Popular Brooke Pryor's final 52 projection

[Mloe68 1,521]

Actual football talk so I posted it even though I disagree with at least 3-4 of her picks. Looking down at our roster its amazing how young this team really is. We've got 5 thirty year olds on the entire roster and that includes the long snapper, punter, fullback and backup QB. Take those role players out of the equation this may be one of the top 2-3 youngest rosters in the NFL. 

 

QUARTERBACKS (2)

Patrick Mahomes, Chad Henne

No quarterback competition here. The biggest battle will be for the practice squad spot. Chase Litton has the experience with the Chiefs, and he’s in his last year of practice squad eligibility. But he’ll be challenged by Kyle Shurmur, son of Giants coach Pat Shurmur. A Vanderbilt product, Shurmur looked good in offseason workouts and could be a serious challenger to Litton.

RUNNING BACKS (5)

Damien Williams, Carlos Hyde, Darrel Williams, Darwin Thompson, Anthony Sherman

This room looks a lot different than it did at the beginning of the 2018 season. With the departures of Kareem Hunt and Spencer Ware, Damien Williams enters the season as the Chiefs’ starter — a role he earned with his performance in the final games of last season. Behind him, the Chiefs will have a mixture of veteran and young, unproven talent. Hyde figures to be the No. 2 back, with Darrel Williams and rookie Thompson rounding out the room. Fullback Sherman is a lock as a versatile offensive player.

 

WIDE RECEIVER (6)

Sammy Watkins, Demarcus Robinson, Mecole Hardman, Gehrig Dieter, Byron Pringle,Cody Thompson, Tyreek Hill*

If Hill starts out the season with a suspension of some length, the Chiefs will have an extra wide receiver spot to fill. I think that goes to Cody Thompson. The undrafted free agent had a good camp, and his performance there would earn him the opportunity to fill Hill’s spot if the speedy wide receiver is forced to sit out. Pringle was a favorite of the coaches last season before his injury, and he’s been mentioned frequently this summer. And not only is Dieter a good friend of Mahomes, he’s also a pretty good wide receiver. He was elevated to the active roster late last season during Watkins’ absence and played 32 snaps with one catch on three targets during that stretch. He also has a role on special teams, giving him another boost to make the 53-man roster.

TIGHT END (3)

Travis Kelce, Deon Yelder, John Lovett

Kelce is the only sure-thing in this tight end group. The Chiefs are dangerously thin at the position and there’s not a great selection to choose from for the TE2 spot. Yelder missed OTAs and minicamp with a minor hamstring injury, but he has the most experience among those vying for a spot. Lovett will make the roster as a tight end, but he could really go under any of the offensive skill position groups. The former Princeton quarterback is well-liked for his versatility and energy, and he spent time during workouts playing with all three strings of the offense. Like the other tight ends during OTAs and minicamp, he had a couple of dropped balls, but he can plug a lot of holes for the Chiefs. For that reason, there should be a spot for him on the final roster.

OFFENSIVE LINE (8)

Mitchell Schwartz, Eric Fisher, Laurent Duvernay-Tardif, Austin Reiter, Andrew Wylie,Cam Erving, Nick Allegretti, Kahlil McKenzie

There could be a lot of movement here after training camp, but after OTAs and minicamp, this seems to be the most likely group of offensive linemen. Although McKenzie didn’t play at all last season as he transitioned from the defensive to offensive line, the Chiefs don’t seem likely to let their 2018 draft pick go. When Jimmy Murray left early with an injury during mandatory minicamp, McKenzie got work in snapping the ball during 7-on-7s. Allegretti, this year’s final draft pick, was a late-round steal. His versatility will keep him around, and he took snaps at both center and guard during OTAs and minicamp.

DEFENSIVE LINE (9)

Frank Clark

Chris Jones, Alex Okafor, Emmanuel Ogbah, Derrick Nnadi, Breeland Speaks, Khalen Saunders, Justin Hamilton, Tanoh Kpassagnon

The foundational pieces of this position are Jones and Clark, but equally important will be Okafor. He’s a projected starter and his performance will dictate how many resources opposing offenses can use to slow Clark. With the move to Steve Spagnuolo’s 4-3 defense, some of the guys in this group were previously classified as outside linebackers. This year, though, players like Speaks will be defensive ends. A surprise make in the D-line group is Kpassagnon. Though he looks the part of an NFL player, the 2017 draft pick has had an inconsistent and disappointing tenure with the Chiefs as a linebacker. That could change this year. He spent time during mandatory minicamp on the interior of the defensive line. Adding that position to his repertoire could keep him around. While Kpassagnon is projected to make the roster, Xavier Williams could be a surprise cut. It seems to be a toss-up between Williams and Hamilton to make the roster, and though Williams is a hometown kid, he comes with a bigger cap hit. If he’s cut during training camp, the Chiefs will save $1.807 million against the cap, while carrying $1.875 million in dead money.

