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Preseason scouting report: Cincinnati Bengals vs. Kansas City Chiefs

By Jordan Mannix

CINCINNATI, OH - FEBRUARY 05: Zac Taylor speaks to the media after being introduced as the new head coach for the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium on February 5, 2019 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
CINCINNATI, OH - FEBRUARY 05: Zac Taylor speaks to the media after being introduced as the new head coach for the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium on February 5, 2019 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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Offensive notes and players to watch

The Chiefs have had no shortage of fanfare this offseason. As the AFC runner-up and the Super Bowl favorite, expectations for the 2019 season are absolutely sky high. What’s fantastic for Chiefs fans is that, regardless of the fact that the stars will likely only see the field for a series or two, there are a significant number of potential stars waiting in the wings.

The first and most obvious is Mecole Hardman. He was the Chiefs’ first overall pick in the 2019 draft and multiple reports and videos from camp show that he has the talent to be a major factor in this offense. Luckily for him, he’ll have some time to develop given Hill, Watkins, and Robinson will command most of the targets in the group for 2019. I’d expect him to get a decent number of snaps in the first half on Saturday and wouldn’t be shocked if he uses his game-breaking speed and takes one to the house.

Another player fans are understandably excited for is Darwin Thompson. Immediately after the draft a video surfaced of Thompson squatting a significant amount of weight like it was absolutely nothing, the legend began to grow. It’s wild to see how optimistic fans are about Thompson, with some believing he has the ability to start by the end of the season.

On the team’s first official depth chart, Thompson appears to be the fourth string. He’s reportedly looked fantastic running routes, with unique agility greater than any of the other backs on the roster. However, he’s also reportedly struggled in pass protection, a primary responsibility for someone who’s best role this season will likely be as a third down back. I’d expect him to get plenty of snaps this preseason to improve his technique, with coaches likely wanting to get him on the field as quickly as possible.

One of the main questions left unanswered this offseason is who will be the second tight end behind Travis Kelce? The early offseason favorite to grab this role was Deon Yelder. However, reports recently indicate that Blake Bell has completely replaced Demetrius Harris’ reps on special teams making him the presumable candidate to steal the backup role from Yelder. With the offensive snaps likely yet to be solidified, this will be one of the more intriguing positions to watch throughout the preseason.

Other Offensive Players of Note:

  • Tremon Smith – 2018 Sixth Round Pick – Can he make the conversion to running back and make this team?
  • Nick Allegretti – 2019 Sixth Round Pick – With ideal size and quickness, what will his role be in 2019?
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