Chiefs training camp: 5 position battles to watch
The Kansas City Chiefs will hold their first open practice of training camp Thursday afternoon on the Missouri Western campus in St Joseph. Here are our top positions to watch
Finally, after five long months the Chiefs will begin their push toward the Lombardi trophy. While all eyes will be on Patrick Mahomes, there are some fairly intriguing battles to keep an eye on over the next 3 weeks. Lets start on offense.
#5: Third Wide receiver
This is a very interesting position to keep an eye on. Chris Conley will likely hold this spot when the first depth chart comes out, and I believe he will hold that spot down, but there is some intriguing competition at wide receiver.
Demarcus Robinson
Robinson is a talented young receiver with a knack for the deep ball. In limited snaps last season he displayed the quickness and hands you look for in an NFL wide receiver. The biggest question mark with Robinson is the mental aspect of his game. Robinson had some off the field issues at Florida, and, while he has been a quality character since arriving in KC, he was benched by Andy Reid last year, supposedly in part due to running the wrong routes.
Perhaps Robinson's greatest asset is the rap he has built with Patrick Mahomes:
Robinson has a good shot at taking this spot.
Others guys to watch: De'Anthony Thomas, Jehu Chesson, Gehrig Dieter
#4: Second Running back
This competition is truly wide open. Charcandrick West was the #2 back last season, and I expect he will hold that spot as the preseason gets underway. That position is not without competition though, a healthy Spencer Ware looms as a big story-line in St Joe. Due to his injury costing him the entirety of last season, along with the emergence of Kareem Hunt, many have forgotten what Ware is capable of when healthy.
As soon as Ware is fully healthy, this spot is his to loose. West will get some snaps due to his ability as a blocker, but Ware is too good to sit.
Other guys to watch: Damien, Kerwynn, & Darrel Williams
#3: Cornerback
Whew. Cornerback is probably the biggest question mark on this football team. The Chiefs brought in Kendall Fuller in the Alex Smith trade, his spot is the only one I am certain about.
David Amerson & Steven Nelson will likely occupy the second and third spot, in which order though is anyone's guess. We also have to keep an eye on the Bashaud Breeland situation, as he could provide some great depth at this position.
This battle is far from settled.
#2: Left Guard
The left guard position has been a question mark for Kansas city for a long time. Be it Jordan Devy, Jah Reid, Bryan Witzmann, or Parker Ehinger, the Chiefs have struggled to find any consistency at the position.
Ehinger was considered by many to be the favorite going into last season, but his lingering injury did not allow him to find the field until week 17.
Bryan Witzmann held down the fort last season, but he was far from stellar. The Chiefs certainly hope Ehinger can put together a strong camp and take hold of this position.
#1: Right outside linebacker
This is the big one. The Chiefs once deadly pass rush has completely disintegrated over the last two seasons.
Dee Ford has shown promise from time to time, but has been the definition of inconsistency since arriving in KC.
Tanoh Kpassagnon is my favorite linebacker on this team. The Chiefs second round pick a year ago is listed at 6-7 and 289 pounds, his blend of size and strength give him the potential to be totally disruptive. If he can improve his technique, I think he will turn the corner towards becoming a dominant linebacker in this league.
Breeland Speaks is perhaps the biggest unknown on this defense. The physical traits are definitely there for Speaks, he is almost identical in measurable's to Tamba Hali. His relentless motor and mindset of never giving up on a play are very impressive traits as well. Speaks is raw, but he will have every opportunity to win this job with a strong camp.
Training camp is underway, with the teams first preseason game only two weeks from Thursday, football is nearly upon us. Thanks for reading, and as always, GO CHIEFS!
