Position battles to watch in Chiefs training camp

In 2024, the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs intention to turn out to be the primary staff to three-peat as champions within the Tremendous Bowl period. They stored their core intact however nonetheless have some roster questions.

Listed here are three key place battles to observe when coaching camp opens on July 16.

Offensive deal with

Projected starters: Wanya Morris, Jawaan Taylor

Participant to observe: Kingsley Suamataia

This offseason, the Chiefs did not re-sign left deal with Donovan Smith, who began in 12 video games in 2023. This determination was dangerous, as Morris did not show he was a high quality starter throughout his rookie season. 

On 340 snaps in 9 video games,  the third-round select of Oklahoma allowed 24 pressures and 7 hits, per Professional Soccer Focus.  

Within the second spherical of the 2024 NFL Draft, the Chiefs took BYU’s Suamataia (choose No. 63). PFF famous he is a uncooked prospect who might not be prepared to start out, however he has upside. The 21-year-old posted an above-average 86.1 go block grade in 11 video games in 2023.

Chiefs head coach Andy Reid did not reveal whether or not Morris or Suamataia holds a lead within the competitors at minicamp. Regardless, Ok.C. wants one in all them to emerge, as defending quarterback Patrick Mahomes’ blindside is paramount.

CornerbackProjected starters: Trent McDuffie, Jaylen Watson

Participant(s) to observe: Joshua Williams, Kamal Hadden

First-team All-Professional McDuffie will substitute L’Jarius Sneed — who was dealt to the Tennessee Titans in March — because the staff’s No. 1 nook. It stays unclear if Watson will step up subsequent season.

In 17 video games final season, 25-year-old Watson allowed 5 landing catches and an above-average 109.4 passer ranking on 310 snaps in protection. Williams produced higher numbers on fewer snaps in protection (236), surrendering two receiving TDs and a below-average 78.5 passer ranking in 16 video games.

Tennessee’s Hadden (choose No. 211) had three interceptions in seven video games in 2023 earlier than struggling a season-ending shoulder harm. 

Nonetheless, NFL.com draft skilled Lance Zierlein indicated he might lack the velocity (4.53 40-yard sprint) to turn out to be a viable starter.  

Large receiver

Projected starters: Marquise Brown, Xavier Worthy, Rashee Rice

Participant(s) to observe: Justin Watson, Kadarius Toney, Skyy Moore, Nikko Remigio
ESPN’s Adam Teicher not too long ago mentioned the Chiefs are getting ready for a potential suspension for Rice. In April, CBS Information Texas reported Rice turned himself in to police after a multi-vehicle crash. He additionally allegedly punched a photographer in a nightclub in Could, however costs have been dropped, in accordance with Dallas police.  

It seems Waston — who had 27 receptions for 460 yards and three TD catches in 16 video games in 2023 — is a greater choice than Moore or Toney. 

Toney had 4 drops in 15 video games final season, whereas Moore solely has one receiving TD via two seasons.

Former undrafted rookie Remigio could possibly be a shock. With Worthy coping with a hamstring harm, the 24-year-old labored with the primary staff in OTAs and minicamp and made an impression by way of Teicher.