The Right 53?

I’d like to introduce you to new writer Frank Leggio. Frank’s family moved to the Kansas City area in 1985, he a graduated of Shawnee Mission Northwest and currently lives in the Columbus Ohio area with his wife and sons… who he’s already taught to love the Chiefs (now who says good parenting doesn’t exist anymore!). For a hobby, Frank runs in marathons and also does endurance work participating in Iron man competitions across the country having already completed 39 marathons (one ultra) in 34 states (so he has 17 more to go and he’ll have completed all 50 states plus DC). Frank shared wth me that his favorite Chiefs memory was when he got to go to a football practice session at Arrowhead one weekend as a kid. His father was the battalion commander of the Army recruiting in the area and he got to go watch the practice jumps of the Army’s Golden Knights and after the practice jumps, some of the Chiefs players came out and signed autographs and… Frank was hooked as a Chiefs fan. Please help me welcome Frank Leggio. -Laddie Morse

The Right 53?

By Frank Leggio

It is that time of year when the roster trim down takes place. There are always 4 groups of players that we mentally separate as we look at a roster page in the offseason/preseason,

Roster lock,
Probably going to make it,
Bubble player, and
No way they stay

I was just looking at our 75 man roster and started to try and identify the locks and probables. Based on a couple of factors I think these are fairly solid. However, when I look at the bubbles and the no ways, it seems pretty murky to me.

So, the “Locks” I listed (below) are based on a pattern of general manager John Dorsey and head coach Andy Reid sticking with people that know the system, veterans, and being elite, of course. I don’t necessarily think these are all the right players or best players, just that they seem to be who Dorsey/Reid will keep on the team.

The probables can be debated somewhat, but I think the same logic applies, just add in multi-position capability as part of the criteria. Again, just who Dorsey/Reid seem to like.

While I appreciate a lively debate, I would prefer that we focus it on the bubble and no way players in this case. However, if someone feels I have missed the mark on a lock or probable then state your case.

Here is what I am thinking at this point: 36 locks and 10 probables, leaving 7 open positions, mostly on defense. The last part surprises me a bit… I would have thought we would have had a more firm lineup on that side of the ball.

23 on Offense

19 Locks

Alex Smith, Jamaal Charles, Anthony Sherman, Jeremy Maclin, Albert Wilson, Travis Kelce, Eric Fisher, Parker Ehinger, Mitch Morse, Laurent Duvernay-Tardif, Mitchell Schwartz, Nick Foles, Charcandrick West, Chris Conley, Zach Fulton, Jah Reid, Spencer Ware, Tyreek Hill, Aaron Murray

4 Probables

Frankie Hammond, Demetrius Harris, Jarrod Pughsley, Rod Streater

20 on Defense

14 Locks

Jaye Howard, Dontari Poe, Allen Bailey, Dee Ford, Derrick Johnson, Ramik Wilson, Tamba Hali, Marcus Peters, Steven Nelson, Eric Berry, Ron Parker, Chris Jones, Rakeem Nunez-Roches, KeiVarae Russell

6 Probables

Frank Zombo, Marcus Cooper, Phillip Gaines, Daniel Sorensen, Jamell Fleming, Nick Williams

3 on Special Teams

3 Locks

Cairo Santos, Dustin Colquitt, James Winchester

Who else does that leave currently on the roster?

Tyler Bray, Kevin Hogan, Knile Davis, Darrin Reaves, De’Anthony Thomas, Da’Ron Brown, Demarcus Robinson, Ross Travis, James O’Shaughnessy, Brian Parker, Zach Sterup, Reid Fragel, Daniel Munyer, Jordan Devey, Jimmy Staten, Andy Mulumba, D.J. Alexander, Tyrell Adams, David King, Dadi Nicolas, Justin March, Terrance Smith, Dezman Moses, Kenneth Acker, D.J. White, Eric Murray, Jeron Johnson, Deveron Carr, Shakiel Randolph

Personal Thoughts and Preferences

I would go with Alex, Nick, and Kevin at QB. Tyler and Murray seem to struggle to show any development and/or get hurt. I cannot imagine what they are seeing behind the scenes that keep them on the roster. Bray has an arm yes, but aside from what I hear about him not picking up the offense very quickly and him getting hurt, that doesn’t fit Reid’s WC offense requires with short passes. So, why do we even have him?

Aaron Murray seems to be a guy that they want on the roster for some reason. I do think he fits the system better than Bray, but doesn’t seem to be able to play at the NFL level. Haven’t seen enough of Hogan to make my own judgement about which one is better.

I was thinking Bray is starting tonight as a way for The AH 1 brain trust (now that I explained it) to showcase him in hopes of a trade deal. If not, they cut him or IR him. Then Aaron moves into third.

I also wouldn’t be surprised if the put Hogan as QB3. It’s a bit of a coin flip, but I’m leaning towards Murray since they have stuck with him so far.

When I look at the list of 29 players that are competing for the final 7 spots, I am at a loss. I see many ways to go here based on what method you employ. My take, based on where we are from a depth perspective, would be the following breakout by position.

1 RB, 1 TE, 1 DL, 2 LBs, 1 DBs

Darrin Reaves, James O’Shaughnessy, David King, Andy Mulumba, Justin March, Jeron Johnson, Kenneth Acker

I am sure the AH1 (Arrowhead One – Reid & Dorsey) brain trust will use the last preseason game to properly feature these positions and give the guys a chance to show what they have for backup strength. In addition to this strategy, we should push the trade envelope as much as possible. Use whatever trade bait we have to fill the depth at these positions, particularly the LB spot.

All that being said, I think I would cut a few of the guys that have been around 2-3 years and aren’t showing the value we originally thought they would have.

Frankie Hammond, Marcus Cooper, Dee Ford

Seems like we should be able to find equivalent talent with a higher ceiling and/or a more rapid progression.

What’s the call? Who are the final 7? Or, who are the surprise picks to not make/make the roster?