Most Improved Chief – I thought I would open a can of worms and try to determine which Chiefs player, that was on the 53-man roster for the majority of the 2018 season, who would show the most improvement in 2019. This can be a very subjective subject, but what the heck, let’s dive in and see what all of you think.
The Quarterback
We should start with the quarterback, just to get that out of the way. Although Patrick Mahomes II will undoubtedly improve his play, it’s almost unthinkable to imagine him being able to improve so much, that he could be in the running as the Chiefs most improved player.
The Offensive Line
So, we can move on to the offensive line. Austin Reiter, as the starting center, could be in the running for most improved, as could Andrew Wylie, if he is indeed the starting left guard. We can all hope that Eric Fisher’s play improves at left tackle, but I’m afraid that he just is, what he is, a serviceable LT.
Getting Defensive: The Linemen
Jumping to the other side of the ball, DT Derrick Nnadi should have a real shot at being the most improved player for 2019, especially if he earns the starting role and has improved his pass rush capabilities. We can expect Chris Jones to improve, but his improvement, although significant, will probably be minimal. I think that if the coaching staff and front office thought that Breeland Speaks and Tanoh Kpassagnon would improve significantly, they wouldn’t have signed so many really good defensive linemen earlier in the off-season. In switching to a 4-3 front, some defensive linemen were needed, but if Kpass and Speaks were starting quality, the Chiefs could have signed some less expensive depth players.
The Linebackers
Taking a look at the linebackers, there is plenty of hope that Reggie Ragland, and especially Anthony Hitchens, show some major improvement in their play, but I’m still a little skeptical on these guys. It’s just that I’m from Missouri, and they’re going to have to show me. I do believe that the linebacker play will definitely improve from last year, but how much that improvement will be is something we’ll have to wait to see.
The Secondary
The defensive secondary went through such a drastic overhaul since last year, that the only player with a real possibility of earning most improved is Kendall Fuller. Now, while I do believe Fuller’s play will improve from last season, I don’t think it will be a tremendous amount. While some might want to include Charvarius Ward, I’m not yet convinced that he will be a starter, or even see extended playing time.
Back to the Offense: Tight End
Travis Kelce is the only tight end on the team that would be in consideration for most improved player. I imagine most of you are thinking there is no way that Kelce could improve that much, but think about this. What if Kelce could not only reset the receiving yards record for a tight end, but also break Rob Gronkowski’s record of 17 touchdown receptions in a season by a tight end? That should put him in consideration for most improved player.
The Running Backs
Damien Williams showed enough at the end of last season, to begin 2019 as the starting RB. I think he played well enough last year that I’m just hoping he can maintain that production. Any improvement in his play would be an exciting bonus. I do believe Darrel Williams will make the roster, but with the signing of Carlos Hyde and drafting of Darwin Thompson, I don’t think Darrel Williams role will increase much, if at all.
Finally, The Wide Receivers
With Tyreek Hill possibly……… likely……… maybe……… probably serving some type of suspension to start the season, other players will be given an opportunity to shine until his return. Demarcus Robinson is a receiver that I hear and read a number of people sleeping on this season. I believe that DRob will not only be a starting WR to begin the season, he will better newly departed Chris Conley’s best statistical season. In 2016, Conley had 44 receptions for 530 yards and zero TDs, and I think Robinson will easily surpass that in 2019.
Most Improved Chief for 2019
My choice for most improved returning player for 2019, is Sammy Watkins. I believe that in his second season with head coach Andy Reid’s offense, and most likely beginning the season as the number one WR target for Mahomes, that Watkins will have the best season of his career. I think he will more than double his receiving yards from 2018 (519 receiving yards, 3 TDs) and will have an excellent chance to quadruple his TD receptions. I would not be surprised at all, if Watkins produced over 1200 receiving yards and 12 TD’s this season.
Well, that’s my prediction, what do all of you think will happen?
Paul Pulley — ArrowheadOne
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