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Kansas City Chiefs: Top ten training camp battles to watch

By Lyle Graversen

SAINT JOSEPH, MO - JULY 31: The team runs drills during Kansas City Chiefs Training Camp on July 31, 2011 in Saint Joseph, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
SAINT JOSEPH, MO - JULY 31: The team runs drills during Kansas City Chiefs Training Camp on July 31, 2011 in Saint Joseph, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /
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JACKSONVILLE, FL – NOVEMBER 18: Carlos Hyde #34 of the Jacksonville Jaguars runs with the ball during the first half against the Pittsburgh Steelers at TIAA Bank Field on November 18, 2018 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Scott Halleran/Getty Images)
JACKSONVILLE, FL – NOVEMBER 18: Carlos Hyde #34 of the Jacksonville Jaguars runs with the ball during the first half against the Pittsburgh Steelers at TIAA Bank Field on November 18, 2018 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Scott Halleran/Getty Images) /

5. Running Backs (behind Damien Williams)

Damien Williams was highly productive as the Chiefs starting running back last season after Kareem Hunt was let go. It appears that he is set as the featured back again this season.

Behind Williams things are a much bigger question mark. Will another back split touches with Williams or is he going to be a true feature back? If he is going to split some touches, with whom will it be?

The interesting thing about the running back battle behind Williams is that the winner could either be a consistent contributor to the offense or just an insurance policy that is on the bench for most of the game. While there are several backs on the roster, I think the three with a meaningful chance to earn a spot on the team are free agent addition Carlos Hyde, draft pick Darwin Thompson, and second year man Darrel Williams.

Hyde is definitely the biggest name of that trio. It was just a few years ago when Hyde was considered one of the best all around backs in the NFL with the San Francisco 49ers, where he was a threat both in the running and passing game. He did not have a good season in Jacksonville last year and is looking for Andy Reid’s offense to help get his career back on track. Otherwise he could find himself out of the league for good sooner rather than later.

Darwin Thompson was one of my draft crushes, and I was thrilled to see the Chiefs take him. I’m pulling for him to earn a spot in this offense right away. While he’s not Kareem Hunt, his combination of agility and power make him hard to bring down. While I can’t justify him being that high for everyone, he is near the top of my watch list for training camp. The guy may be short but he’s absolutely ripped, and I’m curious if he can give NFL defenders the same problems that college defenses had with him last season.

Finally, the other Williams shouldn’t be counted out of the equation either. Darrel showed some nice upside as an undrafted rookie last year that earned his way onto the field a few times. Should Hyde look washed up and/or Thompson doesn’t look like he’s quite ready yet, the Chiefs could absolutely feature a Williams/Williams combo in their backfield this season.

Because three players likely all believe they can earn a role as a contributor in the NFL’s best offense, it should lead to them all giving max effort in camp and a fantastic camp battle to watch. While it may not have the impact on K.C.’s season that the top four camp battles will, you could argue this may be the battle that is the most fun to watch play out live.

Now on to the No. 4 camp battle.

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