Chiefs Stock Watch: Which Players Are Rising and Falling Through 2 Weeks of Camp

The Kansas City Chiefs' crystal ball becomes clearer with each practice that passes. 

Two weeks of training camp are etched in Andy Reid's memory bank, which ultimately outlined the team's first official depth chart of 2013. 

It's safe to say that, given the offseason's top-to-bottom overhaul, Kansas City will flaunt America's giddiest fanbase on Friday (my apologies, Beliebers).

Yes, the preseason opener versus Drew Brees' New Orleans Saints is just that at the end of the day—nothing more. 

The lion's share of starters will be sheltered and the play-calling will be diluted, but four players have a chance to justify their recent buzz-worthy performances. Conversely, four other names have an opportunity to redeem themselves. 

Rising: Austen Lane, DE

Keep an eye out for No. 90 on Friday.

Despite only seven starts, Austen Lane's 24 solo tackles ranked 27th amongst 4-3 defensive ends in 2012. 

The fourth-year pass-rusher has consistently bullied Chiefs linemen throughout the past two weeks (including Eric Fisher).

Lane is deceptively quick and totes a commanding bull-rush.

He's currently listed behind Tyson Jackson and Allen Bailey at left defensive end, but if Jackson continues to excel in sub packages, it wouldn't be surprising if Lane replaces right end Mike DeVito on passing downs. 

Statistics provided by Pro Football Focus (subscription required).

Falling: Eric Fisher, T

Before you furiously scroll to the comment section and pound "caps lock" in disbelief: Inhale, exhale and "woosah" (NSFW) yourself. Eric Fisher will be fine—nobody's sounding the alarm or raising concerns about his future outlook. 

The No. 1 overall pick hasn't been dominant throughout camp. However, the underlying reason is a culmination of three all-important factors. 

Firstly, he's a small-school left tackle acclimating to the NFL as a right tackle. Fisher's being asked to U-turn his natural instincts and rehash his footwork. 

Secondly, he's constantly tasked with blocking Justin Houston: one of the most well-rounded linebackers in the league, and a Pro Bowler who's just beginning to scratch the surface of his potential.

Lastly, the 306-pound rookie is practicing through pain. ESPN's John Clayton writes:

"

In his first training camp practice, Fisher badly injured two fingers on his right hand. He stayed in practice and tried to go against defenders mostly left-handed. Within a few days, he did some damage to his left hand. Those injuries have caused him to be a little inconsistent blocking, but Reid isn't concerned. 

"

So, has Fisher been as imposing as he was throughout the Senior Bowl? No, but he's a converted right tackle trying to restrain a Pro Bowl pass-rusher, with no professional experience and damaged goods for hands. 

Fisher will be up to speed sooner than later. 

Rising: Quintin Demps, SS

Quintin Demps should prove to be one of the more underrated signings of the Chiefs' offseason. 

The newcomer is every bit as fast as Eric Berry—he was a noteworthy return man in college—and he craves contact. 

So, it's no surprise that Demps has made his presence known at Chiefs camp.

Although he only participated in 354 snaps last season, Demps' five pass breakups tied for ninth amongst safeties. 

Statistics provided by Pro Football Focus (subscription required). 

Falling: Jon Baldwin, WR

Jon Baldwin has been a thorn embedded in the side of Chiefs fans for the past two seasons. And if training camp is indicative of what to expect, that thorn's going to remain firmly lodged. 

Through two weeks of practices, Baldwin, as usual, has snatched his share of mind-boggling receptions. However, his drops have outweighed the highlights. 

Two things become apparent when watching the wideout on tape: He needs to refine his hand work versus bump-and-run coverage, and his route-running is as clean as a Hoarders finale. 

Baldwin isn't crisp with his cuts, and he sells double moves like Brad Pitt sells Italian accents. 

Throughout training camp, Tyson Jackson has shown the tell-tale signs of a late bloomer. But coaching seems to have been the culprit for Jackson's paper trail of disappointment; the same can't be said for Baldwin. 

Rising: Tyson Jackson, DE

"Better late than never": That will seemingly serve as the theme to Tyson Jackson's 2013 season.

For the first time in a long time, No. 94 will be allowed to attack at will and showcase the same flavor of intensity that tabbed him as a collegiate standout. 

Spectators continue to shower Jackson with compliments on a daily basis. Prior to the regime change, that trend seemed nothing short of unfathomable. 

Jackson has shown signs of becoming an impactful lineman next season. Being that it's a contract year for him, his future is (quite literally) banking on it.

Falling: Mike Catapano, DE

It's not that Mike Catapano is struggling on the field; it's the fact that he's struggling to reach it. His stock is dipping by virtue of strained muscles.

A handful of Chiefs have battled minor tweaks throughout camp. But the residual effect of Catapano's absence is different than that of a player like Cyrus Gray (who recently returned to practice). 

Barring a serious injury, Gray's roster spot is cemented. The second-year tailback flashes promising potential when he lines up on the field.

Catapano's collegiate tape warrants a cause for optimism, but his immediate future isn't nearly as predictable as Gray's, and bullying Ivy League pass-protectors doesn't exactly amount to a vote of confidence. 

The former Princeton edge-rusher is capable of developing into a seventh-round gem, but he's not going to receive the benefit of the doubt. 

Rising: Alex Smith, QB

Alex Smith is more or less the antithesis of Tyler Bray. 

You're not going to see him blow out the smoke from his index fingers and strap pistols back into their invisible holsters. For that brand of passing, take the elevator two floors down and visit the third string. 

That being said, Smith compensates for so-so velocity via thorough decision-making and a form of accuracy that could make Nostradamus sweat. 

As Reid Ferrin of KCChiefs.com detailed on Aug. 5, "Smith was on-point, nearly perfect, unofficially completing 17 of 20 passes for three TDs during the roughly two-and-a-half hour practice."

Linebackers are the bread and butter of a 3-4 defense and three of the Chiefs' four are reigning Pro Bowlers. 

Bob Sutton compounds offensive problems by issuing smokescreens in the form of pre-snap shifting.

Yet, Smith still managed to complete 85 percent of his snap judgments on Monday.

Somebody, hand this man a Klondike bar.

Falling: Ricky Stanzi, QB

Ricky Stanzi has evolved into somewhat of a fan favorite for two reasons: He generates more "'Merica" hash tags than monster truck rallies on the 4th of July, and he conveys a more easygoing demeanor than VW Bus drivers singing Grateful Dead songs. 

Unfortunately for No. 12, talent will always dwarf character in the big leagues. 

Stanzi could crack a number of NFL rosters as the third-string quarterback, but that group probably won't include Kansas City. 

Tyler Bray has begun to slowly but surely distance himself from the third-year passer, which was reflected when the team released the rough draft of its 2013 depth chart.

Stanzi bears a striking resemblance to Shaggy, but this is one movie that probably won't end well for him. 

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