KC Chiefs: Special teams depth chart after 2020 NFL Draft
In our final look at depth charts after the 2020 NFL Draft, we’ll take a look at how things look at special teams for the Kansas City Chiefs.
Special teams can win games for teams, but they can lose games for teams as well. We’ve seen many examples of special teams winning games for the Kansas City Chiefs, but last season was the first time in awhile where their special teams unit struggled and – as a result – lost them games.
The Chiefs have had the same special teams core recently, but one big move was made this offseason, as the team made the decision to release long-time punter Dustin Colquitt. How does that change the look of the special teams depth chart?
- Kicker – Harrison Butker
- Punter – Tommy Townsend/Tyler Newsome
- Long Snapper – James Winchester
- Kick/Punt Returner – Mecole Hardman
The punter competition will be one of the intriguing ones to watch this offseason. In seasons past, Colquitt has been the definite punter and there wasn’t really any use in debating it.
With his release, however, the Chiefs will have a new punter for the first time since 2008 (when Colquitt missed two games). It’ll be the first time Colquitt hasn’t been on the roster since he was taken in the third round of the 2005 NFL Draft.
Looking more into that, it’ll be between Tommy Townsend – an undrafted free agent out of Florida – and Tyler Newsome – who spent the 2019 season on the Chargers’ practice squad. Townsend is probably the favorite to win the job, but it’ll still be a fun position battle to watch this summer.
As for kicker and long snapper, there aren’t any surprises there. Butker has been a kicking sensation since he took over for Cairo Santos in 2017 as a rookie and never looked back. Winchester has had some ups and downs in his position, but he’s been mostly good in his long snapper role.
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Mecole Hardman might not have been flashy as a receiver in his rookie year, but special teams was where he really shined. He’ll continue to get the majority of kick and punt returns along with Tyreek Hill from time to time. Since Hill is also the WR1, it makes more sense to have Hardman out there, but changing it up is a good idea sometimes.
Special teams has been a strength for the Kansas City Chiefs in most years, but last year it wasn’t as impressive. As a result, Dave Toub – who had been a popular head coach candidate for teams with a vacancy – didn’t have a single interview this offseason.
Must Read. Five Best Special Teams Players. light
It’ll be interesting to see how the punter battle plays out this summer, but one thing is for sure – It won’t be Dustin Colquitt punting the football and that’s going to be a weird sight.