Originally Posted by :
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 -King-:
And tyreek runs backwards on punts sometimes. Who cares? Why risk our 2nd best player?
Cuz he’s never been hurt fielding punts. The one thing about Tyreek is that he knows when to go down. He doesn’t fight for those extra yards. Will save him a couple years [Reply]
Originally Posted by MAHOMO 4 LIFE!:
Cuz he’s never been hurt fielding punts. The one thing about Tyreek is that he knows when to go down. He doesn’t fight for those extra yards. Will save him a couple years
Ok, someone please show me a stupider post in CP history. This has to be up there [Reply]
Originally Posted by -King-:
He has a 9.7 yards per return average on punt returns in his career. Pretty good. Would be top 10 most years.
He had that rookie year where he was really good and then in his 2nd year he started looking pretty rough. I think I'm just putting some disproportionate weight on the 2nd year in my recollection. And in that brief period his 4th season he was REAL bad.
The 48 yarder, if my memory serves, came off something of a gadget play where he took the return as something of an 'up back' and the defense didn't see it coming. He just kinda ran straight ahead and there was nobody there.
He's a fine fallback and if put in the role would probably be sufficient. But I do wonder if the mere threat of Hill wouldn't get you even more. Like if Hill were instructed to fair catch anything questionable and otherwise just run to the sideline and out of bounds to avoid a hit. How long would it take STs coordinators to stop pooch punting to him and ceding a 38 yard net just to avoid giving him a chance to return?
I'd really like to get Hardman back there because of his relatively trivial importance to the offense and his ability to break one. But if he can't be trusted to field the ball cleanly I do think there's an open question as to whether or not DAT would be enough of a weapon to justify him over a super cautious approach with Hill. [Reply]
Originally Posted by O.city:
I kinda like having DAT return most of the punts. He's not really imperative to the offense like Hill and he was actually decent at it.
Originally Posted by :
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Most of the Chiefs’ roster spots are secured as the team enters Thursday’s preseason finale against the Green Bay Packers.
One position battle that is still ongoing but is for a spot on the team’s practice squad is at No. 3 quarterback. Chase Litton, a second-year player, is battling undrafted rookie Kyle Shurmur, the son of New York Giants coach Pat Shurmur. The two young quarterbacks will split the snaps against the Packers with the potential opportunity to be Patrick Mahomes’ backup for the Chiefs’ regular-season opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sept. 8.
The Chiefs signed Matt Moore, an 11-year veteran, before Tuesday’s practice to be the backup quarterback when he’s ready. But coach Andy Reid said it will take time for Moore to learn the playbook before he is ready to be on the active roster for a regular-season game. The Chiefs are optimistic that Litton and Shurmur will perform well enough against the Packers through extended snaps to prove their development and progress through the offseason program and training camp.
“You’ve seen some good and you’ve seen some bad, but those two kids are very, very competitive,” offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy said of Litton and Shurmur after Monday’s practice. “They want to be on an NFL roster. They want to make sure they get the call right, they want to make sure they’re seeing it the right way, and they want feedback on the sidelines. I’m excited about watching these guys play.”
With Thursday’s exhibition a pivotal one for a lot of younger Chiefs, let’s unveil version 4.0 of our 53-man projection, which is updated each week leading up to the NFL’s opening day. Our final projection will be published Friday, just ahead of the league-mandated cutdown day on Saturday. As usual, starters are designated in italics and injured or suspended players have an asterisk designation.
Quarterbacks
Patrick Mahomes, Matt Moore
Analysis: Mahomes, the NFL’s reigning MVP, went 14-for-19 for 203 passing yards, one touchdown and zero interceptions against the 49ers on Saturday. But the most important statistic is that he wasn’t sacked.
Practice-squad consideration: Reid must decide between Litton and Shurmur after Thursday’s exhibition.
Running backs
Damien Williams, Darwin Thompson, Darrel Williams, Tremon Smith
Analysis: The biggest change from a week ago is that Thompson appears to be Damien Williams’ primary backup. Thompson might not play against the Packers. If that happens, the Chiefs should give most of the snaps to Darrel Williams and Smith, who is still learning the position. Veteran Carlos Hyde could be in uniform against the Packers as merely an emergency option.
Fullback
Anthony Sherman
Analysis: Sherman will do the offense’s dirty work and catch passes from Mahomes. As we get closer to the season, it appears Sherman could be a secondary tight end for Reid, a role he played well the first few weeks of last season. In practice earlier this week, Sherman caught a long pass from Mahomes against backup safety Jordan Lucas.
Tight ends
Travis Kelce, Blake Bell, Deon Yelder*
Analysis: This is the correct group with which to enter the regular season after the Chiefs were unsure who would be Kelce’s backup at the start of training camp. Bell has adjusted to Reid’s complex offense well and Yelder has intriguing potential, even if he might not be ready for the start of the regular season because of a sprained ankle he suffered two weeks ago.
Practice-squad consideration: John Lovett, the former Princeton quarterback, will miss the remainder of the season after the Chiefs placed him on the injured-reserve list as he rehabs his right shoulder. Nick Keizer has performed well enough to make the Chiefs’ practice squad.
