Kansas City Chiefs pre-OTA roster prediction

Dec 28, 2014; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) is tackled by San Diego Chargers defensive back Jahleel Addae (37) in the first half at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports

It’s May, and we are between rookie minicamp and OTAs, which means it is time to have a little fun. While the Kansas City Chiefs are gearing up for the next phase of the offseason, let’s take a look at where the roster stands. I’ll take a way-too-early stab at what the final 53-man roster will look like, broken down by position with a blurb underneath explaining myself.

Quarterbacks (3)

Alex Smith
Chase Daniel
Aaron Murray

Analysis: This is a no-brainer. Tyler Bray is out with a torn ACL, and I would be stunned if Bo Wallace beats out Daniel or Murray. Barring injury, this will be the trio.

Fullback (1)

Anthony Sherman

Analysis: The Chiefs will only carry one fullback, and the league’s best isn’t going anywhere.

Running back (3)

Jamaal Charles
Knile Davis
Cyrus Gray

Analysis: Kansas City could carry four running backs, but I’m betting it only takes three out of training camp. Charcandrick West could sneak out, but I think he heads to the practice squad.

Wide receiver (6)

Jeremy Maclin
Junior Hemingway
Albert Wilson
Jason Avant
De’Anthony Thomas
Chris Conley

Analysis: This will be a fun group to watch. Can Hemingway keep his spot, based solely on his special teams play? Can seventh-round pick Da’Ron Brown get on the roster or does he get placed on the practice squad? How about the rookies who signed after the draft? Should be awesome to see it shake out.

Tight end (3)

Travis Kelce
Demetrius Harris
James O’Shaughnessy

Analysis: This is another easy one. It would be stunning if these three aren’t the tight end group.

Offensive line (8)

Eric Fisher
Donald Stephenson
Jeff Allen
Ben Grubbs
Paul Fanaika
Zach Fulton
Eric Kush
Mitch Morse

Analysis: The only way I see something changing here is with an injury. Some would like to see Laurent Duvernay-Tardif on the roster, but I think the numbers game squeezes him out. Kansas City actually has depth here, unlike last season. It’s an encouraging thing.

Next: Who makes the defensive squad?