Kansas City Chiefs' Training Camp Battles Taking Shape

Dustin Colquitt is an ironclad lock to be the starting punter for the Kansas City Chiefs in the 2009 season. After that, there are a few question marks...

Nothing creates roster uncertainty quite like a 2-14 season, followed by a new general manager, head coach, defensive coordinator and defensive alignment. Here is how the key position battles are shaping up as of mid-May:

Quarterback

Head coach Todd Haley said there will be competition for the starting job, but the team has too much invested in Matt Cassel for Tyler Thigpen to beat him out.

The only question will be whether Haley feels comfortable with Brodie Croyle or Ingle Martin as the No. 3 quarterback or whether he brings in a veteran as insurance.

Running back 

Once again, Larry Johnson is the big question mark. If his attitude is right, he still can grind out a lot of yards between the tackles. The team hopes Kolby Smith can stay healthy and that Jamaal Charles develops into a consistent outside threat.

Rookie Javarris Williams could make the team as a kick returner.

Receiver/tight end

This has been a trouble spot for the Chiefs since the days of Henry Marshall, Carlos Carson and Stephon Paige. For Haley to run an offense remotely similar to the one he coached in Arizona, Dwayne Bowe must step up his game—and hang onto the ball.

The competition for the No. 2 receiver is wide open, with in-season pick-up Mark Bradley having the inside track over Jeff Webb. Don’t be surprised to see Scott Pioli make a move to acquire Anquan Boldin if the price is right.

The departure of Tony Gonzalez creates a glaring hole at tight end. It remains to be seen exactly how Haley and Chan Gailey will feature tight ends in their offense, but expect Brad Cottam, Tony Curtis and rookie Jake O’Connell to be used more as blockers than as receivers.

The Chiefs may regret not selecting Missouri All-American Chase Coffman with their third-round pick.

Offensive line

The offensive line, a weak link for the team since the retirement of Willie Roaf and Will Shields, promises some of the most spirited battles of training camp. The only sure thing is Branden Albert, a first-round pick in 2008, at left tackle.

Brian Waters, if he doesn’t demand a trade, will anchor the left side of the line at guard. Rudy Niswanger held his own in his first year as the starting center, but the team may be looking for an upgrade.

If free-agent acquisition Eric Ghiachiuc wins the starting job, Niswinger will add much-needed depth at both guard spots. Former Charger Mike Goff will be a big improvement over Adrian Jones at right guard.

The play of right tackle Damon McIntosh slipped in 2008, but his competition may not be much better unless Herb Taylor shows major progress or former Missouri Tiger Colin Brown develops faster than expected.

Kicker 

Conner Barth may not be the long-term answer, but he was better than the mix of kickers the team has tried in recent seasons. Ryan Succop, this year’s “Mr. Irrelevant”, has a stronger leg and at least will give Barth some competition.

Defensive line

This position has been a mess—and an expensive one at that—for as long as fans remember (Do the names Ryan Sims, Eddie Freeman and Junior Siavii ring a bell?). That’s why the Chiefs again are investing heavily in top draft picks Tyson Jackson and Alex Magee.

It will be interesting to see how defensive coordinator Clancy Pendergast works them into the mix in his 3-4 defense. An even bigger question is how he will use Glenn Dorsey, who fell far short of expectations in his rookie season.

Veterans Alfonso Boone and Ron Edwards are solid but certainly not spectacular.

Linebacker 

Derrick Johnson, who has yet to realize his potential, is the only significant holdover from the Gunther Cunningham unit. Look for veterans Zach Thomas and Mike Vrabel to start, as long as they remain healthy.

The team hopes Tamba Hali or Turk McBride can make the transition from defensive line. Monty Beisel, back for his second stint with the team, will play mostly on special teams. Aaron Curry would have looked good in red and gold, and linebacker will be a high priority in the next off season.

Secondary 

Herm Edwards didn’t enjoy much success as head coach, but he knew how to find and develop defensive backs. Brandon Flowers and Brandon Carr, both 2008 draft picks, should anchor the corners for years to come, and undrafted free agent Maurice Leggett played surprisingly well at nickel back.

Safeties Bernard Pollard and Jarrad Page are a solid tandem, and second-year player DaJuan Morgan will push for more playing time. Rookie cornerback Donald Washington is raw and is likely to play primarily on special teams.