KC Chiefs: The six toughest roster cutdown decisions

What Mix Of Corners And Safeties Are The Chiefs Wanting?

As I am writing this, I am assuming that L’Jarius Sneed, Charvarius Ward, Mike Hughes, Rashad Fenton, and Deandre Baker are locks to make the 53 man roster at cornerback. I also believe that Tyrann Mathieu, Juan Thornhill, and Dan Sorensen are locks to make the team as well. The Chiefs will keep at least four safeties, and I have to believe that Armani Watts earned a spot on the final roster with his preseason play. He was clearly the best of the remaining safety options the entire preseason.

That brings the total defensive backs up to nine at this point. The Chiefs could go with nine, but I believe that ten is probably more likely. So will that final defensive back spot go to a cornerback or safety? I’m torn here. On one hand, the Chiefs utilize three safeties enough that having another safety for depth wouldn’t be a bad idea. On the other hand, BoPete Keyes was a draft pick last year and has been a solid special teams contributor so the Chiefs might want to keep him around too.

If the Chiefs do decide to keep a fifth safety it will probably be either Devon Key or Zayne Anderson. Anderson may not be a name all Chiefs fans are familiar with, but he has been rising up the ranks this preseason. An undersized linebacker coming out of college, Anderson has been playing safety for the Chiefs, but is listed on the cornerback depth chart. Confused yet? Regardless, he may have done enough to pass Devon Key as K.C.’s preferred undrafted safety prospect.

At this point I think the final defensive back spot may come down to Keyes versus Anderson with Key being a likely practice squad guy. What I don’t know is if the Chiefs have a preference in keeping a 6th corner vs a 5th safety or if Dave Toub has a strong preference between those two players, which would likely break any tie.

So what do you think Chiefs fans? Do you agree that these are (or were) the toughest decisions for the Chiefs when cutting the roster down to 53 players? Do you think that any of these decisions that I listed actually aren’t that tough of a call? Do you think I left anyone out? I almost included the running backs, but if everyone is healthy I think it is clearly Clyde Edwards-Helaire, Darrel Williams, and Jerrick McKinnon. If you’re reading this after cuts were announced, did I get something completely wrong that you’d like to call me out on? Either way, I’d love to hear what your thoughts are in the comments below.