], and Tyreek [Hill] do better as well. So that’s what I’m hoping for is that we can all just do well.”
His team-first attitude is exactly what the offense needs as they hope to lead the charge toward another Super Bowl this season. Kemp, though, is more focused on Saturday’s preseason game, and showing he’s worth the years Kansas City has invested in him.
Kemp’s time spent on special teams in previous seasons has made him particularly useful for Dave Toub, even if his contributions in the offense have been relatively minimal. He told reporters his time in punt and kickoff coverage has been crucial for his effort to stay on the roster.
“I think it’s one of the reasons I’ve stuck around,” Kemp said of his role on special teams. “What I knew coming into the league was that (special teams) was probably my best opportunity to make the team, and I think for a lot of guys that’s true. Whatever I can do to help the Chiefs is what I want to do to stick around here.”
For Kemp, it’s all about his love of the game.
“I think it’s fun to just play football,” Kemp said, “I haven’t got a ton of reps on offense, and so these preseason games are opportunities for me to just go out and play football like I have been for 20 years at this point. So, it’s just fun to be out there, and I just hope to enjoy it. Any play can be your last play, so enjoy every play I’m out there and just have fun.”
A big-play ability and newfound physicality on the outside have made Kemp a player to watch in St. Joe. Saturday’s game will be a litmus test for his efficacy as a consistent contributor during the regular season. With a big showing, Kemp could secure his spot on the roster, and potentially become a sleeper in the Chiefs’ offense for the 2021 NFL season.
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