The 4 worst Chiefs players who could make the final 53-man roster
We are getting closer and closer to the deadline of when teams have to cut their rosters down to 53 players. As always, the remainder of Kansas City Chiefs training camp and the preseason will allow some people to possibly win or lose a spot. Those players who are perceived to be on the roster bubble are arguably the most fascinating players to monitor over the next couple of weeks.
There are going to be some roster question marks worth sorting out at the start of the regular season. Meanwhile, some players that have low ceilings will be given opportunities to prove themselves on the 53-man roster. There are a few candidates that stick out on this current Chiefs roster that offer very little, in terms of overall impact.
Which four players stand out as the worst who could potentially make the final 53-man roster in Kansas City? Let's kick it off.
Kadarius Toney
It has been a trying past couple of years for Kadarius Toney. His first game as a Chief involved some spectacular catches and a score against the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2022. But late that year and throughout times last season, injuries and a lack of performance translated into him missing games and staying off of the field.
It has been an offseason full of unknowns surrounding Kadarius Toney. What would his overall role be? Interestingly, he has taken reps at both wide receiver and running back in training camp. Plus, how his absence was reported during the end of last season led to him entering training camp in more of a shadow this year. Injuries have also already popped up multiple times for Toney since training camp started.
Along with the injury history, drops, and inconsistency as a route runner have made things difficult for Kadarius Toney in a dynamic offense. The chances have continued to be there without an improvement in results. Maybe a position change will allow him to stick in Kansas City. But if the Chiefs decide to keep Toney on the 53-man roster, you have a player who has been unavailable far too much, while also worrying about a limited skill set with the ball in his hands.
Mecole Hardman
The skill set of Mecole Hardman may not be as limited as Toney's at this point. However, Hardman has a very narrow path to success within a wide receiver room that is much faster and improved entering this season. The speed element of Hardman is not as singular, compared to the end of last year's wide receiver depth chart in Kansas City. Names like Xavier Worthy and Hollywood Brown are likely putting more fear into opposing defenses with their all-around quickness.
You also have to look at the usage of Hardman. Even though he has past experience and knowledge of this offensive system, you can only get him the ball in a couple of ways. End-arounds and quick passes at or behind the line of scrimmage have been most impactful for Hardman. Throws into the flat can work occasionally, as well. However, even if the ball is delivered to him, you are seemingly always holding your breath, due to his ball security. Fumbles occurred twice in last year's Divisional Round playoff win over the Buffalo Bills when Hardman touched it.
There are also some deep passing attempts where it feels like Hardman lacks the finish to haul in a deep ball that is easily catchable. If the Chiefs have him on the 53-man roster, you are limited to very specific usage and a small number of snaps as an offensive weapon.
Matt Dickerson
The Chiefs do not boast the best defensive tackle depth in the league. But even with that being the case, there is a little bit of pause when it comes to keeping Matt Dickerson on the roster. Dickerson has been given limited opportunities so far in a Chiefs uniform. Overall, the Kansas City defensive lineman has failed to make much of an impact.
There are a lot of reps where it appears that Dickerson is high with his pad level. Getting high out of his stance happens on a high percentage of his snaps. With that in mind, there are not many times where Dickerson is able to fool opposing blockers with hand counter moves. Trying to win without those at the NFL level is nearly impossible.
Assuming the Chiefs keep him around for defensive tackle depth in 2024, Kansas City will be operating with an option that is best served as a gap plugger simply on his strength alone.
Malik Herring
Malik Herring falls under a similar category as Dickerson. As a defensive end, Herring has tallied a few more numbers in the box score, but there's not a ton of glowing pass-rush upside in this player's arsenal. The thing that could keep Herring on the Chiefs roster, though, is depth questions at defensive end.
Charles Omenihu is currently on the PUP (physically unable to perform) list recovering from a torn ACL suffered last January. Felix Anudike-Uzomah is expected to take another step and hold down a greater role in his second season this year. But outside of that, options beyond the admirable duo of George Karlaftis and Mike Danna is a bit concerning.
If Herring cracks the Kansas City 53-man roster, the potential power and physicality will be how he can make an impact. There may not be a ton of different pass rush counter moves to work with, however. And since joining the Chiefs organization, adding upside on run defense has been hit or miss.