Chiefs Roster Cuts: It’s Only a Day Away
Laddie Morse
The NFL has moved forward with their new cut down days system, first it was down to 85, and then down to 80, and by tomorrow, all NFL teams must collectively cut approximately 864 players (27 players X 32 teams) so naturally, Brett Veach and his band of merry men will be scouting the waiver wires to see if their are players they want more than the one’s they already decided to keep. So they can get 1% better, right? Example: they may want to sign a new Tight End to replace Blake Bell… since Bell is headed immediately to the IR list once he’s designated to the 53-man roster. Here are some of the NFL Cut Down rules shared by NBC.com
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“Prior to 4:00 p.m., [on August 30] New York time, clubs must reduce rosters to a maximum of 53 players on the Active/Inactive List. Simultaneously with the roster reduction to 53 players, clubs that have players in the categories of Active/Physically Unable to Perform or Active/Non-Football Injury or Illness must select one of the following options: place player on Reserve/Physically Unable to Perform or Reserve/Non-Football Injury or Illness, whichever is applicable; terminate or request waivers with the designation of Failed Physical or Non- Football Injury or Illness, whichever is applicable; request waivers; terminate contract; trade contract; or continue to count the player on the Active List. Players who are on the Reserve List or Exempt List and are not counting against the 90-player limit will begin to count against the 90-player limit.”
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Position Battlegrounds
Offensive Battles
Wide Receivers – Daurice Fountain vs. Corey Coleman
Coleman had a 45 yard Kick off return which should cause Reid, Toub and Veach to sit up and pay attention.
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However, this is an evaluation based on many games and many practice factors — some of which are unknown to us — that said, I’m going with Fountain. The WRs who make the team should include: JuJu Smith-Schuster, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Mecole Hardman, Skyy Moore, Justin Watson and Daurice Fountain.
Tight Ends – Franks vs an Unknown FA
Blake Bell was injured and will be going to the IR as soon as he is given a spot on the 53 man roster. Jordan Franks is not likely the blocking tight end they’re looking for so I’d guess the Chiefs will be keeping a close eye on the waiver wire for another teams TE who may be cut. The TEs who should make the final roster include: Travis Kelce, Blake Bell, Jody Fortson and Noah Gray. That doesn’t include Matt Bushman who should be protected or he’ll likely end up on the IR list.
Quarterback – Shane Buechele v being signed away
Patrick Mahomes and Chad Henne are locks here but if Shane Buechele is going to be stolen off the Practice Squad, they may keep three QBs, which means they must keep fewer players at another position. They aren’t likely to do that, so Buechele is going to the PS.
Offensive Line – No Battle here
The starting five are clear cut keepers: Brown, Thuney, Humphrey, Smith and Wylie. After them it’s going to be: Nick Allegretti, Austin Reiter, Geron Christian and Prince Tega Wanogho. That means Darian Kinnard should be sent to the PS.
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Defensive Battles
IDL – Danny Shelton v Keeping fewer IDL
Chris Jones, Derrick Nnadi, Tershawn Wharton, and Khalen Saunders have locked down positions. If the Chiefs choose not to keep 5 IDL, then Danny Shelton may be in trouble. I doubt he’s in trouble.
DE – Malik Herring vs Joshua Kaindoh
Frank Clark, Carlos Dunlap, George Karlaftis and Mike Danna are definitely going to part of the 53. The Chiefs will want o keep another DE, and I believe in Malik Herring. That means Kaindoh goes to the PS.
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DE Malik Herring
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Malik Herring has zero experience in the NFL, but he could end up being the biggest surprise on the Chiefs roster, as a position where some top level talent is needed. Here’s what Daniel Harms at RGR Football had to say about Herring recently:
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“Malik Herring (RDE #94) showed some violent, quick hands in his first NFL action and he impressed me more than a few times, while Jaylen Watson (top of screen) showed well in man and zone coverage. Promising flashes.”
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Linebackers – Jermaine Carter vs Elijah Lee
Bolton, Gay, Chenal and Darius Harris look like locks to me. The battle is between Jermaine Carter and Elijah Lee… and I think Jermaine Carter looked too much like the other #53 who used to wear his jersey. Lee it is. I really like the potential of Mike Rose and Jack Cochrane, so hopefully they end up on the PS.
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LB Darius Harris
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Darius Harris has been with the team since April of 2019 but he’s developed into a very good supporting cast for the Linebackers. Consequently, I’m naming him as one of hte Chiefs Filthy Diamonds, or Diamond-in-the-rough if you will.
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Cornerbacks – No Battles here.
The CBs to make the team seem clear cut to me: L’Jarius Sneed, Rashad Fenton, Trent McDuffie, Joshua Williams, Jaylen Watson and Chris Lammons. Lammons had a very good preseason in the last two games. Nazeeh Johnson, and hopefully Dicaprio Bootle, end up on the PS.
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CB Jaylen Williams
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Jaylen Williams should not only make the team, but he should end up finding his fair share of snaps during regular season games. He was one of the Chiefs three 7th round picks this year, yet has been a pleasant surprise, not only in camp but in preseason games as well. He is part of what has become popularly known as the “Fab Five”, referring tot he five DBs taken by K.C. in the most recent draft.
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Safeties – No Battle Here.
The starters seem clear cut to me here too: Justin Reid, Juan Thornhill, Bryan Cook and Deon Bush. That leaves Devon Key and Zayne Anderson possible PS players.
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Safety Deon Bush
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Deon Bush is a veteran player who spent the first 6 years of his career in Chicago with the Bears. His ability to hit may be the main reason he makes this team.
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Special Teams
No Conflict here.
Punter Tommy Townsend, Kicker Harrison Butker and long snapper James Winchester are all locks.
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The final team is coming together. I doubt there will be any huge surprises.
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Laddie Morse — ArrowheadOne
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