2020 Chiefs: From Top Contributors to Role Players

2020 Chiefs: From Top Contributors to Role Players – We remain in limbo, those of us anxiously awaiting the players to get to camp which we now understand will be held at Kansas City’s Arrowhead Facilities and not in St. Joseph. I’m not sure how I feel about this NFL requirement. It appears to me to be quite silly on the surface. It is far less likely to contract the virus in St. Joseph, a small town in Northwest Missouri as opposed to the highly urban environment of Kansas City itself.

My thoughts have been focused upon how the Chiefs Roster of players shapes up for the upcoming 2020 Season. I stand by my original assessment of the 2020 draft and believe the Chiefs have struck the vein of gold there. I don’t care what the national and local pundits are wont to say. I don’t believe there’s much risk in how this Roster Rolls out, but this is the NFL — it’s only Rock N’ Roll — but I like it!.

I regard this roster as a third Championship quality roster in the 3rd consecutive season (2020 upcoming). Are you ready for some Football? Here is the Chiefs 2020 Schedule:

18 players Top Level Contributors

A couple of days ago, PFF ranked the top 50 players in the NFL for the 2020 season. I can start with that list. Patrick Mahomes (QB) – the heart and soul of the Chiefs; Ty Hill (WR), his top over the top target; Travis Kelce (TE), the A-1 go to at any time threat; Chris Jones (DT), a pro-bowl level player who is one of the top five interior pass rushers in the game. Finally, Mitch Schwartz (RT) gets some sunshine: he is the most under-rated offensive tackle in the NFL, snubbed often and frequently.

Adding to the list of playmakers, greater than average NFL Starters: Sammy Watkins (Ace in the hole WR), Mecole Hardman (WR) – Improving each game, route running is far better at the end of 2019 and he is a playmaker at WR and S/T’s.

Anthony Sherman (FB) – top 2 FB’s & S/T’s; Eric Fisher (LT) – Pro Bowl Level OT; Dr. LDT (RG) – will return to form in 2020); Damien Williams and Clyde Edwards-Helaire (RB’s) – Damien gave great stuff and Clyde? No doubt about it, you’ll see it as soon as he hits the field; Harrison Butker (PK) – far underrated PK, coming into the top levels of ratings); James Winchester (LS) – solid/dependable; Frank Clark (DE) – Pro Bowl level player; Charvarius Ward (CB) – Pro Bowl Level Player:

Tyrann Mathieu (S) – Pro Bowl Level Player; Juan Thornhill (S) – Outstanding Rookie year, will improve in 2020.

Color Me Solid

Daniel Sorensen (S) – he’s been a game in game out playmaker. Martinas Rankin (OG) – proved to be a starting quality player and didn’t give up a sack in 270+ snaps, Derrick Nnadi, Khalen Saunders, Mike Pennel – all three solid D/T’s on the Interior DL, Alex Okafor (DE), Antonio Hamilton (CB) – May not be a starter but a solid #3 or #4 CB, Bashaud Breeland (CB), Anthony Hitchens (LB), Damien Wilson (LB) – proved he can play NFL Level LB in 2019.

Role Players & Prove It List

Rashad Fenton (CB) – showed he can play in 2019; Andrew Wylie (OG) – dependable, performance affected by a 2019 injury; Austin Reiter (C) – better than he showed in 2019; Breeland Speaks (DE/DT) – has to show he is a starting quality player in 2020; Ben Niemann (LB) – Solid rotation player.

Taco Charlton (DE) – Solid starter, will likely do more; Tanoh Kpassagnon (DE) – finally strutted some in 2019; Byron Pringle and Demarcus Robinson – Chiefs 4th & 5th WR’s who can play and contribute, need to see them move up to the next notch; Armani Watts (S) – was poised to start, injured and superseded by Thornhill. Watts can play the safety role well. I expect an uptick in his snaps and play. At this point? Watts could replace a departed Dan Sorensen (whenever Sorensen is moved).

Up and Coming

Don’t wait for it. He’s here, he is already at the top of his game before donning a helmet on the grass — Willie Gay, Jr. (LB) is going to be a true sideline-to-sideline playmaker in his rookie season. He’s going to make the defense “Better” and will do so very quickly. We haven’t seen in him Red, White, and Chiefs Gold yet. You do have to wait on that.

Lucas Niang(OT) – Niang will take over the first OL Substitution, as the “official Swing Tackle.” I think Niang is going to be the starting LT in 2021 and I am not slighting Eric Fisher. Fisher is very costly to keep on the roster. If it rolls out that Bieniemy & Co. believe that Niang is a. starter at Guard this season? So be it. I think SW/T is the best fit and most prudent roll out. Still, I expect Niang to be a major contributor in 2020.

L’Jarius Sneed (CB) will work to a starting role quickly but the coaching staff will break him in at the required pace for success. Sneed will fulfill the versatility need of Spagnuolo’s defensive secondary and become a starter in the secondary. He may get a taste of getting thrown to the wolves early due to Bashaud Breeland’s suspension situation. I think Sneed replaces Kendall Fuller very quickly and I’m good with this being what happens in 2020. Very good. Sure. It will take some adjustment time to get to the NFL play speed. All indications are that he will do this with little difficulty.

Above, I listed CEH as an undoubted playmaker. You yourself may drop him down to this last list since he is a rookie. However, for me… Helaire is one of the best fits to an immediate role as I have seen come along since Reid took the coaching reins in 2013. Going from LSU’s offense to the Chiefs offense shoudl be a breeze for him. I potentially could add other players, including BoPete Keyes, but I’ll stop here. This is how I see the roster and it is a championship roster… with improvements!

Exposures Are Minimal

Exposures, or weak points, in the player groups for 2020 are minimal. Cornerback remains the weak point because of Breeland’s likely suspension. I hope Veach reaches a long term deal with Chris Jones. Even so, Jones and Frank Clark give the Chiefs two top level pass rushers from the front four. What I anticipate behind that is Willie Gay making the full complement of Linebackers better. I believe this will occur and occur quickly. He is a special player and a real athlete.

If you grant me the 18 players who are top contributors, then this roster has no risk to the roll. At one point another author cautioned that it took 12 such players to be in competition for the Lombardi Trophy. My assessment is different than that but the Chiefs do have 12 total playmakers at least. Let’s Roll for LV Chiefs!

Adding Depth is ongoing and at the same time. Adding Rookies and UDFA’s can add factors that we cannot foresee in their potential nor the contribution a UDFA might bring to the table. There is a ton of talent on this roster. It’s High Jingo, from my corner of the world!

David Bell — ArrowheadOne

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