LINEBACKER (6)

Anthony Hitchens, Reggie Ragland, Damien Wilson, Darron Lee, Ben Niemann, Dorian O’Daniel

Ragland isn’t a natural fit in Spagnuolo’s 4-3 defense, but he enters training camp as the first-string middle linebacker. Even in last year’s 3-4 defense, Ragland struggled. But he also wasn’t fully healthy at any point in the season, beginning the year with the knee injury that flared up on flights to and from Mexico City and kept him out of some training camp practices. But a healthy Ragland playing in an uncomplicated system like Spagnuolo’s should be enough to keep him around. The second-string guys in this group, including former first-rounder Lee, are an important bunch, too. Both Neimann and O’Daniel will continue to be crucial on special teams for Dave Toub in their second year with the franchise.

CORNERBACK (6)

Kendall Fuller, Bashaud Breeland, Charvarius Ward, Tremon Smith, Keith Reaser,Rashad Fenton

Remember Reaser? He was on the Chiefs’ practice squad in 2017 and returned briefly last season before landing on IR. He was subsequently released with an injury settlement and went on to become one of the standout players in the short-lived AAF, thus earning another shot with the Chiefs. He had an interception during 7-on-7s in mandatory minicamp and would give the corner position solid depth. Fenton, a rookie, had a forgettable offseason and didn’t particularly stand out during mandatory minicamp. But the Chiefs aren’t likely to part with a 2019 draft pick. The last time they permanently parted ways with a new draft pick in the same year came in 2016, when third-round pick cornerback KeiVarae Russell was cut in September following an unremarkable training camp.

SAFETY (5)

Tyrann Mathieu, Juan Thornhill, Jordan Lucas, Armani Watts, Daniel Sorensen

A year ago, this position was perhaps the weakest on the team. Now, it may be the strongest. Not only that, but you’d be hard-pressed to find a more solid safety group top to bottom in the league. Mathieu is the obvious headliner of the group, but Thornhill could be the most important. His presence will dictate whether Mathieu plays more in the box — where he’s said he wants to play — or has to play deep at free safety. The rookie was taking snaps with the first team before he injured his calf and missed mandatory minicamp. There’s no indication that he won’t be ready for training camp, and if he picks up where he left off, he’ll be a Week 1 starter at free safety. Though Sorensen will likely be bumped down the safety depth chart with the addition of Thornhill, his value on special teams will keep him around. Lucas was a feel-good story last season, earning playing time as injuries depleted the position group. He had an interception against Jacksonville, got married and his wife had a baby. The Lucas Locomotive will keep chugging along this season.

SPECIALISTS (3)

Harrison Butker, Dustin Colquitt, James Winchester

The Chiefs brought in another punter — Jack Fox — for offseason workouts, but ultimately, Colquitt’s experience as the longest-tenured Chief on the roster keeps him around for another season. Butker signed an extension earlier this offseason, and Winchester is another automatic make. 

 

 

[Iluvhouse24 1,808]

Brook Pryor? She is the main instigator in this whole fiasco that could have cost us the most explosive player in the NFL.  Her name ought never be spoken here.

[jetlord 10,209]

Don't be surprised when the Chiefs pick up a CB off the cut list and dump Fenton.  Same could happen at TE unless Lovett shows good with the pads on against good defense.  Other than that, it's about what we would expect. 

[Mloe68 1,521]

21 minutes ago, Iluvhouse24 said:

Brook Pryor? She is the main instigator in this whole fiasco that could have cost us the most explosive player in the NFL.  Her name ought never be spoken here.

Meh. She’s The Stars primary beat writer and was handed only the partial audio like the rest of us. 

[liquidfriend 1,151]

2 hours ago, jetlord said:

Don't be surprised when the Chiefs pick up a CB off the cut list and dump Fenton.  Same could happen at TE unless Lovett shows good with the pads on against good defense.  Other than that, it's about what we would expect. 

Tremon Smith would be in danger.

And I think it's 50-50 Darrel Williams makes final roster.

[sith13 1,746]

Not sure about 11 RBs/WRs with a secondary full of question marks. I can see a couple names leave in favor of some DBs that are not in the mix yet. 

[xen 1,010,220]

8 hours ago, Mloe68 said:

Meh. She’s The Stars primary beat writer and was handed only the partial audio like the rest of us. 

Yeah kctv5 were the ones that decided to edit.

[Lamardirts 2,114]

I think TE, CB and even wr could get looked at.  Lovett is a project, Yelder is a huge question mark.  Smith and Fenton are talented but huge question marks as well for a team with SB aspirations.  But that list seems pretty accurate.  

[Mloe68 1,521]

4 hours ago, Lamardirts said:

I think TE, CB and even wr could get looked at.  Lovett is a project, Yelder is a huge question mark.  Smith and Fenton are talented but huge question marks as well for a team with SB aspirations.  But that list seems pretty accurate.  

Kelce is coming back from surgery and missed the entire offseason. With so little proven depth behind him, I see this as big need still.  As is CB where we have more legit questions than legit answers. 

