Kansas City Chiefs: Dexter McCluster's Roster Spot in Jeopardy?

Since being drafted in the second round out of Ole Miss in 2010, Dexter McCluster’s time as a Kansas City Chief has been a bit ambiguous, having taken on multiple roles in an effort to fit into the NFL.

A running back in college, the Chiefs actually envisioned McCluster as a slot receiver that could help on special teams (doing so as a rookie), but last season, he was used primarily out of the backfield due to the injury to Jamaal Charles and Thomas Jones’ age catching up to his ability to produce.

The way he has been utilized early in career has been a huge plus for the Chiefs. However, it also indicates that a permanent place on the roster may never come to fruition for McCluster either.

The Chiefs have used McCluster out of necessity during his first two seasons in the NFL. But general manager Scott Pioli—another year into controlling the team—has assembled quite possibly one of the deepest rosters in the league.

In addition to signing running back Peyton Hillis in the offseason, the Chiefs drafted wide receiver Devon Wylie in the fourth round—who figures to get a long look as a slot receiver and also at kick returner—and also running back Cyrus Gray in the sixth round.

As the Chiefs roster takes shape, it becomes clear that McCluster might perhaps be on the outside looking in; not due to performance, but simply because of how the game is becoming more detail-oriented with specified roles becoming the norm again.

Charles, Hillis and Gray are seemingly locked into roster spots at running back, meaning that even an injury similar to last season (Charles ACL tear) would indicate that McCluster wouldn’t see as many opportunities to produce.  And having drafted Wylie, along with Steve Breaston also capable, implies that McCluster’s days as a slot receiver are numbered as well.

That leaves special teams as the only area that McCluster could see regular duty. However, with Javier Arenas capable of returning kicks and punts along with Wylie, means that McCluster could be getting the squeeze all the way around and could see the field only on gadget plays designed specifically for him.

He has shown flashes at times in all three areas, so it would be a shame after just two seasons for Kansas City to waste his abilities and give up on him so soon. But the NFL is a business, and it might take a change of scenery for McCluster to excel in this league.

Contact Jeremy at [e-mail], on Twitter @KCPopFlyBoy and at popflyboys.com.