Optimism season continues in Chiefs Kingdom as the Kansas City Chiefs break camp in St. Joseph, Missouri and prepares for preseason Week 2 agaist the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The Chiefs will put a very different team on the field — both offense and defense — as compared to the one that struggled last season. It will be a combination of youth and throwbacks, improved coaching, and more balance than in previous years.
Will it work? We won’t know for a while.
For now, all we can do is watch trends and speculate.
Here are a few we’re watching this week.
Bulls
The new CB duo: Over our lifetimes, there has been a string of great Chiefs cornerback pairs:
Albert Lewis and Kevin Ross
James Hasty and Dale Carter
L’Jarius Sneed and Trent McDuffie
Ty Law and Patrick Surtain
Brandon(s) Flowers and Carr
Mansoor Delane and Nohl Williams might be the next in line.
Yes, that’s a lot to put on a rookie and a second-year player, but given what we’ve seen from both in camp, it’s hard not to be enthusiastic. Now healthy, Delane has the look of a potential “shut down” type corner that can take receivers out of consideration. Williams came into the league after leading FBS with seven interceptions his final year, earning him a reputation as a ballhawk. But, he’s also shown some really sticky coverage skills. Be prepared for growing pains and penalties from both guys, but the future is bright on the outside of the secondary.
Right Tackle or Guard Kahlil Benson: We’re all in on the Indiana product. Whether he’s the long-term starter at right tackle, a temporary fill in at right guard, or a backup that can play both positions, he’s earned a long look. Benson is a mauler that could be a fantastic fit in the new Chiefs offense and the focus on running the football.
Running back Kenneth Walker: When general manager Brett Veach aggressively signed his favorite running back in free agency, there was no question that they were getting a good player. The questions were about how they’d use him. All signs and reports out of camp indicate that the Chiefs are thrilled with the other Super Bowl MVP on this offense.
Walker has shown everything you’d want to see in a potential bellcow back, and Andy Reid seems to be leaning into the idea. More snaps under center, more screens, and a featured top-tier running back? That’s a recipe for a more balanced and sustainable offense. Consider this an endorsement for Walker to be on your fantasy football team as well.
Others trending in the right direction this week: Running back Emmitt Johnson, wide receiver Cyrus Allen, EDGE R Mason Thomas, wide receiver Andrew Armstrong, quarterback Garrett Nussmeier, running back Brashard Smith
Bears
Guards Mike Caliendo, Hunter Norzad, CJ Hanson: Think back over the Mahomes era. What one factor has cost the Chiefs more rings and trophies than any other? I’d argue it’s offensive line depth (wide receiver troubles might be second).
The lack of offensive line talent is a league-wide issue for sure, but it seems like the Chiefs can overcome one injury on the line and not miss a beat — but anymore can be catastrophic. It was again apparent in the first preseason game, the backup offensive lines looked pretty terrible. They are developing Kahlil Benson, Esa Pole and Chu Godrick as tackles. I feel like there’s at least a chance that those guys can bolster the depth on the outside.
It’s the interior that I’d worry about if any of these three gets significant time during the season, it’s going to be tough— if more than one of them is on the field at the same time, it’s going to be ugly. Watch to see if the front office addresses this position during roster cutdowns.
EDGE Felix Anudike-Uzomah: I really hate to keep singling out FAU. He’s still young, still on the roster, and should be part of the rotation this season. But, he’s been outshined by R Mason Thomas all offseason — the rookie might be more of a three-down player for defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo than we thought.
Then, Kansas City added former Chief Emmanuel Ogbah to the room late in camp. This would be a hint that the staff thought another veteran was necessary in the rotation, and/or that the incumbents were underperforming. Either way, it feels like there are very few signs pointing to FAU having a potential breakout season.
Wide receiver Jalen Royals: It’s a similar story for second-year receiver Jalen Royals. He was a promising draft pick, who seems to have some ability, but is buried on the depth chart. It’s difficult to see a breakout season coming for Royals while the Chiefs passing game features Rashee Rice, Xavier Worthy, Tyquan Thornton, Travis Kelce and exciting rookie Cyrus Allen. A player in Jalen’s position would need to show a lot in the preseason as a receiver OR become a staple on special teams in order to feel good about their spot on the active roster.
Others trending in the wrong direction this week: Cornerback Kristian Fulton, cornerback Kaiir Elam, running back Emari Demercado, Wide receiver/returner Nikko Remigio
Value (sleeper) picks
Linebacker Jeffrey Bassa and safety Jaden Hicks:
The new-look Chiefs defense has a chance to be really good. If the unit is able to take the next step forward, the primary reasons will be because they invested in waves of defensive linemen and upgraded the outside corners.
But, the development of two other players might be the difference between good and great. Second-year linebacker Jeffrey Bassa and third-year safety Jaden Hicks might not be headline starters, but both have shown the ability to thrive in the right role. All great defenses have enforcers on the second and third levels, guys like Bassa and Hicks who can close on the football and punish receivers and ballcarriers in space.
Questions still persist about the coaching staff’s confidence in these two, so let’s watch for more positive signs in the coming weeks. But, if both of these guys “hit” this year, it’s going to be fun to watch.
