Kansas City Chiefs: Not So Obvious Top 10 Chiefs Of 2013, Part 2

Sep 19, 2013; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Kansas City Chiefs offensive lineman Donald Stephenson (79) during the second quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. The Chiefs defeated the Eagles 26-16. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports

NUMBER 5: OFFENSIVE LINEMAN, Donald Stephenson

The former Blue Springs Wildcat, and Oklahoma Sooner- Donald Stephenson will play a crucial role for the Chiefs in the years to come. During training camp, Stephenson was a stand out, often being recognized on twitter, and other outlets, as the most improved player in camp. Then, unexpectedly, he had to undergo a quick procedure on his pinky finger that left him sidelined for the first few weeks of the pre-season. Donald saw limited time in the first couple games of the regular season until number one over all pick, Eric Fisher, started his long string of nagging injuries.

Stephenson was a lot like Schwartz in that, he seemed to be an upgrade when he took over a starting role. He started in 7 games this season, the same amount as 2012, going back-and-forth between right tackle and left tackle. The Chiefs would’ve been lost with out him, especially after losing Branden Albert and Eric Fisher later in the season. The games that stand out most for Stephenson were, the home games against Denver and San Diego, and the playoff loss to Indianapolis. At one point, Donald was playing so well that the coaches stuck with him as the starter even with Fisher healthy.

With Albert’s contract expiring, and his future up in the air, Stephenson will likely be a starter this next season. John Dorsey drafted Fisher number one overall, so there is serious reason to believe that the tackle combination next year will be Donald and Fish. Donald was stout in his pass protection, leaving a question of whether or not he should be the Chiefs starting left tackle. He took a tremendous step forward this season, putting him at number 5 on this list.