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KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Before Andy Reid began his vacation in California this week, Kansas City Chiefs head coach made an amusing yet literal request to his players: Please don’t report to training camp next month on crutches.
The Chiefs finished their offseason program last week without any significant injuries. Reid has enjoyed tinkering with his offensive playbook and watching his new defense, led by new coordinator Steve Spagnuolo. The biggest hope for Reid is that none of his players need crutches or have to removed from the practice field on a cart during camp, which begins July 24 at Missouri Western State University in St. Joseph, Mo.
The projected roster below assumes player is healthy and in top shape. An NFL season, however, is loaded with variables and the unexpected. In order to reach the Super Bowl, the Chiefs will need contributions from veteran backups and production from young, unproven players. The Chiefs were the biggest surprise of last year, as quarterback Patrick Mahomes, the NFL’s reigning MVP, led the team to the AFC Championship game. Reid wants his reconstructed defense to be another surprise this season.
After 12 practices, six of which were open to reporters, the Chiefs do appear to be a more balanced team. Reid and general manager Brett Veach will have difficult decisions to make at various positions, including wide receiver, linebacker and along the defensive line.
The three minicamp practices last week gave reporters the best indication of what the Chiefs’ depth chart looks like. From notes, observations and Reid’s preference in past seasons, here’s our early projection of the Chiefs’ 53-man roster.
Quarterbacks: Patrick Mahomes, Chad Henne
Analysis: The quarterbacks’ room shouldn’t change from last year. Mahomes has been supported by Henne, who also understands the offense better in his second season with the Chiefs. Offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy, quarterbacks assistant Mike Kafka and Reid will continue to brainstorm on how Mahomes can stay ahead of opposing defenses. Henne, an 11-year veteran, is a suitable backup who can smoothly operate the Chiefs’ offense.
Practice-squad consideration: Chase Litton is entering his second season with the Chiefs after performing well last year in the preseason. If Litton continues to develop in camp, he’ll likely stay with the Chiefs and win the third-string battle over undrafted free agent Kyle Shurmur.
Running backs: Damien Williams, Carlos Hyde, Darrel Williams, Darwin Thompson
Analysis: This is an interesting group. All four players are capable of being additional receivers in Reid’s offense and Damien Williams appears to be ready for his role as the Chiefs’ primary ball carrier.
Hyde should be most effective in short-yardage situations and on swing passes out of the backfield. Last season, Darrel Williams performed well in his six games, showing toughness in space. The most unpredictable player at the position is Thompson, who could be used in screen passes, on special teams or as a gadget player for Reid. Thompson has enough speed that he should see the ball in space at least a few times this season. The Chiefs don’t need their running backs to be spectacular. The goal for this group should be consistency in keeping opposing defenses balanced.
Fullback: Anthony Sherman
Analysis: As one of the best fullbacks in the league, Sherman will continue to do a little bit of everything. Sherman will block for Mahomes and Williams, catch critical passes and be a plus on special teams. Another Pro Bowl appearance seems reasonable.
Tight ends: Travis Kelce, Deon Yelder, John Lovett
Analysis: Kelce, who missed the offseason practices to rest his surgically repaired ankle, should be fully healthy in time for camp. He is Mahomes’ favorite target, and that shouldn’t change this season, particularly on third down. The real intrigue in camp is who will play with Kelce as Reid’s second and third tight ends. The reason for two backups here is simple: Reid wants to run plays with two tight ends, and both Yelder and Lovett have the most potential. Yelder, the more traditional tight end who excels at blocking, spent most of last season on the Chiefs’ practice squad. The preseason is going to be critical for him. As for Lovett, he’s one of the best athletes on the roster. He made impressive catches during the open offseason practices and spent plenty of snaps with the projected starters with Kelce and Yelder out with injuries.
Practice-squad consideration: Nick Keizer is another young, solid option in case of an injury. Keizer spent last season on the Baltimore Ravens’ practice squad.
Analysis: After the NFL Draft, Hill was not on our projected depth chart ahead of the team’s organized practices. Although he’s indefinitely suspended by the Chiefs, Hill could rejoin the team in camp since he’s no longer under criminal investigation from the Johnson County (Kan.) District Attorney’s office. The Chiefs believe Hill could receive a suspension from the NFL as soon as next month for violating the league’s personal-conduct policy.
