Every year, NFL teams open training camp with 90 players on the roster. By the time the regular season kicks off, all 32 teams are required to cut 37 of those players to get to the league maximum of 53 players on the active roster. Over the next week, we will take a look at the Kansas City Chiefs current roster. Today, we take a look who might make up the offensive portion of the final 53 man roster.
Predicting the 53: Kansas City Chiefs Offense
Quarterback
The first and second string quarterback spots are not in question. Alex Smith will be the starter and Nick Foles will be his primary backup, serving as a veteran presence in the event that Smith misses some time. After two preseason games, there is still no clarity on the third spot. Tyler Bray was named Smith’s backup before acquiring Foles, but he has been less than stellar in the limited action he’s seen on the field. Add that he’s currently dealing with an injury and it’s not hard to imagine that he is falling behind Aaron Murray in the competition for the third quarterback spot on the roster. The Chiefs have traditionally found a way to “hide” players by stashing them away on injured reserve, which is where Bray spent the 2015 season. With his recent injury, it’s possible that he ends up there again this year. Kevin Hogan was drafted this year but did not play at all in the second preseason game. With the starters likely playing into the second half of the third preseason game, don’t expect to see Hogan this week against the Chicago Bears either. He may get extensive time in the fourth and final preseason game, but it’s hard to imagine he makes the final 53.
Make the roster: Alex Smith, Nick Foles, Aaron Murray
Cut or IR: Tyler Bray
Practice squad candidate: Kevin Hogan
Running Back and Fullback
The Chiefs have a very talented backfield, arguably one of the best in the league. Despite coming off of a torn ACL, Jamaal Charles is still one of the most talented running backs in the league. Spencer Ware has carried the bulk of the carries in the preseason, particularly in the second game with Charcandrick West sitting out due to injury. Anthony Sherman will no doubt make the roster as the full back and in part because of his special teams contributions. Knile Davis has played well and is still serving as the team’s primary kick returner in the preseason games and at training camp. Despite this, there just doesn’t seem to be room on the 53 man roster to carry four running backs. He could potentially be traded to a team that needs a running back as the season gets closer. Darrin Reaves has shown some promise and still has practice squad eligibility, so that is an option for the second year pro.
Make the roster: Jamaal Charles, Spencer Ware, Charcandrick West, Anthony Sherman
Cut: Knile Davis, Darrin Reaves
Practice squad candidate: Darrin Reaves
Tight End
There is no question that Travis Kelce and Demetrius Harris are going to make the roster. Kelce is coming off of a Pro Bowl year and signed a five-year extension this offseason to become one of the highest paid tight ends in the league. Kelce’s extension came a few months after the Chiefs signed Harris to an extension as well. Ross Travis is a former basketball player that has been turning heads in camp and the two preseason games with his impressive hands, size and speed. Travis has seen extensive time on the field with Alex Smith and the first team offense, so it’s expected that he makes the team and makes an impact. Brian Parker and James O’Shaughnessy have not had much of an impact this offseason, and it’s hard to imagine the Chiefs carry more than three tight ends on the roster. O’Shaughenessy still has practice squad eligibility, so he may end up there.
Make the roster: Travis Kelce, Demetrius Harris, Ross Travis
Cut: Brian Parker, James O’Shaugnessy
Practice squad candidate: James O’Shaugnessy
Wide Receiver
There are a couple of no brainers here, as Jeremy Maclin and Chris Conley will make the roster. Both will be key pieces in the Chiefs passing attack for the 2016 season. Rod Streater has made some impressive catches in training camp and during the preseason, but the most telling sign is a recent contract change that virtually guarantees Streater’s roster spot. The Chiefs converted escalators to guaranteed money, which means they’ve invested money in him for this coming year. He won’t be cut after getting a re-worked contract. Tyreek Hill has been the talk of training camp with his speed and route running ability. He has not shown much in the preseason, but it’s possible that the team is keeping some of their plans under wraps for the speedy rookie. Many expected that the drafting of Hill meant the end of De’Anthony Thomas’ time on the roster, but Thomas has still routinely seen time with the second team offense. It’s hard to think that the coaching staff is ready to give up on Thomas after having so many gadget plays last year before losing Thomas for the last half of the season in 2015. If there is a “surprise” cut this year, it could come at this position. Albert Wilson has been serviceable, but his development thus far can’t be what the team envisioned over the last two years. There appeared to be times last season when he would not block downfield or give full effort on side line catches. Wilson will likely make the final roster, but don’t be shocked if his name is on the final cut list. There are multiple other players currently on the roster, but they have made very little impact. Frankie Hammond was a contributor last year, but he has seen very little time with the first or second team this preseason. Mike Williams is a veteran that has struggled with drops during training camp, and will likely be cut before the season starts. The Chiefs drafted Demarcus Robinson this year and he will likely need some time to develop before he can truly fight for a roster spot.
Make the roster: Jeremy Maclin, Chris Conley, Rod Streater, Tyreek Hill, De’Anthony Thomas, Albert Wilson
Cut: Da’Ron Brown, Frankie Hammond Jr., Seantavius Jones, Mitch Mathews, Kashif Moore, Demarcus Robinson, Mike Williams
Practice squad candidate: Da’Ron Brown, Demarcus Robinson
Offensive Linemen
The starting five are set: Eric Fisher, Parker Ehringer, Mitch Morse, Laurent Duvernay-Tardif and Mitch Schwartz. Behind that, expect a few veterans to make the active roster to be there in emergency roles. Jah Reid and Zach Fulton both started at multiple positions last year, so will likely make the roster to serve this capacity. Jarrod Pughsley has played both tackle positions with the second team offense, so it’s likely he will be the teams swing tackle off the bench. Expect the Chiefs to carry a couple of linemen on the practice squad as well, in case an injury comes up that requires the Chiefs to promote one of them to the active roster in a reserve role.
Make the roster: Eric Fisher, Parker Ehringer, Mitch Morse, Laurent Duvernay-Tardif, Mitch Schwartz, Jah Reid, Zach Fulton, Jarrod Pughsley
Cut: Jordan Devey, Reid Fragel, Garrick Mayweather, Daniel Munyer, Drew Nowak, Zach Sterup, Curtis Feigt
Practice squad candidate: Daniel Munyer, Zach Sterup
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