Ten Kansas City Chiefs players who need to step up in 2020

9. Darwin Thompson and Darrel Williams

I went back and forth between Darwin Thompson and Darrel Williams in terms of who had more to prove this season. In the end, I decided to put them both on the list together in the number nine spot. Ultimately, these two both have shown flashes with the Chiefs and either could be a solid rotational back for the next several seasons if they can step up and prove themselves this season.

I believe that Darwin Thompson has the advantage in this battle for a roster spot. First off, the Chiefs used a 6th round draft pick on him just last season and he is under contract (meaning cheap) through 2022. When you combine that with some fantastic college highlights and flashes of doing the same in limited touches last season, I believe Thompson has a good shot at sticking around this season if he proves his worth in camp and the preseason.

Darrel Williams has been with the team a year longer, but this is the final year of his current deal so he would need a new contract after this season. Williams missed the end of last season with an injury, but it is believed that he should be good to go for the start of this year. Any set backs on the injury front would likely end his time in K.C. However, Williams has also shown some great upside and would give the Chiefs a bigger bodied running back than the smaller Thompson.

The Chiefs now have a crowded running back room with Damien Williams, first round pick Clyde Edwards-Helaire, and free agent signing DeAndre Washington all being major considerations as well. I find it highly unlikely that both Thompson and Darrel can make the roster in 2020, but the one that does could certainly contribute some and looking ahead to 2021, could even claim the No. 2 running back spot with the likely departure of Damien Williams after this season.

Next up, a tight end that the Chiefs need to step up.