The big news out of Kansas City yesterday was the release of 15 year veteran punter Dustin Colquitt. Colquitt is 37 years old and was due to earn over $2.6 million this year, which is a large savings with Pat Mahomes and Chris Jones still needing to be signed long term. This is the first big shake up of the roster this year other than the recently added rookies.
Lets take a look at the full roster at the moment:
Quarterback
Patrick Mahomes, Chad Henne, Jordan Ta’amu
The big news here is that they recently cut Kyle Shurmur. Many thought Shurmur and Ta’amu would battle it out for that last spot during camp. The Chiefs must really like what they see in Ta’amu. Oh, also they still have the best player in the world… Patrick Mahomes.
Running Back
Clyde Edwards-Helaire, Damien Williams, Darwin Thompson, DeAndre Washington, Darrell Williams, Marcus Marshall, Mike Weber, Elijah McGuire
The Chiefs shook up the first round of the draft and took Edwards-Helaire with the 32nd pick. He looks to take over the lead roll in a crowded RB room. Damien Williams, Darwin Thompson, and DeAndre Washington would seem to have the lead of filling out the roster if the Chiefs keep four RBs. Contributions on special teams could play a major factor in who stays.
Wide Reciever
Tyreek Hill, Sammy Watkins, Demarcus Robinson, Mecole Hardman, Byron Pringle, Gehrig Dieter, Jody Fortson, Andre Baccellia, Felton Davis, Maurice Ffrench, Aleva Hifo, Kalija Lipscomb, Justice Shelton-Mosley, Cody White
The top four contributors from last year are back. Many thought Chiefs would select a WR in this year’s draft to replace Robinson or Watkins next year, but they did not go that route. The question is who are the 5 and 6 guys. Pringle and Dieter have distinct advantages because of their special teams experience, but a guy like UDFA Kalija Lipscomb could be a dark horse.
Tight End
Travis Kelce, Deon Yelder, Ricky Seals-Jones, Nick Keizer
The Chiefs signed Ricky Seals-Jones this offseason after moving on from Blake Bell. Bell was primarily a blocker last year for Kansas City. I would not be surprised to see more movement in the tight end area.
Offensive Line
Eric Fisher, Andrew Wylie, Austin Reiter, Laurent Duvernay-Tardif, Mitchell Schwartz, Lucas Niang, Martinas Rankin, Yasir Durant, Jackson Barton, Mike Remmers, Greg Senat, Ryan Hunter, Jovahn Fair, Nick Allegretti, Darryl Williams
This is going to be one of the most interesting positions to watch during camp to me. The Chiefs seemingly got their OT of the future in Niang, but then Brett Veach said he would compete right away at guard. They also restructured LDT this offseason where many thought he was going to get cut. Mike Remmers was brought in as a veteran guy and has played guard and tackle. The Chiefs also brought in two of the most sought after UDFA lineman in Yasir Durant and Daryl Williams. Williams received a very large contract for an UDFA. He may compete with Reiter for the starting spot at Center.
Fullback
Anthony Sherman, John Lovett
Sherman come back for another year in KC. Lovett is an interesting prospect who could potentially make some noise with his versatility and find himself in a Blake Bell type roll.
Defensive Line
Frank Clark, Derrick Nnadi, Chris Jones, Alex Okafor, Mike Pennel, Khalen Saunders, Braxton Hoyett, Devaroe Lawrence, Tim Ward, Breeland Speaks, Anthony Lanier, Tanoh Kpassagnon, Demone Harris, Michael Danna
Chris Jones still isn’t signed to a long term deal, but by all reports both sides are looking to get it done. Mike Pennel is back along the interior and was a huge late addition to their Super Bowl run last year. Breeland Speaks is back after missing all last year with an injury. Where does he fit in Spag’s defense is the question. One of the more surprising draft picks this year for KC was DE Michael Danna. Danna was ultra productive at Central Michigan before transferring to Michigan and putting on almost 15 pounds. He does not seemingly fit what Spagnulo likes at DE. Danna was also more productive at Central Michigan where he seemed to be quicker. It will be interesting to see where he fits in.
Linebacker
Anthony Hitches, Damien Wilson, Willie Gay Jr., Ben Niemann, Dorian O’Daniel, Darius Harris, Emmanuel Smith, Bryan Wright
Brett Veach said they were going to find a cover LB in either the draft or free agency and they found the best cover LB in the draft from 2017-2019 in Willie Gay Jr. according to Pro Football Focus. Gay Jr. is physical and fast. He will be a three down LB. It was a home run pick by Veach and Company. Niemann and O’Daniel have been two of the best special teams players in all the NFL the past two years and Niemann carved out a roll in subpackages, but with Gay Jr. being drafted their roster spot could be in jeopardy.
Defensive Back
Charvarious Ward, Bashaud Breealand, Tyraan Mathieu, Juan Thornhill, Daniel Sorenson, Rashad Fenton, Hakeem Bailey, Javaris Davis, Antonio Hamilton, Lavert Hill, Bopete Keyes, Alex Brown, Chris Lammons, L’Jarius Snead, Rodney Clemons, Jalen Julius, Armani Watts
The Chiefs brought in a plethora of corner backs this offseason. They were also able to bring back Bashuad Breeland on a one year deal. Honey Badger and Thornhill are locked in a safety. Sorenson also has his roll secured, unless the Chiefs decide to move on from him due to cap concerns. The Chiefs double dipped in the draft at CB by selecting L’Jarius Snead and Bopete Keyes. Both are very long athletic corners. Anontio Hamilton is another burner in the secondary, but didn’t see much time there when he was with the Giants. He was one of the highest graded gunners in all the NFL, however, which gives him value. This secondary room will be a difficult one to figure out and a great battle to watch throughout camp.
Specialists
Harrison Butker, James Winchester, Tyler Newsome, Tommy Townsend
Butker has spent his quarantine time nailing 77 yarders in his back yard. He is one of the best in the NFL, so, no surprises there. The big surprise is the release of Colquitt as mentioned previously. The punting battle is now between Newsome and UDFA Townsend. It will be the first time in 15 years the Chiefs will go into a season without Colquitt.
