KC Chiefs: Special Teams Could Provide Interesting Battle
Heading into training camp this summer, the KC Chiefs could find one of the most interesting position battles to be within the special teams unit.
In 2013, the Kansas City Chiefs drafted Knile Davis in the third round of the draft. Davis was brought on to be a backup behind Jamaal Charles, but he also found a role as the team’s prime kick returner during his time with the team.
The following year saw the team draft De’Anthony Thomas in the fourth round. Thomas was quickly praised for his speed and ability to make a difference on special teams as a punt returner.
Jeremy Maclin also fielded some punt returns during his inaugural season with the Chiefs.
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Now, things are about to get pretty interesting on special teams with the drafting of Tyreek Hill in the fifth round of this year’s draft. His speed was the attraction for the KC Chiefs, and Hill could definitely provide some competition for the aforementioned guys when it comes to the return game.
Is there a chance that De’Anthony Thomas could be cut from the team given the arrival of Hill to Kansas City? While I say no, Adam Teicher of ESPN thinks Thomas should indeed be concerned.
"The arrival of Hill, a fifth-round draft pick, endangers more than Thomas’ claim as the fastest Chiefs player. It also endangers his roster spot. The Chiefs don’t have a need for both players because they are similar in size, speed and ability."
I don’t think this endangers Thomas’ spot on the team.
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It appears to be nearly a given that Knile Davis will either be released or traded before the season begins, and that opens up a kick returner spot.
Thomas has done both kick and punt returns, but has returned more punts during his time as a Chief. Perhaps Thomas could keep returning punts and Hill could do kick returns.
Hill had three more kick returns than punt returns during his time at Oklahoma State, so that is a possibility for the team to ponder.
Obviously, I’m no NFL expert. I don’t know what the Kansas City Chiefs are thinking when it comes to any of their roster spots or position battles, but I just don’t see them giving up on Thomas so soon. He’s shown some promise as a return man, but has struggled to stay healthy and then there was the whole “mysterious disappearance” during last season.
Next: Five Best Special Teams Players in Chiefs History
I don’t see any reason why the team can’t keep both speedsters. It could be a huge advantage for them and could make them one of the most dangerous special teams units in all of football.