Kansas City Chiefs: Time is now for players on the bubble

The preseason is upon us. The Kansas City Chiefs now start the final process in evaluating their roster for the upcoming season. It’s now or never for many.

The preseason is where dreams are made and equally crushed. It’s a bittersweet time of the year. Human beings become financially stable for the rest of their lives or end up working next to you in a factory somewhere. For the Kansas City Chiefs, this preseason is unique in so many ways.

It’s unique in the manner of talent, personality, and favoritism. The Kansas City Chiefs have a tremendous group of guys at many different positions. Some may find themselves on the roster, others may be wearing a different jersey, and some will simply go back home.

We aren’t talking about the Tyreek Hill’s and Eric Berry’s of the world here. We are talking about the Gehrig Dieters‘ and the Arrion Springs’ of the world. The guys that are on the bubble.

For some, the option of being selected for the practice squad is not an option. For others, it might be enough to keep the dream alive, even then the promise of being on the squad the entire season is rare.

Dieter was the only player to survive the practice squad all last season. Some were called up, most were cut and replaced.

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His best friend is the quarterback, but that means little as far as contracts or playing time goes. Especially when you have Tyreek Hill and Sammy Watkins in front of you on the depth chart. These players will be earning their spot. The chances are great for Dieter, whom I have as the 6th receiver on the final 53. He has the skills to be a valuable complement to the offense. He is among the best route runners on the squad and has near-perfect hands.

Despite the popularity he has gained, he knows he has to go out and prove himself these next four games. Preseason games are dress rehearsals for the most important gig of these guys lives. Every player in Dieter’s position knows they must prove themselves during the upcoming weeks.

Blake Mack is another player that has burst onto the scene. He’s had one productive day after another in camp. As impressive as he has been, he has a ways to go to. He’s currently listed as a receiver, but many feel like he could easily steal and conquer the tight end spot behind Travis Kelce.

Demetrius Harris has had a rough go at it this training camp. Mack can take advantage of that by performing well these next four weeks. If the transition from practice to gameplay isn’t fluid, then he might be on the outside looking in.

Byron Pringle has made some spectacular catches during training camp. His success so far has made the receiver battle even more intriguing. If he can have a couple big games during preseason he should do no worse than making the practice squad.

Arrion Springs has a chance to make this roster this season, and he came out of thin air. The cornerback position is thin, if he continues to impress he has a nice chance of making this roster.

There are veterans on the roster that are fighting on the bubble as well. DeAnthony Thomas is one of many receivers looking to make the final 53. His failure to make much happen in 2017 before his injury late in the season has caused many to think he is now expendable. If he makes the plays during August, it will be hard to let him go.

There is a list of impressive running backs behind Kareem Hunt and Spencer Ware as well. Damien, Kerwyn, and Daryl Williams are all new acquisitions this year. With Charcandrick West in the mix, someone will have to go above and beyond in that group.

There are guys at every position that won’t be around in September. This is their time to shine. This is their time to be heard.

From Frank Zombo, who has multiple young guys trying to take his roster spot, to Dieter, who’s looking to make the squad in his second season as an undrafted free agent.

These men with their dreams and their families have one month to leave their mark. It’s go time for the Kansas City Chiefs.