Jeremy Maclin

Chiefs HC Andy Reid said Tyreek Hill, a Pro Bowler last season, will likely get the first crack at replacing Jeremy Maclin at the “Z” position, the spotlight receiver spot in Reid’s West Coast offense.

Hill actually caught more passes (61) for more yards (593) and touchdowns (six) than Maclin had last year in 215 offensive snaps.

“I mean, he works hard and he’s skilled,” Reid said of Hill. “Is he still learning? Yeah he is still learning. I’ll tell you that with the receivers because that’s what they do until they get defenses down. But, he will give you good production at that (Z) position.”

Hill averaged 71 total yards and 0.64 TD in his final 10 regular season games (15.3 PPG). HC Andy Reid has indicated that Hill’s snaps (41% for the year) could “double” and it sounded like Reid was planning to start Hill in the slot, though now we know he’s going to start at Jeremy Maclin’s “Z” position, the featured receiving position in Reid’s offense. Per 4for4's Player Snap App, among players who played at least 40% of their team's snaps, Hill ranked first in fantasy points per snap in both standard and PPR formats. He was the #11 fantasy receiver (PPR) after his team's Week 5 bye. The Chiefs’ decision to cut Maclin certainly raises Hill’s floor. In the four games that Maclin missed last season, Hill averaged 7.0 receptions (on 8.5 targets) for 63 yards and 0.25 TD. Throw in his role in the rushing game and he’s suddenly looking like a strong fantasy WR2.