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.

[chinaski]

Originally Posted by oldman

I agree, but Kemp is out for the season. So the choice, right now, comes down to Thompson or Pringle. Is Pringle more valuable on ST? Maybe, but I never have understood why there's so much love for him except he's a K-Stater.

Thompson has tremendous upside. Maybe he can hurt his back like Dieter.

[RealSNR]

I know it won't happen, but I reeeeally want Cam Erving's fat clunky ass the **** out of here.

[Buckweath]

Keep dismissing my man Xavier Williams. I nominate him for most underrated player on this team.

All I saw was people here saying he would be cut because of his $3M salary lol.

He is at worst a solid backup DT and might even be rotating with Nnadi on that 1st unit.

And there was that video on Twitter where he was mauling starting center Austin Reiter on a one on one.

He is not even close to being cut.

[RealSNR]

Originally Posted by Buckweath

Keep dismissing my man Xavier Williams. I nominate him for most underrated player on this team.

All I saw was people here saying he would be cut because of his $3M salary lol.

He is at worst a solid backup DT and might even be rotating with Nnadi on that 1st unit.

And there was that video on Twitter where he was mauling starting center Austin Reiter on a one on one.

He is not even close to being cut.

Maybe. The team reeeally like Justin Hamilton for some strange reason, though. I can't really tell which guy sucks more.

[RealSNR]

Also, if you wanted any proof that Nate Taylor doesn't have a leg up to inside information about the future roster and is just guessing like the rest of us, here's an AP article about how Herb Miller could pass Charvarious Ward on the depth chart.

https://www.arrowheadpride.com/2019/...ornerback-role

Now, should we trust Craig Stout more than Nate Taylor? No. The point is that they have the same press credentials and are predicting vastly different outcomes. One guy thinks the Chiefs are actually considering Miller to be on the field in most nickel situations and the other guy thinks Miller is at the bottom of the depth chart, and a likely cut once Claiborne gets reinstated.

And if anybody cares, I think they're both full of shit. Nate has some REEEEALLY questionable picks that spit directly in the face of logic and reason (keeping Tremon Smith, keeping a 3rd TE in Keizer) but Craig's idea that Miller will make the 53 man roster at all is ****ing asinine.

I think Derrick Nnadi might have more lateral quickness than Herb Miller, and if he shaved off 5 pounds could probably beat him in a foot race. Miller might have great instincts and be a good tackler, but he's slower than whale jizz. He's going to get ****ing eviscerated by any WRs if he doesn't play absolutely perfect coverage each and every time.

[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

[keg in kc]

I'm not sure O'Daniel makes the roster. He seems pretty far down the depth chart so far based on the preseason games.

Ditto for Cody Thompson. If he makes the team it's going to be about special teams, not how many catches he gets in the preseason. Neither of the last two receivers on the roster will be there because of their participation with the offense.

We'll see if either one moves up this week.

[MightyMouse]

I think DAT helps Thompson’s chances. I was giving Pringle the edge because Hill won’t return often and maybe never return kickoffs. I don’t have Smith making the team so that leaves Hardman. I figured Pringle would make it has 6th receiver and kick returner option. Now with DAT you have a gunner and kick returner so it comes down to who do they like more as a receiver and not as much as what they can do on special teams. I’m sure whoever makes it will be on ST as well but taking the returner out of it helps Thompson if they want a guy with good hands and route running. I don’t know what to make a Pringle as a WR. He seems to have good speed but didn’t seem to be getting open against back ups. I wouldn’t be surprised either way they go.

[BossChief]

Originally Posted by keg in kc

I'm not sure O'Daniel makes the roster. He seems pretty far down the depth chart so far based on the preseason games.

Ditto for Cody Thompson. If he makes the team it's going to be about special teams, not how many catches he gets in the preseason. Neither of the last two receivers on the roster will be there because of their participation with the offense.

We'll see if either one moves up this week.

I think DOD makes it based on his potential and the fact he has played and flashed that potential in real games.

Cody Thompson has separated himself from the pack of guys fighting for the last WR spot of Deiter, Pringle, Custis and the two Davis’. At this point, he’s shown the ability to separate and make the catch consistently.

I think they will try to sneak 2 of the other guys onto ir or the PS, but none of them have stood out in PS so far.

[Dante84]

I wonder if we roll with 7 WR’s

[BossChief]

Guys fighting for last roster spot if Breeland Speaks gets put on IR...

Fenton
Wade
Custis
Davis
Davis
Murray

[BossChief]

I won’t be the least bit surprised to see Veach get late rounders for Lucas, X Williams and Ragland. Maybe player for player swaps. Those guys are buried and talented and I’m sure Veach will find someone that might get cut as a trade partner.

[Buckweath]

Originally Posted by BossChief

Guys fighting for last roster spot if Breeland Speaks gets put on IR...

Fenton
Wade
Custis
Davis
Davis
Murray

What the hell IR?

The guy jogged to the sideline after his injury and was questionable to return.

I would think it is nothing that serious but then knee injuries are never good so could see him missing several weeks.

[BossChief]

Originally Posted by Buckweath

What the hell IR?

The guy jogged to the sideline after his injury and was questionable to return.

I would think it is nothing that serious but then knee injuries are never good so could see him missing several weeks.

The DL is deep and the team can use the IR and have him return later in the season (like Sorensen last year) if the knee has damage. It was reported that they are waiting for the swelling to go down to identify the injury, possibly indicating there’s some damage there. With how deep the DL is and the nature of knee injuries in general, I wouldn’t be surprised if they went the IR route to clean it up and let it heal. That’s just a guess, though. Hopefully it’s fine and just needs scoped and it’s just a short term thing. Either way, roster spots are at a premium for the 2019 Chiefs squad.

[keg in kc]

Originally Posted by BossChief

I think DOD makes it based on his potential and the fact he has played and flashed that potential in real games.

Cody Thompson has separated himself from the pack of guys fighting for the last WR spot of Deiter, Pringle, Custis and the two Davis’. At this point, he’s shown the ability to separate and make the catch consistently.

I think they will try to sneak 2 of the other guys onto ir or the PS, but none of them have stood out in PS so far.

I tend to think anyone catching passes in the second half of preseason games are auditioning for the practice squad and not the roster, but time will tell. If he's higher on the depth chart on Saturday then maybe he's getting a real shot. But right now he looks to me like that guy we collectively get excited about every year, that ends up cut...

As far as DOD's potential, he just may not be a fit for what we're doing defensively now. It's probably going to happen to somebody, and the way the preseason games (and the camp reports I've read) have gone, it looks like it might be him.