Post 2016 NFL Draft: Kansas City Chiefs Depth Chart
By Jon Dove
The Kansas City Chiefs Depth Chart had another offseason that featured several major changes.
The Kansas City Chiefs Depth Chart looks pretty solid after several key additions through the draft and free agency. They made some good moves along the offensive line that should provide an immediate upgrade.
Quarterback
Starter: Alex Smith
Backups: Aaron Murray and Kevin Hogan
Alex Smith is back again for the Chiefs to run a highly efficient offensive attack. He’ll continue to protect the football and rely heavily on what should be a strong running game.
Running Back
Starter: Jamaal Charles
Backups: Charcandrick West and Spencer Ware
It’ll be interesting to see how Andy Reid and company handle the work load here. When healthy, Charles is still one of the best running backs in the league. However, West and Ware showed their worth last year and will remain in the mix.
Wide Receiver
Starters: Jeremy Maclin and Albert Wilson
No. 3: Rod Streater
Backups: Chris Conley, De’Anthony Thomas, Demarcus Robinson and Tyreek Hill
There weren’t many changes made to the receiver position in the offseason. This remains a group that lacks depth and will rely on Jeremy Maclin to do most of the damage. There’s a chance Chris Conley emerges after a full offseason with the team.
Tight End
Starter: Travis Kelce
Backups: James O’Shaughnessy and Demetrius Harris
Kelce is a stud and one of the top targets in this offense.
Left Tackle
Starter: Eric Fisher
Backups: Jah Reid and Reid Fragel
Fisher played better down the stretch last year, but still not up to the standards of a former No. 1 pick. Kansas City appears to be ok with the fact that he may never be that type of player. However, they need him to provide steady play.
Left Guard
Starter: Parker Ehinger
Backup: Jarrod Pughsley, Zach Fulton and Jordan Devey
Parker Ehinger was an underrated prospect who has a good chance to begin the season as a starter. There will be some heavy competition during training camp for both starting guard positions.
Center
Starter: Mitch Morse
Backup: Zach Fulton
Morse has the starting job locked down and looks like one of the better young centers in the league.
Right Guard
Starter: Jah Reid
Backups: Laurent Duvernay-Tardif, Jarrod Pughsley and Zach Fulton
Jah Reid played well at the end of last year which earned him a contract extension.
Right Tackle
Starter: Mitchell Schwartz
Backups: Jah Reid and Reid Fragel
Kansas City was able to steal Mitchell Schwartz away from the Cleveland Browns via free agency. He’s a great fit for this offense because his strength is as a run blocker.
3-4 Defensive End
Starters: Jaye Howard and Allen Bailey
Backups: Chris Jones and Rakeem Nunez-Roches
The combination of Howard and Bailey is a underrated and productive starting duo. They both hold up against the run and can generate some pressure on the quarterback.
Nose Tackle
Starter: Dontari Poe
Backup: Alameda Ta’amu
Dontari Poe is a star and one of the better defensive linemen in the entire NFL. His ability to occupy blockers helps the linebackers freely pursue the football.
3-4 Outside Linebacker
Starters: Justin Houston and Tamba Hali
Backups: Dee Ford, Frank Zombo and Dadi Nicolas
Kansas City remains optimistic that Justin Houston will be able to play this year. His health could be one of the keys to the season as the Chiefs need his pressure to play their style of defense.
Inside Linebacker
Starters: Derrick Johnson and Josh Mauga
Backups: Ramik Wilson, DJ Alexander and Terrance Smith
Derrick Johnson is back in the mix, but the other starting linebacker spot will be up for grabs. A lot of people within the Chiefs’ organization like what Ramik Wilson has shown so far in his young career.
Cornerback
Starters: Marcus Peters and Phillip Gaines
Nickelback: KeiVarae Russell
Backups: Eric Murray, Steven Nelson and Marcus Cooper
The Chiefs are going to give Phillilp Gaines a chance to earn the starting job based on the promise he showed before his injury. However, KeiVarae Russell is a talented player who’ll be ready to pounce if Gaines fails.
Safety
Starters: Eric Berry and Ron Parker
Backups: Jamell Fleming and Stevie Brown
Berry and Parker are a solid group that is back as a starting tandem for the third year in a row.