Three Things To Watch At Kansas City Chiefs Mandatory Minicamp

Sep 19, 2013; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver

(15) during the second quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. The Chiefs defeated the Eagles 26-16. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports

POSITION BATTLES GALORE

By my count the Chiefs have at least eight significant position battles in progress, and this week’s minicamp signals the end of round one when it comes to who are winning the battles. Here are some of the fights taking place to keep an eye on.

Quarterback – Tyler Bray and Chase Daniel are battling it out for the third (and presumed) final quarterback spot on the roster. Terez A. Paylor wrote recently about how Bray has matured on and off the field in the last year but is that enough to for him to remain on the roster? There is also the question of money that looms around Daniel. If Kansas City is trying to clear some space to deal with the pending negotiations of Rodney Hudson and Eric Berry then the near $4.5 million in salary cap space Daniel occupies for 2015 will be something that could end his tenure with the Chiefs.

Running Back – Assuming DAT is not going to be listed as a running back when all is said and done, the Chiefs have an interesting competition going on between Cyrus Gray and Joe McKnight for the third running back spot. McKnight is a more dynamic athlete with the potential to be a better running back and special teams returner, but Gray is a useful weapon as a blocker in special teams and already has a year in the system. Will the Chiefs go with the more dynamic athlete or the more stable player?

Wide Receiver – A huge battle for the receivers spots behind Dwayne Bowe his happening. It is assumed right now Bowe, DAT, A.J. Jenkins, and Donnie Avery are locks for the roster, but if Hemingway, Dressler, and Albert Wilson could change some of those assumptions in their batter for the last spot or two on the roster.

Defensive End – Vance Walker was the presumed replacement for Tyson Jackson when he signed a contract during free agency this past March, but reports say Walker has been almost exclusively a second team player behind Allen Bailey since the start of OTAs.  Is this a courtesy to Bailey or is this a real competition for they starting gig at left end?

Safety – Husain Abdullah and Sanders Commings are battling for the starting safety spot next to Eric Berry. Herbie Teope believes Abdullah is the clear leader at this stage of practices.

Defensive Back – With the release of Brandon Flowers, another roster spot has been opened for a guy like Daniel Sorensen, DeMarcus Van Dyke, or David Van Dyke to make the roster. Which of the three will stand out enough to earn that spot? One would assume Sorensen would have the inside track at this stage.

Kicker – Ryan Succop‘s status with the Chiefs has suddenly come into doubt after a strong few weeks of practices from rookie Cairo Santos.