Kansas City Chiefs 53-Man Roster Predictions 1.0
By Ben Nielsen
Sep 19, 2013; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Kansas City Chiefs offensive lineman Donald Stephenson (79) 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
OFFENSIVE LINE
Tackles: Eric Fisher, Donald Stephenson, Ryan Harris
Guard: Jeff Allen, Zach Fulton, Rishaw Johnson, Laurent Duvernay-Tardif
Center: Rodney Hudson
Cut: Eric Kush, Jeff Linkenbach, J’Marcus Webb, Ben Gottschalk, Ricky Henry, Otis Hudson
Practice Squad Candidate: Ryan McKee
Versatility is key here when it comes to how the Chiefs may put together their offensive line depth chart. Two major things from practice have been Jeff Allen’s development and Zach Fulton’s ability to handle duties at guard and center. Allen has also proven in practice that he can hold down right tackle if needed.
Allen and Fulton’s versatility in addition to their quick growth within the system and as players puts the Chiefs in a position where they can take some risks on the roster with Duvernay-Tardif and rolling with only center. Duvernay-Tardif has significant upside if the Chiefs can develop him properly and could be a longterm solution at either left guard when Allen leaves for free agency after 2015 or at tackle when Donald Stephenson is up for a new contract after 2015.
Right now I have Johnson making the team over Kush and Linkenbach even though he is the least versatile of those three. Johnson has performed well enough in camp to have earned the spot, and Fulton’s versatility could save Johnson’s job over a guy like Kush. Dorsey could go Linkenbach over Johnson if he does not feel comfortable with his depth at tackle.