Chiefs minicamp: What we learned in three days
The Kansas City Chiefs are done with all their offseason training. The OTAs are finished and the mandatory minicamp came and went, all without any significant developments. The aforementioned is a very good thing. Don’t believe me? Ask poor Ryan Clady.
So what can we glean from this week’s minicamp that saw every player participating except for Justin Houston? Let’s run them down.
1. The offensive line is going to be a great battle
The left side seems to be settled with Eric Fisher holding down the tackle spot with Ben Grubbs entrenched at guard. After that, all three positions are completely up for grabs. Center might be the most exciting battle of all with rookie Mitch Morse and third-year man Eric Kush getting after it. Morse seems to be the favorite in many eyes, but Kush presumably knows the offense.
Additionally, right guard is a three-headed monster between Zach Fulton (who started all 16 games there last year), free-agent addition Paul Fanaika and returning veteran Jeff Allen. Right tackle will also see Allen getting some snaps with Donald Stephenson considered the favorite.
2. Travis Kelce is primed for a huge year
Kelce has been an animal throughout the offseason, and now we are hearing reports that Kelce is demanding the ball at the line of scrimmage. The third-year tight end had a team-best 862 yards and five touchdowns last year, and appears to be bursting at the seams with confidence.
If Kelce goes from good to great, the offense should really thrive with an improved offensive line along with the addition of Jeremy Maclin on the outside. Kelce is really coming into his own, and that’s an awesome thing.
3. Derrick Johnson, Tamba Hali are healthy
Last year, Johnson only played the first half of Week 1 before tearing his Achilles. With Johnson now back in the starting lineup, the inside linebacker will help to stuff the leaky run defense. Johnson is a truly great player, and having him back is a big deal.
Hali was able to play every game last year, but dealt with constant knee problems. After getting minor surgery in the offseason to clean out the gunk in his knee, Hali should be back to his old form. Having a duo of Hali and Houston on the edges is devastating for any offense.