Chiefs Roster Battles to Watch in Remaining Preseason Action

Chiefs Roster Battles to Watch in Remaining Preseason Action – After one preseason game, the roster may not be set, but the competitions are. Fan favorites may find themselves fighting for final spots, with guys the coaching staff is higher on. After the first few drives, with the number one offense, we should get a really good look at who Chiefs are giving the edge to, in these contests, that will decide the final composition of the locker room.

Dorian O’Daniel vs Jeremiah Attaochu

In hindsight, we should have seen the writing on the wall, when Chiefs traded for Darron Lee. O’Daniel has struggled to grasp the scheme, and seems stuck with the 3rd team. If he’s going to make the roster, as developmental depth, he’s going to have to contribute, on STs and show at least some progress, as a Linebacker. Attaochu isn’t a great special teams player, or a starter, but his versatility makes him an attractive keep. Chiefs can play him at SAM, or DE. He also brings a unique wrinkle as a guy who can drop back in coverage, better than most of Chiefs rushers. As the roster sits, only one of these guys is likely to make it.

Byron Pringle vs Cody Thompson vs Rashard Davis

If you had told me, six weeks ago, that Kemp would be solidly in front of Pringle I would have laughed. Time flies. Kemp showed an ability to get open by following the play design, and running solid routes. He also proved to be an exceptional blocker, something that matters in Andy Reid’s creative screen game. With the top five set (Hill, Watkins, Robinson, Hardman, Kemp). There would typically only be one roster spot left. Cody Thompson has been playing well. Chiefs would like to stash him on the practice squad, but that may not be an option. Rashard Davis has looked excellent in camp, but Chiefs didn’t give him a ton of opportunities in preseason game one. Ultimately, K.C. will have to pick one of these guys to keep. It’s certainly possible that none of them will clear waivers.

Justin Hamilton vs Xavier Williams

The Chiefs have liked Hamilton’s attitude, but Williams is stouter. Getting washed, in the Red Zone, for the Bengals first TD, certainly won’t help Hamilton, but anyone can gave a bad play, against a double team. Steve Spagnuolo is a little bit old-school. Stopping the run still matters to him. Whoever can do that best, will find themselves on the roster next month.

Kyle Shurmur vs Chase Litton vs the Field

The Chiefs backup Quarterbacks have an uphill battle. Not only must they compete with each other, but they also have to stand up against every bottom of the roster guy who can actually contribute this year. In the early goings, Shurmur looks to have the clear lead on Litton. He’s a smart player who executed the offense well, and threw with touch, despite lacking the same physical tools that Litton has. If Chiefs want to replace Chad Henne, next year, Shurmur is the clear choice. The question is, can they afford a roster spot this year, to save salary cap, next year.

Tanoh Kpassagnon vs Emmanuel Ogbah

Kpass is getting a certain amount of hype right now, but I’m not sure I buy it, yet. He still lacks refinement, as a pass rusher. Chiefs might be trying to groom him as a trade asset. In any case, Clark, Okafor, and Speaks seem like locks to make the roster. Ogbah and Kpass could both be kept, if not, the last spot should come down to these two.

Watts vs Sorenson

Both of these players are likely to make the 53 man roster. The competition, here, is for starting reps. Tyrann Mathieu and Juan Thornhill are the main guys, but Chiefs will, occasionally play three safeties. There is a possibility that Mathieu may have to play slot corner, at times too. Watts has been rotating in, in place of Mathieu, and Sorenson in place of Thornhill, but, if Watts has another performance, like he did against the Bengals, he can work himself into a depth role, at both spots.

Carlos Hyde vs Tremon Smith vs the Field

The Chiefs kept four Running Backs, last year, besides Sherman, but this isn’t typical of modern roster construction. Damien Williams is set, Darrel Williams looks like he’ll make the roster, and Darwin Thompson has impressed. The final spot, if there is one, comes down to polar opposite players. Hyde is a savvy veteran who lacks explosive traits, or versatility, but pass blocks well. Smith is raw, in every respect, but has speed, in spades, and offers versatility on offense, defense, and special teams. Chiefs level of confidence in Damien’s health, and Darrel’s skill, may have more impact, on this roster battle, than anything that Hyde or Smith can do. Still, every little bit helps. Gotta perform, when you get the chance.

The Battle’s Endgame

Kansas City has built a roster full of quality depth. There’s evidence of that in the sheer number of position battles, and frankly, in the score of a ‘meaningless’ pre-season game. This time of the year may be fun for fans, but it’s torture for coaches, and players. Neither end of the cutting process is particularly fun. At the end of the day, the NFL is a tough business. Take care of what you can take care of on the field, and let the rest take care of itself. Can’t wait to see how these battles work out. Go Chiefs.

Ransom Hawthorne — ArrowheadOne

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