How does this year’s Kansas City Chiefs roster compare with 2017?
By Drew Brooks
2017 wide receivers: Tyreek Hill, Chris Conley, Jehu Chesson, Demarcus Robinson, De’Anthony Thomas, Albert Wilson
2018 wide receivers: Tyreek Hill, Chris Conley, Sammy Watkins, Demarcus Robinson, De’Anthony Thomas, Marcus Kemp
The most notable addition to the Chiefs’ wide receivers is Sammy Watkins. Watkins’ best year came in 2015 when he played in 13 games for the Bills and hauled in 60 passes for 1047 yards and 9 touchdowns. Last season, he played in 15 games and caught 39 passes for 593 yards and 8 touchdowns.
Of course, injury is a huge concern with Watkins who has a long list of injuries, but if Watkins is healthy Chiefs fans will be hoping he returns to his 2015 production. With Patrick Mahomes at quarterback, Watkins has a great chance to have a 1000+ yard season.
The most notable loss for the Chiefs is Albert Wilson, who signed with the Dolphins in March. Wilson put up career high stats in his last season with the Chiefs, catching 42 passes for 554 yards and 3 touchdowns. In replacement of Wilson, the Chiefs have Marcus Kemp.
Kemp, an undrafted free agent who was signed to the Chiefs’ practice squad last year, made his way onto the final 53-man roster this year. Kemp will be looking to compete with Demarcus Robinson for the fourth wide receiver position.
A surprising change from last year’s wide receivers is the Chiefs’ decision to cut Jehu Chesson. Chesson, who was a fourth-round pick in last year’s draft, was expected to earn a spot on the roster, but ultimately lost the battle to Marcus Kemp, Demarcus Robinson, and Chris Conley.
The Chiefs have a great wide receiver core this year, with the potential to have two guys with 1000+ receiving yard in Tyreek Hill and Sammy Watkins. Chiefs fans have a lot of offense to look forward to this season.
Now, let’s look at the tight ends.
2017 tight ends: Travis Kelce, Demetrius Harris, Ross Travis
2018 tight ends: Travis Kelce, Alex Ellis
The Chiefs only have two tight ends on their final 53-man roster; however, it’s worth noting that Demetrius Harris is serving a one-game suspension for violating the league’s substance abuse policy. When Harris returns from his suspension, the Chiefs will have to release someone else to make room for him on their roster.
The Chiefs released Ross Travis last year after he caught 5 passes on 12 targets for a total of 43 receiving yards. Travis was the third string tight end, behind Demetrius Harris and Travis Kelce.
This year, at least to start the season, behind Travis Kelce will be Alex Ellis. Ellis last played in 2016 with the Jacksonville Jaguars. In that season, he started 6 games and played in 3, catching 3 passes on 4 targets for 11 yards. His stats aren’t very impressive, but he will still contribute in Harris’ absence.
Next we’ll look at the Chiefs’ defense, starting with the defensive line.