Beyond Hill’s potential return, the rest of the position is a steady group. Watkins was a star during the offseason program, and Robinson has received greater responsibility within the offense. Pringle and Dieter are players who can contribute on offense and special teams. Hardman, the speedy rookie, should have an increased role as the season progresses and he better understands the offense.
Practice-squad consideration: Cody Thompson, an undrafted rookie from Toledo, was the second-most consistent receiver in the offseason practices behind Watkins. Thompson caught almost every ball thrown to him during the open practices and his route running, especially in the slot, was impressive. If Hill is suspended, Thompson could start the season on the Chiefs’ 53-man roster if he performs well in the preseason.
Offensive linemen: Mitchell Schwartz, Eric Fisher, Austin Reiter, Laurent Duvernay-Tardif, Andrew Wylie, Cam Erving, Kahlil McKenzie, Jimmy Murray, Nick Allegretti
Analysis: The Chiefs’ starting lineup appears set with a healthy Duverney-Tardif and an emerging Wylie as the projected guards next to Reiter as the center. Schwartz and Fisher are quality tackles. But one reason the Chiefs have one of the best offensive lines in the NFL is because of their depth and versatility. Erving, who spent much of last season as the starting left guard, appears ready for a new role as the swingman tackle. McKenzie learned the guard position last year as a rookie and should get plenty of snaps in the preseason. Murray and Allegretti are athletic enough to play both the center and guard positions.
Practice-squad consideration: Tackle Ryan Hunter should be given another year to learn from Schwartz, Fisher and assistant coach Andy Heck.
Defensive linemen: Frank Clark, Chris Jones, Alex Okafor, Emmanuel Ogbah, Derrick Nnadi, Breeland Speaks, Tanoh Kpassagnon, Khalen Saunders, Xavier Williams
Analysis: Spagnuolo is going to place a lot of his faith in these players. The trio of pass rushers in Clark, Jones and Okafor is a quality group that should put consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Jones, who is seeking a sizable contract extension, is expected to return to the team early in camp after missing all of the offseason practices. The two wild cards are former second-round picks Speaks and Kpassagnon. Spagnuolo wants the two players to play both on the edge and in the interior based on the matchups against the opposing offensive line. Speaks and Kpassagnon haven’t done that since their college careers. Nnadi, Saunders and Williams are all capable defensive tackles who can rotate and be stout in Spagnuolo’s 4-3 defense.
Practice-squad consideration: The Chiefs are very high on Tim Ward, an undrafted rookie defensive end who missed all of the offseason practices because of a knee injury.
Linebackers: Anthony Hitchens, Reggie Ragland, Damien Wilson, Darron Lee, Dorian O’Daniel, Ben Niemann
Analysis: The position appears to still be fluid for Spagnuolo, as Hitchens is the lone unquestioned starter. Ragland, Wilson and Lee could all be starters at some point this season with O’Daniel as a situational option. One of the most fascinating parts of camp will be how often the Chiefs run snaps with three linebackers. The change in scheme appears to benefit Ragland the most, who could play in the middle or as the strong-side ‘backer. The winner of these position battles will likely be the players who can sprint sideline to sideline and be effective in pass coverage. Niemann is the perfect role player who is disciplined and strong on special teams. O’Daniel is also a plus option on special teams.
Practice-squad considerations: Darius Harris, an undrafted rookie, has potential. Raymond Davison should get another year to develop after being on the Chiefs’s practice squad last season.
Cornerbacks: Kendall Fuller, Bashaud Breeland, Charvarius Ward, Keith Reaser, Tremon Smith
Analysis: Something unforeseen would have to happen in camp or the preseason for this position to change. Fuller, Breeland and Ward are the Chiefs’ primary options. Reaser is a reasonable option in dime coverage if he can stay healthy, which has been his biggest issue in the NFL. Spagnuolo likely will leave Fuller in the slot position and the burden will increase for Ward, who blossomed late last season as a rookie. Smith, a second-year player, is the projected winner of the final spot on the roster since he was excellent as the team’s kickoff returner last season.
Practice-squad considerations: Rookies Rashad Fenton and Mark Fields will need to perform better than expected in the preseason, both on defense and special teams, for them to make the roster. If they prove competent, both players should spend the season learning Spagnuolo’s system.
