Chiefs 53 Man Roster Prediction

[KChiefs1]

https://theathletic.com/1040647/2019...mains-unclear/

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.

Receivers: Tyreek Hill, Sammy Watkins, Demarcus Robinson, Mecole Hardman, Byron Pringle, Gehrig Dieter

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.

[DJ's left nut]

Originally Posted by RunKC

Not sure I agree here. I think we are stuck in a must have situation at corner. It’s Ward, Fields and Fenton at corner next year. Yikes

At this point, Fisher is a good value. His cap hit is going down after this year and we’ve got him until 2021 is over, which is fine IMO bc Fisher is only 28.

I’d like to see an emphasis on corner, ILB and another pass rusher.

But you figure you need at least a year to groom him. Give yourself maybe 2. And you'll have both Fisher and Schwartz up at the same time, right? You have to be able to backfill for one of those guys.

And in the interim you get a higher end swing tackle while he develops.

I'm not saying use the 1 on him, but I think you seriously consider a day 2 pick.

[O.city]

So what the hell are we waiting for to start releasing guys?

[pugsnotdrugs19]

Sounds like Tremon Smith makes the team based on a Reid quote from Nate Taylor’s roster projection:

“The normal is three,” Reid said of how many running backs are usually on his roster. “If you’ve got four that you feel good about, then you keep four. The initial value of (Smith) is as a (kickoff) returner, then you look at the flexibility that he can give you at the other spots. That was the idea going in, and I thought we got enough of a look at it.”

[MAHOMO 4 LIFE!]

Sounds like Tyreek will still be the punt returner according to Reid

Also, fun fact Hardman was tied for the NFL lead with 2 receiving TDs in preseason

[RunKC]

Originally Posted by pugsnotdrugs19

Sounds like Tremon Smith makes the team based on a Reid quote from Nate Taylor’s roster projection:

“The normal is three,” Reid said of how many running backs are usually on his roster. “If you’ve got four that you feel good about, then you keep four. The initial value of (Smith) is as a (kickoff) returner, then you look at the flexibility that he can give you at the other spots. That was the idea going in, and I thought we got enough of a look at it.”

Kelce said we are going to pass, pass, pass so a 4.3 guy speed could be used on a lot of screens and specialty plays.

I think Andy is going to go nuts passing the ball this year.

[MAHOMO 4 LIFE!]

With cutdown day looming, I asked #Chiefs HC Andy Reid about keeping Tyreek Hill at the punt-returner spot, and Reid said he was “good with that.” He also mentioned he could mix and match with other guys. My takeaway is if the game is in balance (tie, one score, etc), Hill it is.

— Pete Sweeney (@pgsween) August 30, 2019

[MAHOMO 4 LIFE!]

Texans and Jets are actively looking for running backs via the trade market, according to league sources

— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) August 30, 2019

Hyde will dealt I feel like

[smithandrew051]

Originally Posted by MAHOMO 4 LIFE!

Texans and Jets are actively looking for running backs via the trade market, according to league sources

— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) August 30, 2019

Hyde will dealt I feel like

Let’s build a time machine and trade Hyde to the Jets for Prime Revis

[MAHOMO 4 LIFE!]

Darwin Thompson texted @jcharles25 to see if he could wear 25 for the Chiefs.

“I just wanted to ask him, ‘You just retired. You really the GOAT. I grew up watching you at Texas, and now Kansas City. I wanted to know if it was OK I wore it.’”https://t.co/6lMNJPdfMV pic.twitter.com/RQZTfV7P4r

— SB Nation (@SBNation) August 28, 2019

[Hoover]

Originally Posted by RunKC

Not sure I agree here. I think we are stuck in a must have situation at corner. It’s Ward, Fields and Fenton at corner next year. Yikes

At this point, Fisher is a good value. His cap hit is going down after this year and we’ve got him until 2021 is over, which is fine IMO bc Fisher is only 28.

I’d like to see an emphasis on corner, ILB and another pass rusher.

I think you are both right. Corner is a huge need in the next draft. But we should also spend a second or third rounder on an OT

[Buckweath]

Originally Posted by Hoover

I think you are both right. Corner is a huge need in the next draft. But we should also spend a second or third rounder on an OT

More like an interior lineman. There is like zero chance, short of an injury this season, that they draft an OT early next year. In 2 to 3 years, sure.

[Pitt Gorilla]

Originally Posted by Buckweath

More like an interior lineman. There is like zero chance, short of an injury this season, that they draft an OT early next year. In 2 to 3 years, sure.

I bet they hope McKenzie makes it to the practice squad.

[rabblerouser]

Originally Posted by pugsnotdrugs19

Sounds like Tremon Smith makes the team based on a Reid quote from Nate Taylor’s roster projection:

“The normal is three,” Reid said of how many running backs are usually on his roster. “If you’ve got four that you feel good about, then you keep four. The initial value of (Smith) is as a (kickoff) returner, then you look at the flexibility that he can give you at the other spots. That was the idea going in, and I thought we got enough of a look at it.”

That doesn't seem like he's a lock for the roster.

The "I thought we got enough of a look at it" statement seems like, 'well, that's enough of that.'

[WhitiE]

Originally Posted by CasselGotPeedOn

JakeF posts are the worst

[BossChief]

Originally Posted by BossChief

Mahomes
Henne

Williams
Thompson
Hyde
Sherman

Hill
Watkins
Hardman
Robinson
DAT
Thompson

Kelce
Yelder
Bell


Fisher
Schwartz
LDT
Allegreti
Mackenzie
Reiter
Erving
Wylie
Allen

Jones
Clark
Okafor
Ogbah
Nnadi
KPass
Speaks (depending on injury)
Saunders
Williams
Hamilton

Hitchens
Neimann
Lee
DOD
Wilson
Attaochu

Badger
Thornhill
Sorensen
Lucas
Watts

Fuller
Ward
Miller
Breeland
Claiborne (won’t count till after suspension)
Fields

Colquitt
Buttkicker
Winchester

I missed on
Henne (didn’t foresee him getting hurt coaching HS football)
Hyde (traded)
Thompson (WR)
Fields (traded)
Mackenzie
Hamilton
Miller

Not too bad