Chiefs training camp preview: Quarterbacks

We look at the quarterback situation of the Kansas City Chiefs.

The end of June marks the end of mini-camps around the league and the start of the last chance for players to get their travels in before training camp begins in late July.

For the next several weeks we will take a look at the Kansas City Chiefs position groups in preparation for what we may see in training camp including battles, surprise cuts, and new starters. We start with the position group that has no potential controversy at starter but may have one of the more interesting battles for backup; quarterback.

Overall Rating: C

The issue here doesn’t lie in Alex Smith. Smith has proven that he is a winner and when given time and tools he can make the plays necessary to win big games. This was proven in New England last year when Smith continued to gut it out with the offense despite a constant pass rush and a lack of defensive pressure from the Chiefs own pass rushers.

The low rating here comes from the complete lack of experience among the backups in the position ranks. Tyler Bray and Aaron Murray each have a few quarters of pre-season quarterbacking but no regular season experience. Of course 5th round draft pick Kevin Hogan doesn’t even have that.

Should Smith take an injury behind a still growing offensive line or on one of his patented big runs the Chiefs will be in big trouble moving forward.

Projected Starter: Alex Smith

As stated before, Smith is more than adequate as a winner and leader of this offense. Stepping into his fourth year in Andy Reid’s system, Smith has the weapons to lead this team further than just the one playoff win. His ability to mesh with his receivers and use tight ends effectively makes him ideal behind center for the Chiefs.

Opposing defenses continue to undervalue Smith as a runner and with speedier receivers the Chiefs could run more plays to unload the box and let Smith move towards those first down markers. Having Jamaal Charles and James O’Shaughnessy back in the mix will prove to detractors that the Chiefs are built to win now.

Projected Backup: Tyler Bray

Through mini-camp in June Bray was often given his chance to take hold of the first team offense as the main backup to Smith. Bray is in his fourth year and has consistently been left off of the Chiefs’ active rosters each of those seasons. His last two he spent on injury lists making this season his first great chance to make an impact.

Bray has proved to be a strong and accurate quarterback without a lot of mobility. His strong arm and lack of running ability is a contrast to Smith which may work for Bray in the race for backup quarterback. Bray has the best physical tools and league experience (not game experience) to seize the backup role and stay active on the team this year.

Third Quarterback: Kevin Hogan/Aaron Murray

This decision will be much more difficult for the Chiefs as Hogan and previous third QB Aaron Murray have similar traits. Neither have a strong arm but both are smart, cerebral throwers and proven collegiate winners. The key difference is that Hogan is considered by many scouts to be more “pro ready.”

Murray has the advantage of being in the Chiefs system for a year and knowing the personnel is key in a battle like this one where both players will be given equal opportunity to make this roster. Either way this battle goes the third quarterback will be a practice squad player reserved for if either Smith or Bray go down. The Chiefs won’t use three roster spots for quarterbacks on Sundays so only one of these guys will be kept around as a just in case.