3 moves Chiefs can make to replace JuJu Smith-Schuster at half the price
By Scott Rogust
3 moves Chiefs can make to replace JuJu Smith-Schuster at half the price, No. 2: Draft Josh Downs
Perhaps the easiest way for the Chiefs to find a replacement for Smith-Schuster is through the NFL Draft. Just last year, they used a second-round pick on Skyy Moore, who scored a touchdown in Super Bowl 57, despite struggling throughout his rookie season. Luckily for the Chiefs, the wide receiver class in this year’s NFL Draft is stacked. So, they could have options fall to them at the No. 31 overall pick.
While Chiefs fans will be looking at the big names like TCU’s Quentin Johnston or USC’s Jordan Addison, it’s unlikely they’ll be on the board by then. One option who could be on the board is Josh Downs from North Carolina.
The Tar Heel burst onto the scene during the 2021 season, where he and quarterback Sam Howell displayed great chemistry. That was evident by his 101 receptions for 1,335 yards and eight touchdowns. This past season, Downs saw Howell get drafted by the Washington Commanders and replaced by Drake Maye, who is on pace to be one of the top quarterback prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft. Through 11 games, Downs recorded 94 receptions for 1,029 yards and 11 touchdowns.
Imagine going from Howell to Maye to Mahomes. That would be a great acquisition for the Chiefs, and a great landing spot for Downs.