Kansas City Chiefs: Five Positions To Watch In Training Camp

Kansas City Chiefs tackle Donald Stephenson (79)Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports

The Chiefs lost two full time starters from last year’s offensive line, including Pro Bowler Branden Albert, plus a another lineman who could play and start at a number of positions.

Maybe the biggest question to be answered about this team is whether or not the restructured line will be good or a disaster.

Unless injuries or something else unexpected happens in training camp, we have a pretty good idea what the starting offensive line will be.

No one knows if this group, complete with a bunch of no-name back-ups, can protect Alex Smith, or open holes for Jamaal Charles.

Last season’s number one overall draft pick, Eric Fisher is slated to start at left tackle. He will need to show a lot of improvement of his rookie.

If he doesn’t look better, Donald Stephenson can move back from right tackle to the left side. Stephenson may be the team’s best left tackle anyway.

Most likely, Jeff Allen will be the starting left guard, and veteran Jeffrey Linkenbach is penciled in at right guard. Hardly the stuff of legends.

Rodney Hudson is a good center, but if Eric Kush can speed up his development, maybe he can start at center and Hudson can move to right tackle, or Kush might be able to play right guard himself.

Regardless, the unknown aspects of this line are very scary. No one knows if this group, complete with a bunch of no-name back-ups, can protect Alex Smith, or open holes for Jamaal Charles.

The season may very well hinge on the their success.