Kansas City Chiefs: 53-man roster predictions following first preseason game

6 of 11

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – NOVEMBER 19: Kansas City Chiefs center Mitch Morse (61) during the first quarter of the National Football League game between the New York Giants and the Kansas City Chiefs on November 19, 2017, at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ. (Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Offensive Line

Keep: Mitch Morse, Eric Fisher, Mitchell Schwartz, Cameron Erving, Laurent Duvernay-Tardif, Parker Ehinger, Bryan Witzmann, Jordan Devey.

Cut: Ryan Hunter, Bentley Spain, Tejan Koroma, Jimmy Murray

Possible practice squad: Khalil McKenzie

Kansas City is unique in what they want from their offensive line. The group is not the big maulers that most teams deploy but smaller and more athletic linemen that can get out in space for the run game. The starters are primarily secure at this point with Eric Fisher and Mitchell Schwartz retaining the tackle positions, Mitch Morse returning to center, LDT at right guard, and it looks like the Chiefs like Cam Erving at left guard.

The left guard position has been the spot where training camp battles have occurred. However, the Chiefs have been running Cam Erving with the starting line up and continued that in the preseason opener on Thursday night. Erving was one of the first players that Veach traded for last preseason and looks to not only be a starter but a backup for just about every position on the line.

More from Kansas City Chiefs

With Zach Fulton leaving for the Texans this offseason, the Chiefs needed a versatile lineman that could play numerous roles. Erving will likely be who moves in case of injury anywhere else on the offensive line. Bryan Witzmann was the starting left guard last season and the most likely candidate to come in if Erving is forced to move.

Parker Ehinger was a fan favorite after a good start during his rookie season. Unfortunately, Ehinger was injured during his fourth game which ended his rookie year. Coming back in 2017, Ehinger was unable to beat out Witzmann for the starting role even when healthy. He has been seen competing at right tackle during training camp as a possible backup to Schwartz.

Jordan Devey is the last player to make the final 53-man roster and could still be bumped out if someone else shows some flashes during the preseason. He remains the backup to LDT with the possibility to be a versatile backup for the interior of the line.

Ryan Hunter is someone that I would like to see either bump out Devey or make it as a ninth lineman. He was the top prospect in the Canadian Football League draft this season but decided to pursue an NFL career instead. He’s a solid player that can play both guard and tackle who will be needed for him to make this roster.

It was fun to watch the Chiefs draft the Oakland Raiders GM’s son Khalil McKenzie with their final pick during the 2018 NFL Draft. He’s making the transition from defensive line to offensive line which will most likely land him on the practice squad. McKenzie brings a nasty and mauler type playstyle that could be an interesting developmental project for future years.

Home/Kansas City Chiefs