KC Chiefs: Evaluating the safety position for Kansas City

General Overview

The Kansas City Chiefs, like multiple other positions, saw a lot of change at the safety this offseason. They saw the departure of longtime contributor Dan Sorenson and star Tyrann Mathieu. They also acquired multiple rookies and a couple of free agents. They will also retain Juan Thornhill and depth players Zayne Anderson and Devon Key.

Current Depth Chart

Here is who the Kansas City Chiefs currently have on the roster, who are listed as safeties:

• Juan Thornhill
• Justin Reid
• Bryan Cook
• Deon Bush
• Nazeeh Johnson
• Devon Key
• Zayne Anderson
• Lonnie Johnson Jr.
• Nasir Greer

Projected Roster

Depending on what the Chiefs decide to do with Lonnie Johnson, I project that the Chiefs will have five safeties on the roster. One or two of them will play special teams in some capacity.

Here is who I think will make the opening week roster:

• Juan Thornhill
• Justin Reid
• Bryan Cook
• Deon Bush
• Nazeeh Johnson

In the end, I believe that the Chiefs will stick with their current veterans as well as rookies Bryan Cook and Nazeeh Johnson. I project that Johnson will be primarily a special teamer and Bush will contribute in both special teams and on defense. I do not think Lonnie Johnson will make the team and will be a late cut in training camp, along with Zayne Anderson, Nasir Greer, and Devon Key.

Conclusion

The Chiefs will likely see some growing pains this season at the safety position. They brought in both young and experienced players but only one significant returner. It could be a position of strength if Justin Reid works out and Juan Thornhill backs up his claims. But it could also be a position of vulnerability for the Chiefs if their moves don’t pan as expected.

Which safeties do you think will make the final roster? Who do you think gets cut at the end of training camp? Let me know in the comment section, or on Twitter (@StrozinskyLucas).