WKXT85
Starter
Offense
An offense that lost the injury prone Jamaal Charles and boasts one of the fastest WRs in the NFL certainly seems like one you'd want to watch every week. The caveat? Alex Smith is aging and seems to have lost his touch. His arm strength is rapidly depleting which has taken a toll on his deep ball in spite of his accuracy. As a result, Kansas City used the tenth overall pick on Patrick Mahomes. Not only that but Alex Smith is not known for his big play ability and he'll continue to rely on Travis Kelce and Tyreek Hill but all eyes turn to Chris Conley who is fast in his own right but has the size to match it, the issue though is his inconsistency over the past few seasons. Jehu Chesson is brought onto the team in the 4th Round, so it's doubtful he'll see much playing time year 1 but if he can improve come year 2 he might have a rotational role in the offense. Offensive Top Stories
- QB Competition: Smith is the definite starter week 1, but if the Chiefs slide to a 2-3 start expect Mahomes to get an opportunity. With road challenges in NE, HOU, and a home game against PHI the offense will have to impress quickly and stay hot under the helm of Alex Smith.
- Which RB?: Spencer Ware is starting but Charcandrick West has a role too while Kareem Hunt, the new kid on the block is well-liked and has shown a lot of explosion and flair early in training camp. All 3 will get time but perhaps Hunt will get more reps as the season goes. It should be noted that both West and Ware's contracts expire at the same time.
- WR Corps: Tyreek Hill is an obvious threat but someone else needs to step up. Chris Conley has looked good as has Wilson and Demarcus Robinson. Chesson won't see much time and we'll see if the others can translate well into the regular season.
Defense
A strong defense with a solid front seven and a solid secondary sounds great for the next season, but what happens after this year? Most are veterans and are aging and there isn't enough youth behind them to make a good case for starters. It's doubtful that Hali will be around for too much longer and Justin Houston could announce retirement too. Kansas City is going to have to work fast to replenish as well as find a suitable candidate to start opposite of Marcus Peters. The good news? Chris Jones was a rock last season and Tanoh Kpassagnon (taken in the 2nd round) is expected to come along and be able to produce as well. The addition of Bennie Logan is a nice touch to the interior as well. All the focus is in Denver but don't fall asleep in KC.Defense Top Stories
- Secondary: Ron Parker, Eric Berry, and Marcus Peters are all quality starters. Steven Nelson starts opposite of Marcus Peters for now, but he remains in competition with Terrance Mitchell to keep the spot and if production is low from both then the likelihood is that Andy Reid will look to the draft for another CB.
- Hali & Houston: Still expected to start although Dee Ford will see more time in Hali's spot but the big question, what comes after? When these two leave as Hali, Ford, and Zombo all expire at the same time. Ford looks ready to take the mantle but there's uncertainty as to whether or not Dadi Nicholas will be ready or even if the Chiefs will keep him though it is expected that Ford and Nicholas both will re-sign.