Safeties: Tyrann Mathieu, Juan Thornhill, Daniel Sorensen, Jordan Lucas, Armani Watts
Analysis: The order of this position is set entering training camp with Mathieu and Thornhill as the starters. Sorensen, Lucas and Watts are all capable backups who can make contributions on special teams. Spagnuolo just needs this group to stay healthy.
Specialists: Harrison Butker (kicker), Dustin Colquitt (punter), James Winchester (long snapper)
Analysis: All three players rank among the best at their position in the NFL with coordinator Dave Toub as their guru.
Practice-squad considerations: Undrafted rookie punter Jack Fox has a big and consistent leg; he’ll continue to develop under Colquitt and Toub.
Originally Posted by RealSNR:
Jordan Black looked like a huge stud that game. And yes, he had several shutdown blocks on Ray Lewis.
Remember when Jah Reid 'kept JJ Watt in check' and people wanted him to replace Eric Fisher?
And then you look up what he actually did in that game and as it turned out it was 2 sacks, 3 hits and something like 5 pressures. The only thing that kept Smith alive was that we just went fast on every play, doubled Watt and booted smith when we got a chance. It was a master-class from Reid on not letting a clearly overmatched player not butt-fuck you.
I say that because....IN WHAT FUCKING WORLD DID ERVIN KEEP AARON DONALD "IN CHECK"?!?!?!?!
Dude had 2 sacks, 2 hits, 2 fucking forced fumbles and spent the majority of the evening in our backfield except for the times that simple misdirection had him guessing and then giving up. The only thing that ever slowed Aaron Donald in that game was (again) Andy Reid and then on occasion Aaron Donald himself.
Cameron Erving kept Aaron Donald in check....yes, I have truly heard everything. Lord. [Reply]
Originally Posted by Mecca:
It's his dad and it's also that for some reason teams like backups that don't take chances. So his "super safe play" is more appealing I guess.
Yeah, if I'm getting past the dad thing, the ONLY reasonable conclusion I can come to is that he's simply the most milquetoast option available.
Andy can sent him in there, tell him to do absolutely nothing catastrophic, and have him dink and dunk for 4 quarters. I guess. It's Alex Smith without the sizzle (such as it is).
But why keep him as a developmental prospect? His upside is, what, Nathan Peterman? There's nothing to develop. You can keep him on this team for 10 years and he'll still be the same noodle-armed, gunshy popgun artist he is now.
So if you're sticking Moore on the roster as a veteran stopgap and keeping a young QB to develop as a cheaper backup - why the hell don't you work with the guy that has tools you can actually develop?
Litton got fucked hard in this competition. If Shurmer 'wins' then Litton was never actually in the running. [Reply]
Shurmer looked like a rookie learning a complicated system who seems smart enough to see and take what the defense gives him. Litton looks like a guy with a big arm, limited mobility and not much of a grasp of what defenses are doing. I doubt either one has NFL starter in their future. So I go with the one who's probably going to help prep the starter the most. Didn't see anything this preseason that made me question their order on the roster. [Reply]
Originally Posted by DJ's left nut:
Yeah, if I'm getting past the dad thing, the ONLY reasonable conclusion I can come to is that he's simply the most milquetoast option available.
Andy can sent him in there, tell him to do absolutely nothing catastrophic, and have him dink and dunk for 4 quarters. I guess. It's Alex Smith without the sizzle (such as it is).
But why keep him as a developmental prospect? His upside is, what, Nathan Peterman? There's nothing to develop. You can keep him on this team for 10 years and he'll still be the same noodle-armed, gunshy popgun artist he is now.
So if you're sticking Moore on the roster as a veteran stopgap and keeping a young QB to develop as a cheaper backup - why the hell don't you work with the guy that has tools you can actually develop?
Litton got fucked hard in this competition. If Shurmer 'wins' then Litton was never actually in the running.
Just a way to save money I'm pretty sure, which is why I think Jordan Lucas and Xavier Williams are in no way sure bets to make the roster. [Reply]
McKenzie had a false start and looked confused out there in the 2nd half. Idk I just don’t think he should be on the roster.
That lost spot should be for Jimmy Murray or an external candidate. Andy got Reiter and Wylie last year, and Witzmann wasn’t a bad backup the year before that.
I think we might see another guy like that brought in [Reply]
If it's Shurmur vs. Litton, it's Shumur all the way. Litton has just gone backward the last 2 games. Pringle and DAT make the team only for ST. Heaven help us if we have to rely on either as a WR.