Analysis: The Chiefs are so talented at the position that it might be wise for Reid to keep seven receivers, which is a rarity for a 53-man roster. But the Chiefs will pass the ball a lot this season, and special teams coordinator Dave Toub can use each player in some capacity. Thompson’s route running from the slot is valuable, Pringle performed well last week and is another option for kickoff returner, and Thomas showed his special teams impact on the opening kickoff last week by recording a tackle.
Practice-squad considerations: Receiver Gehrig Dieter, who will miss the preseason finale because of back spasms, appears to be getting healthier, as he went through a few individual drills at the beginning of Monday’s practice.
Offensive linemen
Mitchell Schwartz, Eric Fisher, Austin Reiter, Laurent Duvernay-Tardif, Andrew Wylie, Cam Erving, Jeff Allen, Nick Allegretti
Analysis: Beyond the projected starters, Allen, Erving and Allegretti have the versatility to play multiple positions if needed in case of an injury. Allegretti should play plenty of snaps against the Packers.
Practice-squad consideration: Kahlil McKenzie needs more time to develop under assistant Andy Heck. Tackle Ryan Hunter is another strong candidate to remain with the Chiefs as part of the practice squad.
Defensive linemen
Frank Clark, Chris Jones, Alex Okafor, Derrick Nnadi, Emmanuel Ogbah, Tanoh Kpassagnon, Khalen Saunders, Xavier Williams, Breeland Speaks*
Analysis: The position stays the same from our last 53-man roster projection. The one difference is that Speaks, who had surgery on Tuesday to repair the medial collateral ligament sprain and a meniscus injury in his right knee, needs to stay on the active roster to be eligible to return later in the season after the team places him on the injured-reserve list.
Practice-squad considerations: Joey Ivie, who spent last season on the practice squad, has had strong performances the past two weeks against the 49ers and the Steelers. Another impressive game against the Packers might be enough for him to earn a spot on the 53-man roster. As for the practice squad, the team will likely keep Tim Ward, who missed all four preseason games because of a knee injury.
Linebackers
Anthony Hitchens, Reggie Ragland, Damien Wilson, Darron Lee, Ben Niemann, Dorian O’Daniel
Analysis: Hitchens and Wilson were strong performers last week against the 49ers, and it’s clear their chemistry as former teammates on the Dallas Cowboys is starting to translate with the Chiefs. Niemann continues to be a strong performer on defense and on special teams. Lee appears to be building a role for him to be on the field on third downs.
Practice-squad consideration: Rob McCray should be the top consideration among the younger linebackers.
Cornerbacks
Kendall Fuller, Bashaud Breeland, Charvarius Ward, Morris Claiborne*, Mark Fields, Herb Miller
Analysis: Claiborne, who will serve a four-game suspension for violating the league’s substance-abuse policy, should play the most snaps in Thursday’s exhibition. Four days after the game, Claiborne won’t be allowed to be in the Chiefs’ facility. Miller, Field and Rashad Fenton might be competing for only one roster spot if defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo wants to add another defensive lineman after Speaks’ surgery.
Practice-squad consideration: Fenton, a rookie the Chiefs selected in the sixth round, is a solid player worth developing.
Safeties
Tyrann Mathieu, Juan Thornhill, Daniel Sorensen, Jordan Lucas, Armani Watts
Analysis: This position group stays the same, too. The Chiefs probably don’t need to see Thornhill in the preseason finale. Spagnuolo has been coy as to who will be the starting safety next to Mathieu, as Thornhill and Sorensen split the first-team repetitions this week in practice.
Specialists
Harrison Butker (kicker), Dustin Colquitt (punter), James Winchester (long snapper)
Analysis: All three players have performed well in camp and in the preseason. It’s possible that Reid will want Butker to get one final long field-goal attempt in Thursday’s exhibition to help prepare him for the regular-season opener.
Practice-squad consideration: Undrafted rookie punter Jack Fox has shown the Chiefs that they should continue to invest in his development.
I actually think his roster is pretty spot on other than I assume they'll keep McKenzie over Cody Thompson.
Also think they will be looking for trades for either CB or LB which would be bad news for guys like Herb Miller and DOD, also wouldn't be surprised if they were willing to move Jordan Lucas in one of those type of deals. [Reply]
I wonder if they weren’t happy with McKenzie’s development, which led them to bring back Jeff Allen. He doesn’t seem as valuable as Thompson bc we use a ton of receivers and Thompson is good on ST’s whereas McKenzie doesn’t even play ST’s.
Would any other team poach McKenzie off our PS? The guy wasn’t even an OL in college. He doesn’t seem prepared. [Reply]
Originally Posted by RunKC:
I wonder if they weren’t happy with McKenzie’s development, which led them to bring back Jeff Allen. He doesn’t seem as valuable as Thompson bc we use a ton of receivers and Thompson is good on ST’s whereas McKenzie doesn’t even play ST’s.
Would any other team poach McKenzie off our PS? The guy wasn’t even an OL in college. He doesn’t seem prepared.
Because a 7th WR would never dress for a game, especially if you are keeping Tremon Smith.
If they liked Thompson on specials then signing DAT wouldn't have happened. [Reply]