5 Kansas City Chiefs Players Poised for a Breakout Campaign in 2015

Since Andy Reid came to Kansas City and took over as the head coach of the Chiefs, fans have witnessed a lot of success, as the team has gone 20-12 in two seasons.

Along with general manager John Dorsey's arrival, Kansas City has brought in plenty of new players to help improve the team. Some players have shown flashes and must step up in order to make a bigger impact to help the Chiefs win more than the nine games in 2014, though.

Here are five Chiefs who are poised for a breakout season.

5. RB/WR/PR De'Anthony Thomas

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Similar to former Chiefs offensive weapon and return specialist Dexter McCluster, De'Anthony Thomas received plenty of hype prior to playing an NFL game.

Thirty-seven touches on offense gave us a glimpse of what Thomas is capable of doing. Even with a heavy set of running backs, Reid had room for Thomas.

In 2015, expect Reid to use Thomas more on offense. On 14 rushes for 113 yards, he finished 2014 with an 8.1 yard-per-carry average. His speed and agility are too much for defenses to keep up with, as he can do a lot of damage. 

He had only two plays (one rush and one catch) go for 20 yards or more. The Chiefs want to see Thomas use his breakaway speed to gain more yards on big plays. Don't be surprised if the Chiefs use him more in a couple of trick plays as well.

4. CB Sean Smith

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Many of you may say Sean Smith had a breakout season in 2014 after being ranked the fifth-best cornerback by Pro Football Focus. Nevertheless, he may not be labeled as a top-five corner by many fans and pundits out there.

Though he is one of the best cover corners in the league, he's made few plays with his hands. In 2014, he logged just one interception, and he has a single-season career high of two picks in three different seasons.

While coaches value cover skills, most corners get noticed for picking off some passes, alongside shutting down receivers. 

If Smith does manage to have the best season of his career, it would make his future in Kansas City interesting, as the team recently drafted Marcus Peters. Plus Smith is set to be a free agent in 2016.

3. K Cairo Santos

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Shortly after Cairo Santos won the kicking duties over Ryan Succop, he went on to miss two of his first four field goals. Santos missed from 48 and 37 yards away. He had made a 35-yard field goal in Week 1, but the football hit the upright before connecting for three points. 

Based on those first two weeks, fans were concerned and questioned whether Santos over Succop was the right call.

Shortly after the rough start, Santos went on to make 14 consecutive field goals, going 25-of-30 overall as a rookie.

For Santos, it is important for him to get off to a better start and stay consistent, which will make him a more valuable kicker in his second year.

2. TE Travis Kelce

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After being sidelined with a knee injury his rookie year in 2013, Travis Kelce was tabbed as one of the best tight ends in the NFL after a strong 2014 campaign.

Last year, in what felt like his rookie season, he finished with 67 catches for 862 yards and five touchdowns, leading the Chiefs in all those categories.

His speed is unique for a tight end as he can catch and make defenders miss while trying to gain yards after the reception. The Chiefs benefit from his blocking as well, as he does favors for offensive players in the backfield.

Having wideout Jeremy Maclin on Kansas City's offense will force defenders to pick their poison and will create more opportunities for other pass-catchers, including Kelce. This gives him a chance to earn a 1,000-yard season as he continues to make a name for himself as one of the best tight ends—and perhaps punch his first Pro Bowl ticket.

1. QB Alex Smith

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We all made excuses for Alex Smith in 2014 when he struggled. His wide receivers didn't come through, and he did not have a reliable offensive line.

This offseason, Dorsey added Maclin and guards Ben Grubbs and Paul Fanaika in free agency, as well as center Mitch Morse through the draft. These players will play alongside Kelce, running back Jamaal Charles and fullback Anthony Sherman, who are considered among the best at their positions. 

Unless injuries derail the offense, Smith can't use the same excuses last year if he struggles in 2015. He has every reason to succeed and lead the Chiefs to more wins.

All statistics courtesy of ESPN.com.

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