One player that stood out to me was Attaochu. He seemed to be everywhere last night. I'm not saying he's a starter, but someone that should e in the mix. I thought Allegretti looked promising at C, too. I think he needs to bulk a little and improve his technique, but he looked better at G than Murray. Plug and play if you want to be an OL on Andy's team. [Reply]
Originally Posted by O.city:
If he needs that much time to be competent, dont' draft him in the 3rd fucking round.
I remember all the 'man, what a steal the Chiefs got with this kid in the 3rd round...' stuff.
And bought some of it.
But then the pads went on and you realized 'oh wait...THAT'S why they got him in the 3rd....'
Yeah, backflips and videos of you as a runningback in high school don't mean a lot when you're now, at best, on an even athletic footing with most of the dudes you're playing against. And it isn't even like moving from D1 to the pros, when everyone you play everyday got better and you really haven't. No, it's effectively like switching sports going from the FCS to the NFL.
I still like the pick and think there's something to work with there, but probably not much for a long while. He can't just bitchslap guys anymore; the 3rd stringers he's playing in pre-season games are SIGNIFICANTLY better than the FCS competition he was knocking around. And that says nothing of the real players. [Reply]
With Saunders they are putting him in the A gap consistently where he's getting doubled right away, when he's more of a gap shooting penetrator. You'd like to think they are having him do this to just make him a better player in general and that the coaching staff isn't a bunch of mouth breathers that doesn't understand that playing the A gap isn't exactly what he's best suited for. [Reply]
Originally Posted by DJ's left nut:
I remember all the 'man, what a steal the Chiefs got with this kid in the 3rd round...' stuff.
And bought some of it.
But then the pads went on and you realized 'oh wait...THAT'S why they got him in the 3rd....'
Yeah, backflips and videos of you as a runningback in high school don't mean a lot when you're now, at best, on an even athletic footing with most of the dudes you're playing against. And it isn't even like moving from D1 to the pros, when everyone you play everyday got better and you really haven't. No, it's effectively like switching sports going from the FCS to the NFL.
I still like the pick and think there's something to work with there, but probably not much for a long while. He can't just bitchslap guys anymore; the 3rd stringers he's playing in pre-season games are SIGNIFICANTLY better than the FCS competition he was knocking around. And that says nothing of the real players.
I actually thought he was fine in the 9er game. Made some plays etc
Last night he got worn down and frankly it was always gonna be a developmental thing.
I’d think maybe by mid to end of the year they’ll start expecting something from him. He’s probably not gonna be a big anchor run stopper but I don’t think that’s what he was drafted for. [Reply]
Originally Posted by keg in kc:
Shurmer looked like a rookie learning a complicated system who seems smart enough to see and take what the defense gives him. Litton looks like a guy with a big arm, limited mobility and not much of a grasp of what defenses are doing. I doubt either one has NFL starter in their future. So I go with the one who's probably going to help prep the starter the most. Didn't see anything this preseason that made me question their order on the roster.
"see and take what the defense gives him"
Did you EVER say that about Alex Smith? Because that's who this guy is...if he becomes twice as good as he is now.
He doesn't scan the field, he gets panicky, pats the ball and throws it to the nearest dude in front of him. Litton, meanwhile, is actually scanning. No, he doesn't have much mobility outside of the pocket but he did a nice job of moving behind the line several times to find space to throw.
Shurmer doesn't take what the defense gives him - he just takes the first dump off he can find. He rarely sets his feet and the games looks significantly fast to him than it does to Litton. Yes, he will bust off a scramble here and there, but that's because his eyes drop WAY too fast. I don't know how we can have escaped the reign of Alex, see Shurmer and fall into the same trap. This is the extremely watered down version of the same guy.
Shurmer would neuter the playmakers on this team. Watkins might see an uptick but Hill would be significantly diminished and the defenses would crash on Kelce. Litton would turn the ball over more but he'd also force teams to honor every spot on the field. [Reply]
Originally Posted by Mecca:
With Saunders they are putting him in the A gap consistently where he's getting doubled right away, when he's more of a gap shooting penetrator. You'd like to think they are having him do this to just make him a better player in general and that the coaching staff isn't a bunch of mouth breathers that doesn't understand that playing the A gap isn't exactly what he's best suited for.
Spot on. He’s a 3 tech guy that Daly is going to develop from the ground up. [Reply]