Chiefs Report: '09 Projected Starters on Offense and Position Battles

The curtain is about to open and unveil the 2009 version of the Kansas City Chiefs. Before all of this happens, there must be a training camp, which starts this Friday, July 31st, in River Falls, Wisconsin. I decided to predict the starters for this year's teams, and also further analyze some of the more up for grabs positions on the team.

Projected Starters   

Quarterback: Matt Cassel 

The starting QB spot has been stated as in open competition by Coach Todd Haley, but this is more than likely a motivation tool used by Haley to make Matt Cassel play better and look up his almost guaranteed spot against hopefuls Tyler Thigpen and Brodie Croyle.

Running Back: Larry Johnson

Although most people in Kansas City think LJ is not the player that he once was, Pioli and Haley think otherwise. They see him as a very valuable asset in this offense. In reality, the only capable back on the roster that could replace Johnson as the featured back would be second-year man Jamaal Charles, and he isn't quite ready for this big of a role.

Fullback: Mike Cox

Second-year fullback Mike Cox has looked solid at this position in the past, but keep your eyes on this closely, because reports are that newly acquired fullback Jed Collins might give him a run for his money.

Wide Receiver #1: Dwayne Bowe

There is little doubt about this projection. Dwayne Bowe has been the number one option wide receiving option since he came aboard in '07, and now with Tony Gonzalez gone, he will be counted on even more to be the Chiefs go-to guy.

Wide Reciever #2: Mark Bradley

This is also a pretty obvious pick. The only guy at this point in time that could be an option as #2 could be Bobby Engram, but he is being seen more as a slot/3rd down receiver at this point in his career (see below).

Slot Reciever: Bobby Engram

The 36 year-old Engram still has exceptional hands and has great route-running skills. If healthy, He should hold down this position better than most Chiefs have in the past.

Tight End: Brad Cottam

Former Chiefs third round pick Brad Cottam showed signs of progress last season while playing with then starting tight end Tony Gonzalez. Now, without Gonzo, its Cottam's time. Cottam will be pushed by the slew of tight ends that Pioli has brought in, but at the end of the day, he has the most talent and size, and he should be the starter.

Left Tackle: Branden Albert

Albert showed that he could possibly be an elite LT for many years with a solid rookie season last year with KC. He will look to improve on that this year.

Left Guard: Brian Waters

Even though there has been past drama with Waters and Pioli-Haley, Waters is still the best offensive lineman on this team and has four Pro Bowls to show for it.

Center: Rudy Niswanger

Niswanger did a serviceable job and was no better than average for the Chiefs last year at center, and that could be why the new administration brought in former Bengals center Eric Ghiaciuc to push him for the starting job.

Right Guard: Mike Goff

Goff was brought in during the off-season to help solidify the right side of the line that was very weak last year. He will be replacing former Herm Edwards project Adrian Jones.

Right Tackle: Damien McIntosh

McIntosh probably has the best chance out of anyone on the line to lose their job, after almost playing his way out of a job last year. Rookie Colin Brown should push him hard, and possibly take his starting spot.

Thanks, and tomorrow I will examine the Defense and Special Teams.