3 Chiefs Position Battles to Watch at OTAs

The Chiefs officially began OTAs (offseason team activities) this week, giving the coaching staff their first opportunity to evaluate the entire roster together and not just rookies.

These are optional, non-padded practices at this point, so not everyone is participating. It's difficult to evaluate offensive and defensive linemen without pads, but we can still get a look at pass-catchers and defensive players in the secondary that rely less on physical play.

Left tackle remains the most important position battle heading into camp, though we'll save analysis on that for padded practices. For now, let's look at three other position battles to pay attention to at OTAs.

3 Chiefs Position Battles to Watch at OTAs

1. Third-String Running Back

Reports indicate the Chiefs like where their running back room stands, but it's currently without Jerick McKinnon or La'Mical Perine. The former may be re-signed in free agency, though it's starting to feel likely that a new third-string back will emerge behind Isiah Pacheco and Clyde Edwards-Helaire.

Keaontay Ingram and Deneric Prince have a shot, as do undrafted rookies Emani Bailey and Carson Steele. Both Pacheco and Edwards-Helaire have dealt with injuries in the past, so having a quality third-stringer is important in case of emergency.

We'll get our first idea of how the coaches view the competition in OTAs. I'm particularly excited to see what Bailey and Steele can do, though I'd imagine both Ingram and Prince would be ahead on the theoretical depth chart.

It's impossible to draw definitive conclusions until we see everyone in full pads. A guy like Steele, who punishes defenders with physical contact, is going to look better with pads than without them. He lives for contact, whereas a shiftier player like Bailey could shine.

All in all, this is the positional battle I'm most excited to watch unfold. McKinnon came up big numerous times over the last few years. If he's not coming back, this'll be the first real sign of who may ultimately replace his snaps. Edwards-Helaire is on a one-year deal, so this battle may give someone the inside track to take the backup role in 2025.

2. Cornerback Depth

L'Jarius Sneed is gone to Tennessee, leaving Trent McDuffie as the unquestioned lead cornerback. It'll be difficult, likely impossible, to directly replace Sneed, but the Chiefs have several young corners fans should feel good about.

Joshua Williams and Jaylen Watson have both been impressive in their young careers. Chamarri Conner primarily plays safety, though he can step in when the moment requires as well. Sixth-round rookie Kamal Hadden looks like a perfect fit for Steve Spagnuolo's scheme and could be the latest example of a late-round gem at the position.

Undrafted rookie Miles Battle is 6'3" with a 4.37 40-yard dash. He could look like a monster during OTAs and I'm excited to see if any other undrafted players in the secondary stand out as well.

Nazeeh Johnson should be ahead of the rookies, and Nic Jones likely will be too. Ekow Boye-Doe is a player to watch. He was a popular player in training camp last season and has the chance to earn more snaps with Sneed gone.

How the Chiefs replace Sneed is the biggest storyline for the defense going into 2024-25. Every other major piece on the defense is the same. I have full faith that Kansas City will once again have one of the NFL's best defenses, though the ultimate ceiling will come down to these corners.

3. Third-String Tight End

Noah Gray is Travis Kelce's primary backup for good reason, but the Chiefs added a pair of intriguing receiving threats in the offseason. Irv Smith Jr. is athletic with experience, while fourth-round rookie Jared Wiley is already reminding people of a young Travis Kelce.

This is Gray's final year under contract. I believe the long-term plan is to have Wiley become the No. 2 as Kelce eases into retirement, though there's a path to an impactful role even this season. Kelce may see his snaps managed more than in previous years to ensure he's healthy in the playoffs, giving Gray, Wiley, and Smith Jr. chances to contribute.

Thus, I'm hoping Wiley snatches the third-string job early. Nothing against Smith Jr., but Wiley caught eight TDs last season and is a solid four inches taller. His upside is through the roof and he's in the perfect spot to realize his promise.

If both Wiley and Smith Jr. struggle, perhaps Gray has an argument to be extended. He's been a reliable No. 2, and he's got an opportunity to show he's the true Kelce successor. I think he projects better in his current role with Wiley surpassing him, but that remains to be seen.

Wiley looked the part during rookie minicamp. Now, I'll be waiting to see if he still looks the part each step of the way until training camp and beyond.

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