Five KC Chiefs who need a strong preseason to save their jobs

Ronald Jones

When the Chiefs signed Ronald Jones many fans (myself included) were thrilled. This was a reasonable one year contract for a running back that has often looked like a better pure runner than Clyde Edwards-Helaire. Granted, Jones is a hot mess as a pass protector and pass catcher, but I assumed Jones was pretty much guaranteed a role as an early down and short yardage runner. However, early in camp that hasn’t necessarily looked like a sure thing.

When I was at camp CEH was the clear lead back, with Jerick McKinnon and rookie Isiah Pacheco rotating in next, and then Jones and Derrick Gore after them. This could be because of all the work in the passing game they were doing, but Pacheco in particular could pose a real threat to Jones. If Pacheco looks even close to as effective running the ball as Jones does, plus he’s better in the passing game, AND he looks like he might be KC’s primary kick returner it makes him significantly more valuable to the Chiefs.

In the preseason Ronald Jones needs to look like the clear better pure runner over Pacheco. Pacheco probably has a role with the team regardless, but Jones needs to prove that he has a skill set that is worth keeping around. If he doesn’t do so it is possible that the Chiefs could look to deal Jones before the season starts similar to how they dealt Carlos Hyde a few years ago.

So there you have it Chiefs fans, five players that need to go out and earn their roster spot in the preseason games. Do you think I’m off-base on any of these players and they are actually already safely on the roster? Are there other players that you think I overlooked that belong on this list? I’d love to read your thoughts in the comments below.