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.

[BossChief]

Originally Posted by keg in kc

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.

You may very well be right. Both guys are definitely on the roster bubble and it’s certain Veach will want to bring in a few guys cut from other teams or through trades.

[Chief Roundup]

Not carrying 10 DL either.
I don't think Ogbah makes it at all. I also am not sure that X. Williams and Hamilton both or either make it over Ivie.

[Chief Roundup]

Originally Posted by BossChief

I wouldn’t be surprised if they went the IR route to clean it up and let it heal.

I think one of the IR designation for return will go to Yelder and we go into the season with Kelce and Bell as our TEs.

[Sofa King]

My bet is DOD getting traded for another LBer. Neither of whom ever amounts to anything.

[Chief Roundup]

Originally Posted by 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.

Ragland makes the roster over Attaochu IMO.

[BossChief]

Originally Posted by Chief Roundup

Ragland makes the roster over Attaochu IMO.

I don’t think Ragland fits what House and Spag want from their linebackers. He doesn’t play fast enough. I do think he has value in the right system, though.

[Chief Roundup]

Originally Posted by BossChief

I don’t think Ragland fits what House and Spag want from their linebackers. He doesn’t play fast enough. I do think he has value in the right system, though.

Ragland is the only MLB we have and he has been playing with the ones while Attaochu has been playing with the threes.

Sent from my SM-S906L using Tapatalk

[BossChief]

Originally Posted by Chief Roundup

Ragland is the only MLB we have and he has been playing with the ones while Attaochu has been playing with the threes.

Sent from my SM-S906L using Tapatalk

Ragland is a 2 down linebacker that is a liability in coverage, IMO. Attaochu offers pass rush upside with good speed to size and imo gives House more clay to mold.

[keg in kc]

Originally Posted by Chief Roundup

Ragland is the only MLB we have and he has been playing with the ones while Attaochu has been playing with the threes.

I'd tend to agree with you.

I think if they didn't believe Ragland was a fit, they wouldn't have worked him with the ones the entire offseason, and they'd have actively tried to replace him at some point.

Kind of the reason I thought it was a bad sign for the future of Dorian O'Daniel here when they brought in Darren Lee, and immediately had him playing with the 1s and 2s.



The thing about the depth chart is that it's ultimately about what the Chiefs think of these guys as players, and not what we think or what we wish they thought about them...

[neech]

Well maybe the Chiefs are eyeing a team or two that have a deep LB core and are watching to see when they cut them to pick up.

Same as the Chiefs being deep at WR talent I think there will be a few teams waiting to see who we cut to pick them up.

[keg in kc]

Not that it really means anything, but I just finished watching the latest episode of The Franchise, and they featured two defensive players in the latter half of the show. Ragland was one, and he got several minutes. And the other was Lee.

Much like with Robinson earlier in the summer, just not sure they're going dedicate airtime to somebody who isn't going to be here.

[New World Order]

Who were our starting lbers against the Steelers?

I see Wilson in the play-by-play and I assume Hitchens was out there. Who was our starting mike? Ragland?

[Chargem]

Originally Posted by New World Order

Who were our starting lbers against the Steelers?

I see Wilson in the play-by-play and I assume Hitchens was out there. Who was our starting mike? Ragland?

Yes it was Ragland Hitch and Wilson who started vs the Steelers

[New World Order]

Originally Posted by Chargem

Yes it was Ragland Hitch and Wilson who started vs the Steelers

Thanks.

Stick Lee in there with the starters. He played inside last year with New York.

Can't be worse than Ragland

[IUsedToBeATightEnd]

Ragland fits just fine as MLB in Spags defense, and i dont know where you guys got the idea that in the BASE Spags 4-3 the MLB is supposed to be a light guy who excel at pass coverage.
Spags D lines are usually quite tricky/blitzy, and rely on a solid linebacker like Ragland in the middle. It is evident Ragland not only makes the roster but will be the starting MLB except in clear passing situation.
It is also evident most folks on CP will keep moaning and groaning about Ragland no matter how he actually plays.