Position battles to watch in Chiefs training camp

In 2024, the Kansas City Chiefs aim to become the first team to three-peat as champions in the Super Bowl era. They kept their core intact but still have some roster questions.

Here are three key position battles to watch when training camp opens on July 16.

Offensive tackle
Projected starters: Wanya Morris, Jawaan Taylor

Player to watch: Kingsley Suamataia

This offseason, the Chiefs didn't re-sign left tackle Donovan Smith, who started in 12 games in 2023. This decision was risky, as Morris failed to prove he was a quality starter during his rookie season. 

On 340 snaps in nine games,  the third-round pick out of Oklahoma allowed 24 pressures and seven hits, per Pro Football Focus.  

In the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft, the Chiefs took BYU's Suamataia (pick No. 63). PFF noted he's a raw prospect who may not be ready to start, but he has upside. The 21-year-old posted an above-average 86.1 pass block grade in 11 games in 2023.

Chiefs head coach Andy Reid didn't reveal whether Morris or Suamataia holds a lead in the competition at minicamp. Regardless, K.C. needs one of them to emerge, as protecting quarterback Patrick Mahomes' blindside is paramount.

Cornerback
Projected starters: Trent McDuffie, Jaylen Watson

Player(s) to watch: Joshua Williams, Kamal Hadden

First-team All-Pro McDuffie will replace L'Jarius Sneed — who was dealt to the Tennessee Titans in March — as the team's No. 1 corner. It remains unclear if Watson will step up next season.

In 17 games last season, 25-year-old Watson allowed five touchdown catches and an above-average 109.4 passer rating on 310 snaps in coverage. Williams produced better numbers on fewer snaps in coverage (236), surrendering two receiving TDs and a below-average 78.5 passer rating in 16 games.

Tennessee's Hadden (pick No. 211) had three interceptions in seven games in 2023 before suffering a season-ending shoulder injury. 

However, NFL.com draft expert Lance Zierlein indicated he may lack the speed (4.53 40-yard dash) to become a viable starter.  

Wide receiver
Projected starters: Marquise Brown, Xavier Worthy, Rashee Rice

Player(s) to watch: Justin Watson, Kadarius Toney, Skyy Moore, Nikko Remigio
ESPN's Adam Teicher recently said the Chiefs are preparing for a possible suspension for Rice. In April, CBS News Texas reported Rice turned himself in to police after a multi-vehicle crash. He also allegedly punched a photographer in a nightclub in May, but charges were dropped, according to Dallas police.  

It appears Waston — who had 27 receptions for 460 yards and three TD catches in 16 games in 2023 — is a better option than Moore or Toney. 

Toney had four drops in 15 games last season, while Moore only has one receiving TD through two seasons.

Former undrafted rookie Remigio could be a surprise. With Worthy dealing with a hamstring injury, the 24-year-old worked with the first team in OTAs and minicamp and made an impression via Teicher.