Just last year, Chiefs would have already cut down to 75 players, and be forced to start guys who had already made the roster in the fourth, and most meaningless, preseason game. This year, the rule has changed, and all 90 players are still here, till Saturday at 3PM. Chiefs are pretty much guaranteed to keep 22 on defense, 22 on offense and three on STs, for a total of 47 players. Out of 53 roster spots, that leaves about six spots up for grabs and 37 guys trying to get them. Considering that Sam Ficken is not going to beat out Santos, that means 6-1 odds, on average, for the rest of the group. This week, I’ll be watching the guys who will make the roster, but shouldn’t, the guys who won’t make the roster, but should, surprise cuts and exploring a few guys Chiefs might have interest in on cut-down day.
Guys Who Will Make The Roster, But Shouldn’t
For whatever reason, there are always certain players that the Chiefs hold on to way longer than they should. Some have been obvious, like Frankie Hammond, others more subtle. This year, I see three guys in this category: Albert Wilson, Charcandrick West and Jah Reid.
Wilson has long had the dubious distinction of looking like a solid 5th WR who could be more, but never is. Super short arms, no ball tracking skills and average hands make Wilson a dropped pass waiting to happen. Still, Chiefs like his play on STs and his attitude in the locker room, so he’ll probably make this roster.
West is a really nice guy who was going to be a surprise cut, before Ware went down. He’s good enough to dominate third team defenses, but can’t get any more than is blocked for him against better players. Plenty of teams would be happy with West, and he’s got a great attitude, but Chiefs shouldn’t hang on to West just because of Ware’s injury. They should be looking for an upgrade at the 3rd RB spot, either on the waiver wire, or through trade.
Jah Reid. Chiefs starting OL looks pretty good, assuming Ehinger gets his spot back from Witzmann. The second string OL is a train wreck. Despite Reid’s size, he’s never looked like a guy who can succeed at OT. Since Chiefs have plenty of depth at G, they should be looking for a real swing tackle, because right now, if Fisher or Schwartz go down, Chiefs will be in big trouble.
Guys Who Won’t Make The Roster, But Should
When Albert Wilson makes the roster, he likely kicks somebody off who could be better. That guy is likely going to be Marcus Kemp. Kemp has developed good chemistry with Mahomes and showed up big on STs, but Chiefs are crowded at WR and are going to have to cut some guys with potential.
Orson Charles has an uphill battle to make the roster, but he’s got good hands, and he can block. Chiefs will likely opt for the size speed freaks at the TE position, but, to my eye, Charles has shown more, in preseason, than any of the options behind Kelce and Harris.
Chiefs Surprise Cuts
Every year, Chiefs cut somebody we thought would make the final roster. The biggest surprise of all already happened, in Jeremy Maclin, but I think a few more are yet to come.
Justin March has a lot of talent, and plays well on STs. Unfortunately for him, Chiefs weakness at ILB has suddenly turned into an area of strength and March’s injury history leaves him the last man out.
Gavin Escobar had a chance to make an impression, and, for a guy on prove-it deal, he didn’t prove much. Escobar is a good athlete and stood out in training camp, but he didn’t contribute much in the actual games. Chiefs have younger cheaper options that the team can control beyond 2017.
Later Team Targets
Chiefs have openly said that they don’t plan to be active on the waiver wire, that could be true, or it could be a smoke screen. Either way, Chiefs have a couple positions where the depth could use shoring up.
RB Devante Mays Green Bay 5′ 11” 230lbs
With Ware gone, Chiefs could really use a bruiser at RB. Mays fits that role perfectly. He’s surprisingly fast and explosive for his size, but lacks great vision. Had some injuries in college that held him back. Green Bay has a lot of solid depth at RB and may try to sneak 7th rounder Mays through the waiver wire. If they do, Chiefs should pounce, as this freak athlete has a chance to shine with a little polishing. In the meantime, he’s a great option for third and short.
OT Seantrell Henderson 6’7” 331lbs
Buffalo has made it clear that they are willing to make some trades. The new head coach appears to be in rebuild mode. Henderson will be suspended this year for 10 games, due to his second violation of the league substance abuse policy and is in the final year of his contract. Despite his problems, Henderson is a talented OT. If Buffalo is willing to move him in a player for player trade, or for a late round pick, Chiefs could secure some good depth at T that should be available late in the season, when they’d be most likely to need him. He wouldn’t cost much against the cap, and he wouldn’t take up a roster spot. Reid gets a year to see if he can get his head screwed on straight, and Chiefs are in the driver seat to sign him next year to a reasonable deal, bolstering their OL depth.
With most of the roster set in stone, expect everybody playing on Thursday to give it their all. There won’t be any veterans on the field, slow-playing to avoid injuries. This is a bunch of rookies, and it’s all out war. This game may be sloppy, but it certainly won’t be for lack of effort. For many players, this fourth preseason game could be their last shot at a life-long dream. Go earn your spot, and go Chiefs.
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