The Kansas City Chiefs are still riding high off a Super Bowl championship season. The best part is Patrick Mahomes just got his extension and basically return their entire team. That doesn’t mean there aren’t exciting storylines to watch. Let’s preview the Kansas City Chiefs for the 2020 season.
3 Position Battles To Watch:
Backup Running Back: Darwin Thompson, Darrel Williams, DeAndre Washington
After Damien Williams opted out, it left a huge void in the running back room. Williams should have been the Super Bowl MVP. Obviously Clyde Edwards-Helaire will take over main duties but he’s not getting 30 touches a game obviously. Which one of these guys will emerge?
DeAndre Washington has mostly been a flameout but he went to Texas Tech and he’s Mahomes’ guy. Darrel Williams is a short-yardage back but doesn’t come with much explosion. Darwin Thompson is a small scat back who really didn’t impress as a rookie. Just 3.5 YPC in year one. It’s a question mark on this roster.
Defensive End: Alex Okafor, Taco Charlton, Breeland Speaks
I’m not sure why nobody scooped up Terrell Suggs but he did a really nice job for KC during the title run. He’s gone so this trio will have to replace him. With Frank Clark as a mainstay on the other side, one of these players can be an X-Factor. Alex Okafor had 5 sacks in 10 games last year but mostly hasn’t been a game changer. Taco Charlton has pretty much been a bust. Breeland Speaks also really struggled as a rookie. It’s probably Okafor’s job and KC is hopeful one of the younger options develops.
Safety: Juan Thornhill, Daniel Sorensen, Armani Watts
Juan Thornhill is the most talented option of the bunch and was someone I was high on in the draft process. Thornhill was outstanding as a rookie but he tore his ACL very late in the year and is on the PUP list. Daniel Sorensen has been a mainstay vet who will get playing time. My question is whether Armani Watts becomes a real player. Thus far, he’s looking like a failed pick.
Ready To Breakout: Mecole Hardman
Mecole Hardman spent his rookie year as a return specialist. After a 26 catch season, it’s now time for Hardman to become that number two option behind Tyreek Hill. The tools are there. Hardman has the speed and explosion to develop into something special. It’s time for his to deliver.
Rookie To Watch: Clyde Edwards-Helaire
This one is obvious, right? CEH was taken in first round and gets to enter this team!?! It’s going to be an electric factory and I can’t wait for it.
Fantasy Sleeper: Demarcus Robinson
Demarcus Robinson is just slept on. Robinson is another fast wide out that continues to stretch the field. 32 receptions for 449 yards and 4 touchdowns in 2019. What if Robinson is really the 2nd best wide out on this team? I don’t think it’s impossible.
