Five things we’ve learned about the 2018 Kansas City Chiefs
The Toughest Cuts Will Come at Wide Receiver and Running Back
Most of the five things that we’ve learned about the Chiefs so far revolve around what they do well (or don’t do well) but one of the things we’ve also learned is that there are a couple of positions where the Chiefs are going to have some hard choices when it comes to final roster cuts—the two biggest being at wide receiver and running back. Those are the two biggest spots where guys may still be fighting for their NFL careers on Thursday.
At wide receiver, the starters are set in Tyreek Hill and Sammy Watkins. After that you would think based on playing time that Chris Conley and Demarcus Robinson would be safe and contribute as well. Some have suggested Conley might be worth cutting to save some cap space. That’s a possibility but I thought it was interesting to see how they used him against the Bears. It looked to me like they were using him in place of a second tight end. Conley had three receptions for 22 yards. All of those were short/safe throws and frankly I’d rather have Conley on the end of those throws as opposed to Demetrius Harris. So I still have Conley making the team, but I acknowledge that its not 100 percent certain.
Another wideout I have making the team is De’Anthony Thomas. I wasn’t sure he would make it but the way they used him on Saturday in his first preseason action sold me on him making the team again this year. On Saturday he returned kicks, played wideout, and even played on kick coverage units. DAT is never going to be a key piece of K.C.’s offense, but I think he does enough in multiple areas to warrant a roster spot. Again, I’m not 100% confident but my gut says he makes it. If that’s the case, then you have a pretty big log jam for the last spot or two on the roster.
I believe that Jehu Chesson, Marcus Kemp, Gehrig Dieter and Byron Pringle all still have a legit chance to earn a spot on the initial 53-man roster. They are all young with upside, and they all can contribute on special teams. Best case for them is the Chiefs keep seven wideouts and two of them make it. Worst case is that they only keep six and they are all fighting for one roster spot (or they have to unseat someone like Conley or DAT). I think Blake Mack could have a shot at the practice squad as well.
Then we have the running backs. Kareem Hunt is obviously the starter so he’s a lock. I believe the Chiefs will keep Anthony Sherman to have a true fullback on the roster as well. Typically, the Chiefs have then rostered two more backup running backs. That’s where things are going to get interesting.
The Chiefs already parted ways with Charcandrick West, and I believe that Kerwynn Williams will also be cut at some point. However, I think the Chiefs really want to keep Spencer Ware, Damien Williams, and Darrel Williams. If they were going to try to get one of them on the practice squad it would be Darrel, but will they want to risk losing him? Will they keep four running backs (five with Sherman) on the 53 man roster? If so, they definitely won’t keep seven wideouts which will just make cuts there harder.
The Chiefs have some tough cuts to make at wideout and running back coming up so keep an eye on those positions this Thursday when they have their final preseason game.
Next let’s talk about the running game itself a little.