Will Devon Wylie’s Name Be On The Next Cut List For The Chiefs?

Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Following the Chiefs 26-20 preseason overtime win against the Steelers, the first cuts of the year have been made. I was surprised to see that Devon Wylie was not on this list.  I may not be from Kansas City, but I did attend the last two days of training camp and based on what I saw there, what I read on twitter, and what I saw in the three preseason games the Chiefs have played, I am wondering where Devon Wylie’s place lies on this team. Based on the games I’ve witnessed, Wylie is getting a lot of reps at the starting punt returner spot. My main issue is that a roster spot shouldn’t be used purely for just a starting punt returner. Especially when Dexter McCluster will contribute to the offense and Quinton Demps, who returned a kick for a touchdown against San Francisco, will contribute on defense. Dex is number one on the depth chart at this moment on kcchiefs.com.

The main issue is where Wylie can contribute. Junior Hemingway has deservedly risen on the depth chart and was playing in the three spot against Pittsburgh. With Dwayne Bowe and Donnie Avery’s spots on the depth chart all but certain, A.J. Jenkins replacing Baldwin, and McCluster on the team, Wylie’s contribution falls solely to special teams. He is currently listed as the number two kick and punt returner. He had solid returns against San Francisco and Pittsburgh. While, there is potential in the return game for Wylie, there are still issues with ball security.

We saw that against Pittsburgh. Yes, the fumble was overruled, but you need to be able to keep possession of the ball to the ground after getting tackled. Not only that, but he was very shaky at wide receiver at the practices I personally attended. He dropped some easy passes including a well placed go route by Chase Daniel that would have been an easy touchdown had Wylie held on. If he can’t catch passes in practice, what makes anyone think he’ll catch passes in big games? My main concern lies in his potential as an offensive contributor. I don’t think a roster spot should be used for a below average receiver who solely returns punts.