Five biggest winners from Kansas City Chiefs preseason
The Kansas City Chiefs wrapped up their preseason games on Saturday with a 33-32 win over the Cleveland Browns. It was the final chance for the 90 players on the offseason roster to make their case for a spot on the 53-man roster or possibly an increased role on that roster. As Super Bowl champions, the Chiefs didn't have a lot of spots up for grabs, but several players definitely made the most of their opportunities.
While there were a lot of Chiefs that had a strong offseason, I feel like there were a handful of players that improved their stock more than the rest. As I'm writing this, we're still waiting on the official roster cuts. Many of these players weren't expected to have a shot, but their offseason performance has now made that possible. Even if they don't make the initial 53-man roster, you have to think the Chiefs will try to keep them around on the practice squad and all have them have noticeably raised their stock as NFL players.
Before we get to the official top-five list, let's look at some honorable mentions.
Chiefs Preseason Winners: Honorable Mentions
Skyy Moore - Moore didn't get a lot of action in the preseason games, but that's exactly why I think he deserves an honorable mention. Last season he was reportedly struggling to get the offense down. This offseason he's been consistently with the first team and Andy Reid didn't feel the need to give him a ton of preseason snaps. That's a big step up from last year at this time.
Donovan Smith - Smith entered the offseason as the starting left tackle, so his offseason performance didn't really improve his role at all, but he gets an honorable mention because of how he set most KC fans' worries at ease. Smith was coming off an injury-plagued down year, but he was rock solid for the Chiefs in the preseason.
Felix Anudike-Uzomah - The Chiefs' first-round pick missed a lot of the early offseason program because he was recovering from an injury. Despite that slow start, FAU came on strong in the preseason and showed some pass-rushing upside. I couldn't quite call him one of KC's biggest risers, but his arrow is definitely pointing up.
Richie James - James is another guy (like Moore) who hasn't put up huge numbers in the preseason. He did have two great grabs, including a touchdown, against the Saints, but his biggest achievement this offseason looks to be securing a role as KC's primary return man as well as a rotational receiver.
Matt Bushman - I didn't think Bushman had any real chance to make the team this season when the offseason began. However, the combination of his improved play and the injury to Jody Fortson put him in a roster battle with veteran Blake Bell. We'll know soon who won, but even if he doesn't make the initial 53-man roster, I would guess that KC tries to keep him around.
Chris Jones - Jones was a winner this preseason by default. The Chiefs' defensive tackles have looked very questionable without him in the lineup. K.C. may not want to break the bank to pay him, but they have sure looked like they've desperately needed him this preseason.
With those honorable mentions out of the way, let's get to the top five.