Skyy Moore Ready to Give KC Chiefs ‘Best Shot’ in Second Season

Set to soon enter his sophomore campaign with the Kansas City Chiefs, Skyy Moore says he's better prepared and ready for a potentially expanded role.

When the Kansas City Chiefs selected Skyy Moore in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft, many anticipated a very impactful rookie season for the former Western Michigan standout. That didn't necessarily end up becoming the case, as Moore's 22 receptions and 250 yards finished seventh and eighth, respectively, on the team.

Moore displayed some flashes, though, of the player he could be for Kansas City if given a bigger opportunity. He didn't even score the first touchdown of his career until Super Bowl LVII, playing a critical role in the team's season-ending triumph over the Philadelphia Eagles. That specific timeline was an unorthodox one for Moore, and he admitted on Wednesday that his confidence came and went over the course of his rookie season. 

Speaking after day two of the Chiefs' three-day mandatory minicamp in Kansas City, Moore said the Super Bowl allowed him to bounce back mentally and head into the offseason on a positive note. 

"Last season, I would say, was definitely a rollercoaster for me as far as my confidence level [is concerned] and that definitely sent me off on a good, high note," Moore said. "I feel like on top of knowing what to correct and going off with the Super Bowl and everything we did last year, it was the best way to go out into this season." 

This offseason, the Chiefs watched receivers JuJu Smith-Schuster and Mecole Hardman depart via free agency. They added veteran Richie James into the fold and also re-signed 2022 depth piece Justin Watson, although neither is currently expected to play a more significant role than Moore in his second year. At or near the top of the team's wideout depth chart, Moore is accompanied by Kadarius Toney and Marquez Valdes-Scantling. 2023 second-round rookie Rashee Rice is also in the fold, although Moore's first-year effort could be looked at as a possible comparison of what to expect from him.

Similar to Smith-Schuster in terms of profile against zone coverage, being someone capable of separating and settling into soft spots, Moore should improve and occupy some of the Smith-Schuster-type snaps in 2023. Elsewhere, he's athletic and speedy enough to fill a variety of other roles within the Chiefs' offense. When asked about an expanded role this year, Moore said he's set on fulfilling whatever duty is asked of him by the team. 

"Just doing the same thing I've been doing, just taking it day by day," Moore said of what he's focused on. "Whatever role they want me to do, do it to the best of my ability and help the team."

Citing a desire to be someone quarterback Patrick Mahomes can count on as a "reliable weapon," Moore said he's been working all offseason long on working in the margins to become more detail-oriented and better at the intricate elements of what Kansas City does in its passing attack. His budding chemistry with Mahomes is a popular topic in Chiefs circles, which could be a direct byproduct of the thought Moore puts into his work. He wants to tailor his game to what Mahomes wants. 

"It's hard to explain, but all the little things that Pat wants," Moore said. "Coming out of breaks or when to look or when to be there, what speed to run it at. You know, the little details of being a receiver. I feel like I knew what I needed to improve on — I found that out early in the season last year — and I've been waiting on the offseason for a long time because I knew what to correct."

With fewer bodies ahead of him in the pecking order and more experience after a full season as a pro, Moore said he feels better prepared to take off in his second season. As opposed to the dreaded "sophomore slump" that many young athletes experience, he thinks this is a time for him to remind the Chiefs why they drafted him in the first place. Moore said he doesn't have specific statistical goals or accolades he wants to reach this coming season, however, instead putting all of his energy into growing as a player and helping the team win. 

"I feel like last year was knowing the playbook and everything," Moore said. "Now, I'm going to give it my best shot and then next year, I'll worry about personal goals and everything. I just want to give it my best shot this year and do anything the team needs me to do."

Read More: Travis Kelce Discusses How Long He Wants to Play Football