March needs to show that he is able to stay healthy as the saying goes “You can’t make the team in the tub”. The Chiefs seem to really like him as a player and when I was at camp last year and again this year I saw why. His football instincts are off the charts. He may currently be a liability in coverage but that is something that he can be coached on.
If he was a little bigger than maybe he could push for the other starting ILB position but he is more of a D.J.-type linebacker and will need time to develop further. The interesting thing with him is that he may make KC have a very tough time keeping Mauga as March is much younger and they won’t want to try to sneak him on the practice squad.
Phillip Gaines, Steven Nelson, KeiVarae Russell, and D.J. White are all in about the same group for me. At this point the odds on favorite to start is Gaines, but Nelson is certainly making a case for that position. If Nelson can show he is capable to play outside corner that actually helps solidify two positions. Gaines is fully capable of moving inside and being a tremendous nickel corner.
Russell and White are going to make the team but are they ready to contribute this year? Gaines has shown that the preseason doesn’t break a career but it certainly can help your development. That’s what KC needs out of both Russell and White. When they get beat in the preseason that’s okay, but they need time against different WR’s and a different offense. They both need to be able to learn under fire.
Here is a quick review of this week’s Locked on Chiefs podcasts.
Jamell Fleming and Marcus Cooper are more than likely playing for one position on the roster. The Chiefs already have five corners that are locks. Parker, Sorensen, and Murray are also going to be on the roster. If Berry is back that leaves just one open safety spot and currently I have to wonder if that doesn’t belong to Cooper.
Next: In conclusion...