KC Chiefs 53-man roster prediction includes preseason trades
By Matt Conner
![Dec 13, 2020; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Kansas City Chiefs general manager Brett Veach works out prior to the game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports Dec 13, 2020; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Kansas City Chiefs general manager Brett Veach works out prior to the game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/7f0e1861127ab4548fe5ff6a259cc0608d9a436e8e94e6b374b77722ed4b4849.jpg)
Wide receivers
In: Tyreek Hill, Mecole Hardman, Demarcus Robinson, Marcus Kemp, Byron Pringle, Cornell Powell
Traded: Daurice Fountain
Out: Dalton Schoen, Darrius Shepherd, Maurice Ffrench, Gehrig Dieter
Depending on how you feel about the loss of Sammy Watkins this offseason, you might or might not like the way things are shaping up for the Chiefs coming into the regular season. It’s possible this is the biggest concern, but there’s room for potential here to grow and the team is loaded at other spots. Remember this isn’t a Madden franchise, so it’s hard to exceptional everywhere.
That said, the Chiefs did chase some other options in free agency and there might be a move coming here. If not, we expect the likely suspects to be safe, beginning with the obvious one in Tyreek Hill. Beyond that, the band is getting back together with Hardman, D-Rob, and Pringle all slotted for safe spots given their experience in this offseason.
After that, things can seem a little muddled and this preseason has given a few players a chance to stand out above the rest. But Marcus Kemp has looked good on offense and in special teams and given his history with Dave Toub and in this offense, we think he’s a safe bet.
Cornell Powell gets the nod over some others here for two primary reasons: 1.) He was just drafted and we think the Chiefs sincerely like his future potential (and don’t want to lose it), and 2.) They can get something back for the other primary receiver contending for this spot in Daurice Fountain.
While fans have loved watching Fountain emerge this preseason, other teams are going to like him, too, and we think it’s possible the Chiefs can get a conditional 7th round choice for him from someone given the way he’s looked. It wouldn’t surprise at all to see even a team the Chiefs faced this preseason (such as the Vikings or Cardinals) to make a play for him as an emerging option since he looks better than the fringe players on those respective depth charts.