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Training camp is mostly completed. Now, we are set to kick off the preseason, as the Kansas City Chiefs travel to New Orleans for a meeting with the Saints. The Chiefs have always had some starters play in the first preseason game. Head coach Andy Reid believes in getting everyone some reps early. Overall, he announced that all four of the Chiefs quarterbacks will receive a quarter of action on Sunday.
With this being the first preseason game for the Chiefs, we will list some items to watch for surrounding Kansas City. What are some key players or position battles to watch? Additionally, we will list one major question that needs answered by actual live game reps. Let’s kick it off.
Which Defensive Linemen Can Make Statement Without Jones?
We enter the first preseason game still amid the Chris Jones holdout. Possibly, the veteran defensive tackle will show up soon. Whether that includes a new contract extension or not remains to be seen. Yet, there is an opportunity for some other defensive linemen to make a statement with the star’s absence.
Just at defensive tackle alone, there is not much, in terms of proven commodities for the Chiefs. Derrick Nnadi is a capable run defender entering his sixth season with Kansas City. Moreover, Tershawn Wharton will not play, as he continues to recover from a torn ACL suffered last season.
Rookie Keondre Coburn could turn out to be another steal for this team from day three of the NFL Draft. Coburn will look to make an impact against both the run and the pass on Sunday. On the flip side, other names like Danny Shelton, Daniel Wise, Matt Dickerson and Phil Hoskins are looking to make a push to solidify their spot on the roster.
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Rookies To Watch: Rice, Coburn
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We will start with Coburn, since he was just mentioned above. The Texas product has impressive movement skills for a player boasting massive size. His first-step quickness can surprise opposing interior blockers. No matter if it is a run play or a chance to rush the passer, Coburn flashes suddenness with his closing speed, if given the opportunity. His hard-working mentality could lead to some immediate results in his first-ever preseason game.
Rashee Rice is another rookie that we cannot wait to see this weekend. In recent history, incoming rookies have generally started slow under Coach Reid at the wide receiver position. Rice had a rare chance to work out with Patrick Mahomes in the pre-draft process. Fast forward to training camp, and that chemistry has translated into a fun combination. How much will Rice play in his first preseason game? Will he be able to capitalize on the vertical ability and yards after catch ability that he displayed at SMU?
Position Battle To Watch: Depth Wide Receivers
We are going to focus on a different position battle for each preseason game. But overall, how can you not focus on the wide receiver battle initially for Kansas City? The Chiefs seem to already have their top few roles secured with Marquez Valdes-Scantling and Skyy Moore. Kadarius Toney will join that pair in a secured role, once he is healthy.
In the end, it is the depth wide receiver spots that are going to be of focus this week. The Chiefs historically have spread the wealth all throughout the offense with Mahomes. Why would that change any time soon? Simply put, everyone is going to get their fair share of looks at some point. The aforementioned rookie, Rice, will be looking to create some explosive plays. Others like Justyn Ross, Richie James and Justin Watson will aim to create consistency. Will the Chiefs keep six or seven wide receivers total? We may get an early indication out of this group in New Orleans.
Be on the lookout for more FPC Chiefs articles and analysis throughout next week. For more great sports and NFL content, stay tuned to Full Press Coverage.
– Braden Holecek is the Kansas City Chiefs managing editor for Full Press Coverage. He covers the NFL. Like and follow on Follow @ebearcat9//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js Follow @FPC_Chiefs//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js and Facebook.