[Lamardirts 2,114]

At this point Veach is just waiting for cuts imo to nab a quality vet who is making too much for their current team to keep on the roster.  If we stand pat I look for a Chris Jones/ Tyreek Hill ext

[jetlord 10,209]

30 minutes ago, Mloe68 said:

Kelce is coming back from surgery and missed the entire offseason. With so little proven depth behind him, I see this as big need still.  As is CB where we have more legit questions than legit answers. 

The Chief's offense can still operate with a weaker backup to Kelce.  Not a good situation, but Harris didn't exactly light it up and the offense rolled.  CB is a huge problem.  That's why I was so hyped on the Chiefs drafting one in the first round.  If Breeland plays like he could a few years ago.  If Ward isn't just another flash in the pan who doesn't hold up long term.  If none of the three starters gets injured.  Otherwise we're going to see a Bartee look alike starting and good teams will pick him apart at the end of close games.  I'm having nightmares already. 

[reesebobby 5,661]

6 minutes ago, jetlord said:

The Chief's offense can still operate with a weaker backup to Kelce.  Not a good situation, but Harris didn't exactly light it up and the offense rolled.  CB is a huge problem.  That's why I was so hyped on the Chiefs drafting one in the first round.  If Breeland plays like he could a few years ago.  If Ward isn't just another flash in the pan who doesn't hold up long term.  If none of the three starters gets injured.  Otherwise we're going to see a Bartee look alike starting and good teams will pick him apart at the end of close games.  I'm having nightmares already. 

I am anxious to see the effect of changing coordinators on our pass defense.  That and having some real safety help. 

[Mloe68 1,521]

13 minutes ago, Lamardirts said:

At this point Veach is just waiting for cuts imo to nab a quality vet who is making too much for their current team to keep on the roster.  If we stand pat I look for a Chris Jones/ Tyreek Hill ext

He also clearly will target some likely players on the bubble and isn’t afraid to make a trade for those first contract upside guys. The Ward trade gave us a true high upside corner for a journeyman type guard talent. Just a wicked under the radar deal. 

[Mloe68 1,521]

10 minutes ago, jetlord said:

The Chief's offense can still operate with a weaker backup to Kelce.  Not a good situation, but Harris didn't exactly light it up and the offense rolled.  CB is a huge problem.  That's why I was so hyped on the Chiefs drafting one in the first round.  If Breeland plays like he could a few years ago.  If Ward isn't just another flash in the pan who doesn't hold up long term.  If none of the three starters gets injured.  Otherwise we're going to see a Bartee look alike starting and good teams will pick him apart at the end of close games.  I'm having nightmares already. 

Good point. Our TEs in 2013 were maybe the least talented in football and he still made it work. Still Veach was after Ben Watson the last few offseasons so if the right veteran and price comes up, I’ll bet it’s a position he bites on. Maybe he wants to wait and make sure about Kelces status as well. 

[jetlord 10,209]

Probably no action until the final cuts.  Gotta be at least one CB and/or TE who is better than the Chiefs' backups on the final waiver wire. 

[Handswarmer 645]

TE is a concern

Her assessment of the Safety position was a bit overboard

[jetlord 10,209]

Did anyone hear anything about Kalen Saunders in mini camp or OTAs?  There was a good article about him on The Athletic today and he sounds interesting.  He'll make the 53, but wonder if he will get any snaps.  It would be fun to see him imitate Poe on offense.  

[DieHard 2,061]

Emergency status: I think we could lean on The Sausage to fill in as a second TE. I thin we can lean on The Honey Badge as a corner especially if we are playing a lot of zone. Not ideal but for a game or two if injuries hit us. 

How about Smith as a surprise stand out? He didn’t look good in man, but has crazy closing speed. Love to see a CB or TE after cuts, but we can roll with what we got. I trust Sausage more than the bricks for hands we had at #2 last year. Breeland May be a slight up grade to Nelson, but I am worried about his durability. He had some good snaps last year when he came back.

being tougher against the run will help us get off the field even if we are no better against the pass.

[Troyofoc 361]

3 hours ago, jetlord said:

Did anyone hear anything about Kalen Saunders in mini camp or OTAs?  There was a good article about him on The Athletic today and he sounds interesting.  He'll make the 53, but wonder if he will get any snaps.  It would be fun to see him imitate Poe on offense.  

I was also hoping to hear good things on him but really didn't hear anything but pringle. But I guess it is ota (no contact). Will have to wait for training camp for the real deal. 

[qnet 1,150]

10 hours ago, jetlord said:

The Chief's offense can still operate with a weaker backup to Kelce.  Not a good situation, but Harris didn't exactly light it up and the offense rolled.  CB is a huge problem.  That's why I was so hyped on the Chiefs drafting one in the first round.  If Breeland plays like he could a few years ago.  If Ward isn't just another flash in the pan who doesn't hold up long term.  If none of the three starters gets injured.  Otherwise we're going to see a Bartee look alike starting and good teams will pick him apart at the end of close games.  I'm having nightmares already. 

🤣