As of today, the Kansas City Chiefs released their 2017 53 man roster, which means the front office made roster cuts. Just as expected, many players who were not able to showcase their talents in the preseason did not make the final cut. To some surprise, there were players who seemed to be a lock to have their name on the final roster who did not. Three key names opened eyes in their preseason performances were released, and shocked Chiefs Kingdom: Marcus Kemp, Gavin Escobar, C.J. Spiller. This makes for a sad situation to see these names go, even after a short lived career in Kansas City. But, this does not mean they are done for good; each of these names could eventually find their path back to Kansas City, or be a part of the practice squad.
Three Surprising Roster Cuts By the Kansas City Chiefs
Marcus Kemp
What Kemp Accomplished in Kansas City
An undrafted wide receiver in Kemp become a fan favorite in the 2017 preseason festivities for many reasons. The former Hawaii Rainbow Warrior alum caught the pass from second string quarterback Patrick Mahomes, which gave both of these young prospects their first professional touchdowns. Kemp seemed to contribute in nearly every preseason game. He caught everything that was thrown his way, and he played every down with an ambition to become an NFL player. It will be tough to see this prospect go, but expect Kemp to make the practice squad in Kansas City if no better opportunities arise for his raw talent.
Why Kemp Was Cut
The reason here to why Kemp did not make the complete 53 man roster is due to the talent ahead. The depth chart for the wide receiver clan is impressive as it is, and Kemp never made his way through to find his spot. Kemp does not have the traits, or experience that the players ahead of him possess. Kemp has the possibility to make the practice squad and find an open roster spot in the near future. But as of now, do not expect to hear this name for awhile in Kansas City, especially during regular season contests. Thank you Marcus Kemp, it was a pleasure watching you start your career off right by playing for the Chiefs.
A New Look at the Wide Receiver Depth
Notes:
- Keep in mind how incredibly young this wide receiver corps is.
Gavin Escobar
What Escobar Accomplished in Kansas City
Escobar himself in the preseason obviously did nothing eye-opening to be considered someone who was going to take place of star Travis Kelce. Escobar was only targeted eight times in the preseason, and caught four of the eight targets. He may have not delivered solid stats, but Escobar is an experienced tight end in the league. If the Chiefs would have decided to keep Escobar, he would have added a nice dimension to the depth of the tight end corps. Best of luck to Mr. Escobar as he will more than likely land somewhere in the NFL to continue his professional career.
Why Escobar Was Cut
This is hard to examine here to find the true answer. As mentioned before, Escobar did not do anything spectacular in the preseason, but he did enough to make Chiefs Kingdom think he would make the final cut. The best prediction here is Escobar is a few steps behind all of the tight ends in the offensive philosophy. There could be plenty of issues behind the scenes to cause Kansas City to cut Escobar. This move seems as if the Chiefs couldn’t find a way to make Escobar a contributor for the franchise.
A New Look at the Tight End Depth
- Travis Kelce
- Demetrius Harris
- Ross Travis
Notes:
- Behind Kelce, and Harris, there is no experience. Ross Travis played slim to none last season.
C.J. Spiller
What Spiller Accomplished in Kansas City
Spiller desperately needs a break. Sadly he cannot catch a break, as he has suffered injuries to set back what seemed to be a long and successful career. The Chiefs seemed to be the team to re-spark his career, and would be the place to rejuvenate. Out of surprise, Spiller was released by Kansas City. Spiller accomplished little in the preseason, but he was a nice looking name to own on the roster. Spiller added speed and depth in the backfield. Although Spiller was released, general manager Brett Veach said Spiller could find his way back on the roster.
Why Spiller Was Cut
The unknowns lies within to why Spiller was cut. Surely there is another plan for Kansas City, because after this move the Chiefs find themselves with only two true running backs on the roster. The best guess to why he was cut was due to his injury prone seasons in the past, or Kansas City has someone coming in to the organization that has not been announced yet. Do not expect Kansas City to stick to only two true running backs the entire NFL season.
A New Look at the Running Back Depth
Notes:
- Yes, there is only two true running backs on the roster.
Complete Roster – Football is Coming
With the roster set, this only means one thing: NFL football is coming. Kansas City has a well rounded roster with plenty of potential in every single position, and has capabilities to do some very impressive things this season.
It is sad to see these three names go along with others, but this game is also business related, as the NFL holds plenty of business aspects to round off the professional game. This is not a dating web page, but the best way to put it is this: There are plenty of fish in the sea. To everyone who lost their roster spot in Kansas City; thank you and good luck.
Finally, the drama is over by deciding who leaves, and who stays. Now, it is time to watch Kansas City put their talented roster to work. Thursday the Chiefs kickoff their season against the New England Patriots.
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