2014 Kansas City Chiefs

[Don Wassall]

TE Travis Kelce missed his entire rookie season because of a knee injury after being drafted in the second round, but should have a clear path to being the starter this season. Kelce is very strong and can move well. Might have a Jeremy Shockey-like skill set though Weenieworld compares him to Heath Miller. Miller could have been a perennial All Pro with another organization but the Steelers use their tight ends to block more than any other team.

ESPN Chiefs reporter Adam Teicher expects second-year TE Travis Kelce to be the team's "pass receiver at tight end" in 2014, and "an important piece" of the Chiefs' passing game. Per Teicher, Kelce showed the ability in practices last year to "line up in a variety of places," and "get down the field to beat coverage." We loved Kelce's game tape coming out of Cincinnati, but his rookie year essentially wound up as a "redshirt" season due to a relatively minor microfracture surgery on his knee. Kelce has a Heath Miller-type skill set. He remains a hold in Dynasty leagues.

 

[Extra Point]

QB Alex Smith returns for another year for the Chiefs. Smith was one of the most valuable players in the league in 2013. He was instrumental in turning the Chiefs from one of the worst teams in the league to one of the better teams.

 

[Upside]

2014 Position Battles/Outlook

Alex Smith has really become a fun QB to watch. A legitimate dual threat, look for him to lead he Chiefs deep into the playoffs in 2014. Looking at the roster, Chiefs could still use a little help along the O-line, particularly at guard, and at WR. Here are some preseason battles to watch:

TE - Fasano vs. Kelce vs. McGrath .... The veteran Fasano will probably be the week 1 starter, which I have no problem with, but I see Kelce taking over sometime this season as he is more of a big play theat. McGrath played well at times last season, but needs to work on consistency.

RT - Donald Stephenson vs. Laurent Duvernay-Tardiff ... Stephenson is below average for a tackle, look for the rookie Duveay-Tardiff to take the spot and run with it. If he doesn't, the Chiefs may look to bring in a veteran.

Slot WR - Junior Hemmingway vs. Weston Dressler ... After Dwayne Bowe, all other receiver spots are up for grabs. Look for Dressler, former Canadian star, to be heavily involved in the offense.

DE - Vance Walker vs. Mike Catapano ... Both will be in the line rotation, but they will battle for the starting job opposite Mike DeVito. I'd like to see Catapano take it, but Walker is probably the more seasoned player, however only has 8 sacks in five years. Competition should be open.

ILB - Frank Zombo vs. Nico Johnson vs. Joe Mays ... Although Zombo is listed as a OLB, I'd like to see him compete for a starting job in the middle along side Derrick Johnson. Aside from Johnson, there isn't much talent at ILB, and if they want their four best LBs on the field, they should turn to Zombo who is great against the run and can blitz when called upon.

S - Daniel Sorenson vs. Husein Abdullah ... Behind Eric Berry, the Chiefs lack true talent at Safety. Rookie free agent Daniel Sorenson has a very good shot to not only make the team, but be a big contributor on defense, and dare I say, start!

 

[Don Wassall]

I'm surprised with how much respect Dressler is receiving. He has a good chance to be their slot receiver, and given how much Alex Smith likes the short passing game he could put up some excellent numbers if given an opportunity.

 

[Leonardfan]

Steve Gregory announced his retirement today. He was one of the rare db's that slipped through the caste system and was able to put together a very solid career

 

[Freethinker]

Steve Gregory announced his retirement today. He was one of the rare db's that slipped through the caste system and was able to put together a very solid career

Steve rated out by Pro Football Focus as one of the best safeties last year. Yet he wasn't good enough for New England and now he's retiring? I respect his decision to retire if that's what he really wants, but it sound like he's been the victim of the Caste System once again.