7 Chiefs Roster Questions before the next round of cuts

[The Franchise]

http://sports.yahoo.com/news/7-kansa...172910649.html

1. What happens with the backup quarterbacks?

Two thoughts from me:

1.) It would be a surprise if the Chiefs kept four quarterbacks;

2.) It would be a surprise if any of these quarterbacks were cut.

I feel fairly confident in both those statements but it doesn't get as any closer to answering the question. I keep coming back to this: The Chiefs drafted Aaron Murray three months ago so they surely had a plan for this situation.

Oh, and I think it would be a surprise if the Chiefs parted ways with Chase Daniel.

2. Will the Chiefs actually keep two kickers?

A league source tells me the #Chiefs are considering keeping two kickers. Obviously have two good ones in Santos and Succop. Teams need Ks.
- Terez A. Paylor (@TerezPaylor) August 26, 2014

Nah, the Chiefs aren't going to keep two kickers. That would be very unusual. I believe this is more about trading one of them. The thing is, the Chiefs could keep two kickers on the roster after they make their cuts this weekend and wait for someone to call before Week 1. That's a possibility. But I don't see them carrying two kickers into the regular season.

3. Who is the third (fourth?) tackle?

A couple things factor into this. The Chiefs will need an extra tackle during the first month of the season to account for Donald Stephenson's suspension. You also have to account for Jeff Allen's ability to play tackle in emergency situations. Eric Fisher is the only lock (besides Stephenson) to make it. Ryan Harris looks like the top candidate for the third tackle.

4. How does Joe Mays' injury factor in?

His injury will keep him out "for a while", according to Andy Reid. That leaves the starting inside linebacker job open. I'm guessing this will be multiple weeks of action or more. Josh Mauga, who was signed this offseason, and Nico Johnson, a 2013 fourth round pick, are vying for the job. Perhaps in a sign they're still tinkering, the Chiefs played Frank Zombo some at inside linebacker recently.

5. How many offensive linemen do the Chiefs keep?

I would put the range at 8-10 players. Obviously, the more linemen you keep, the less options you have at other positions. There will be injuries along the line so the Chiefs have to be prepared for that. Is 10 too many? Or do the Chiefs need all the help they can get on the line?

This looks like the starting five: Eric Fisher, Jeff Allen, Rodney Hudson, Zach Fulton, Donald Stephenson

The rest are competing for 3-5 spots, including Jeff Linkenbach, Ricky Henry, Eric Kush, Laurent Duvernay-Tardif, Ryan Harris, J'Marcus Webb, and others.

Obviously, the Chiefs will have to factor in the Donald Stephenson suspension. He will not count against the 53-man roster in the first month of the season. That may force them to keep an extra tackle during the first month of the season.

6. Which young receiver(s) makes the team?

The Chiefs obviously have a need at receiver not just this year but down the line as well. They need young receivers on the roster they can develop. Undrafted receiver Albert Wilson looks like a good bet to make the team. Frankie Hammond spent last season on the practice squad and could be another young receiver to make it. Remember, the Chiefs will have to factor in Dwayne Bowe's suspension as he won't count against the roster in Week 1.

7. Will all the rookies make the team?

There's the Aaron Murray question which, as noted above, we don't know have any idea how the Chiefs will handle. Sixth round pick Zach Fulton is a likely starter so he's going to make it. Then there's Laurent Duvernay-Tardif, who has been mostly at guard in his Chiefs career. Would he be safe on the practice squad? That could be a debate the Chiefs having now.

The higher picks -- Dee Ford, Phillip Gaines and De'Anthony Thomas -- are all going to make it.