Chiefs vs. Seahawks: Players to watch

I will be watching Parker Ehinger on Saturday but my offensive line focus will be on Laurent Duvernay-Tardif (LDT). He could be one of the biggest factors for Chiefs success or failure on offense this season. LDT struggled mightily early in the season and was one of the reasons Smith faced pressure early on. His technique needed a lot of work and he needed to quit overextending himself while trying to make blocks. When he would get overextended him he would end up off-balance and losing his blocks quickly.

If LDT can become even just an average guard in the NFL you will see a much better Chiefs line in 2016. He will have a much better supporting cast surrounding him as Mitch Morse will continue to improve and Mitchell Schwartz is already one of the best tackles in the NFL. The signing of Schwartz can’t be understated when it comes to the offenses improvement. Giving Smith more time and a cleaner pocket with this group of receivers should mean much bigger plays.

There are several depth players on offense as well that I am anxious to watch. I already did an introduction to Chiefs rookie tight end Ross Travis, who could really be a diamond in the rough as an athletic pass-catching tight end.

Tyreek Hill has already produced plenty of plays in camp to make everyone curious if it can translate into games. Rod Streater has done well throughout camp to push Wilson and Conley for playing time. De’Anthony Thomas and Knile Davis are currently on the roster bubble and are more likely to be traded or released than to make the final 53-man roster.

After Alex Smith the Chiefs will give the second quarter to Nick Foles. I think he should be getting to play more with the third string headed into the first preseason game. Tyler Bray needs to get a legitimate shot at playing with a good supporting cast. KC needs to find out if what he’s done in camp continues into the games.

On offensive line several young players need big games to have a good shot at the 53-man roster. Jarrod Pughsley and Zach Sterup are probably vying for one position on the line. The Chiefs know what they have with Jah Reid and Zach Fulton. Both of them will make the team so Pughsley and Sterup need to make a good impression.

Next: Defensive players that need to play well