Chiefs Training Camp 2023: Anticipating the top 5 position battles

The Kansas Metropolis Chiefs are set to make their annual migration north to coaching camp at Missouri Western State College in St. Joseph, Missouri. Rookies will report on Tuesday, whereas veterans will report on Friday. The primary apply will happen subsequent Sunday, July 23.

Let’s take a more in-depth have a look at the highest battles we count on throughout 2023’s coaching camp.

5. Kick returner

Beneath head coach Andy Reid, the Chiefs have at all times strongly emphasised particular groups — particularly the return recreation. It’s onerous to argue with the outcomes: simply ask a Philadelphia Eagles fan. However regardless of game-changing performances within the postseason, Kansas Metropolis’s particular groups struggled final yr with a number of expensive turnovers — and nary an influence play.

This offseason, coaches have expressed a need to have punt returners Kadarius Toney and Skyy Moore give attention to their roles within the offense. In the meantime, accidents are already a problem for working again Isiah Pacheco. who returned kickoffs final season. It sounds just like the Chiefs will likely be hoping to exchange each of them.

Gamers we’re watching: Particular groups coordinator Dave Toub has already in contrast rookie working again Deneric Prince to former Kansas Metropolis kick returner Knile Davis. Prince now appears to have an inside monitor on returning kickoffs. Whereas recently-acquired veteran broad receiver Richie James has 75 profession punt returns — and can be a logical alternative for Moore and Toney — we also needs to regulate undrafted free agent Nikko Remigio out of Fresno State.

4. Security

Over the past two offseasons, the Chiefs have misplaced safeties Tyrann Mathieu and Daniel Sorenson — and now Juan Thornhill is gone, too. So since dropping to the Cincinnati Bengals in 2021’s AFC Championship, Kansas Metropolis has turned over the whole security room. The one certain factor within the place group is veteran Justin Reid — who developed properly within the second half of final season, however nonetheless has room to develop in defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo’s system.

Gamers we’re watching: Towards the tip of his rookie season, 2022 second-round draft decide Bryan Prepare dinner noticed the sector an increasing number of typically. Although he’s a a lot totally different sort of participant than Thornhill, Prepare dinner must be a giant a part of the group’s 2023 plan at security. Former Tampa Bay Buccaneers security Mike Edwards has been productive as a backup and spot starter. Fourth-round rookie Chamarri Conner may push each Edwards and Prepare dinner. He’ll be an immediate contributor on particular groups — and has sufficient versatility to play within the slot. In St. Joseph, there will likely be a good race for the group’s second and third safeties.

3. Operating again No. 3

The Chiefs gained the Tremendous Bowl with solely Pacheco and veteran Jerick McKinnon at working again. So the necessity for a 3rd working again could be restricted. Simply the identical, with McKinnon’s damage historical past (and with the group prone to begin camp with out the injured Pacheco) there’s in all probability a path for a 3rd again — and perhaps even a fourth.

Gamers we’re watching: After Kansas Metropolis declined the fifth-year choice for former first-round decide Clyde Edwards-Helaire, the previous LSU working again has so much to show. Whereas he’s made massive performs for the Chiefs, his incapacity to remain on the sector (and offering no influence on particular groups) may put him on the new seat. So that is one other method the group may justify a roster spot for Prince. As a again, his strengths are much like Pacheco’s — and his pace and bodily model suits the group’s offensive scheme. His lack of ability as a go protector (and as a receiver), nevertheless, could be redundant behind Pacheco.

2. Linebackers No. 2 and No. 3

It is not hyperbole to say that Kansas Metropolis may need one of many league’s greatest linebacker teams — if not the perfect group. This clearly begins with third-year participant Nick Bolton, who performed 99% of defensive snaps in 2022 because the group’s MIKE linebacker. His function will doubtless be a lot the identical in 2023 — though the Chiefs would possibly wish to get him off the sector a bit of extra typically. Willie Homosexual Jr. continues to be an athletic freak who generally appears to wrestle with the psychological side of the sport. Sadly, his influence performs will be each constructive and damaging.

Gamers we’re watching: The group introduced veteran Drue Tranquill over from the Los Angeles Chargers, bringing one thing the linebacker corps actually wanted: go protection abilities. Whereas Homosexual logged the second-most linebacker snaps final season, he’s going to must fend off Tranquill for these in 2023. Second-year participant Leo Chenal is a hammer searching for a nail within the working recreation. If he can develop an analogous potential defending in opposition to the go, he’ll even be pushing for enjoying time. Don’t rely out undrafted free agent Isaiah Moore, both. Many considered him as a Day 3 prospect with traits like Bolton.

1. Left (and proper) deal with

After giving up zero sacks to the vaunted Eagles’ go rush within the championship recreation, the Chiefs changed each of their beginning tackles — and because the offseason progressed, the group’s plan gave the impression to be evolving. Contemplating the power of the inside offensive line, Kansas Metropolis has some flexibility at deal with — nevertheless it’s nonetheless an important place. That’s very true when each of them are being changed.

Gamers we’re watching: Newly-signed Jawaan Taylor is the big-money free agent. The belief is that he’ll play proper deal with — however the Chiefs spent the whole pre-draft course of speaking about his potential to play on the left. For now, that appears to be the place newly-acquired Donovan Smith will likely be enjoying. However can he return to his 2021 kind? Rookie Wanya Morris was the following true deal with taken after his teammate Anton Harrison was chosen in Spherical 1. Might he contend for the left deal with job? Or will he be the swing deal with off the bench? Is Lucas Niang in peril of not making the group? As you may see… there are many inquiries to reply.