Reach’s 2014 Roster Prediction For The Kansas City Chiefs
Defensive Linemen
- Mike DeVito
- Dontari Poe
- Allen Bailey
- Vance Walker
- Jaye Howard
- Mike Catapano
The defensive line is basically set.
Linebackers
- Tamba Hali
- Joe Mays
- Derrick Johnson
- Justin Houston
- Dee Ford
- James-Michael Johnson
- Josh Mauga
- Josh Martin
- Nico Johnson
Linebacker was probably one of the toughest defensive position groups for me to call. Joe Mays’ recent wrist surgery only complicates matters. It’s for that reason that I decided to carry three ILB reserves. As far as I know, it’s still unknown how long Mays’ injury will sideline him. In the interim, the Chiefs need options.
There’s a lot less to haggle over on the outside. Hali and Houston are arguably the best OLB tandem in football. Dee Ford’s in stone as the team’s No. 1 draft pick and Josh Martin made big strides in the offseason according to coaches and teammates. As great a football name as Frank Zombo is, he’s probably the odd man out among the outside linebackers.
Cornerbacks
- Marcus Cooper
- Sean Smith
- Chris Owens
- Ron Parker
- Phillip Gaines
This is another position group where I don’t expect any surprises. Cooper and Smith are entrenched as your starters on the outside. Owens will be Flowers’ replacement in the slot. Parker’s roster spot looked to be in jeopardy until Saturday night’s game with the Vikings. I think he may have spared himself a pink slip. Parker received a +3.3 grade from Pro Football Focus in the contest, notching an interception from former Chiefs quarterback Matt Cassel. DeMarcus Van Dyke has shown well, but I doubt the team will carry more than five cornerbacks.
Go to the last page for my remaining defensive, teams, and taxi squad picks.