Chiefs 2023 Training Camp: Most Fascinating Position Battles

Believe it or not, training camp is already here for the Kansas City Chiefs. The defending Super Bowl champions will have their rookies and quarterbacks report today, Tuesday, July 18th. Meanwhile, the rest of the veterans are set to report on Saturday, July 22nd. Kansas City is set to hold training camp at Missouri Western State University in St. Joseph, Missouri, once again.

While some possible exciting plays will take place at training camp, as well as some new tricks being worked on, shaping out the roster will be the ultimate focus. Kansas City underwent a fair amount of change in certain spots this offseason. Overall, there are starting spots up for grabs and many names that are looking to stake their claim.

What are the most fascinating position battles to watch for throughout Chiefs 2023 training camp? We will list four that stand out for us when looking into Kansas City’s roster. Let’s kick it off.

Depth Wide Receiver Spots

You did not think that we could do this article without mentioning wide receiver, right? The Kansas City Chiefs face questions at wide receiver for the second straight season. It did not hurt them last year with those possible doubts at this position. However, there is a new role up for grabs, especially with JuJu Smith-Schuster departing to the New England Patriots in free agency. Initially, it appears that Kadarius Toney, Marquez Valdes-Scantling and Skyy Moore will open the season as the top three on the depth chart. Yet, how will the depth wide receiver spots shake out?

Richie James could turn into a nice bargain signing for depth. Although, he has really only been used as a true wide receiver for one season previously. Other than that, James has mostly done damage as a returner on special teams. Rookie wide receivers have generally started slow in Kansas City. Could Rashee Rice break that mold, though? Who makes the team between Justin Watson and Justyn Ross? If only one of those two makes it, it is important to note that Watson re-signed with a two-year deal this offseason and is known to be a contributor on special teams.

Defensive End

At defensive end, the Chiefs are largely ushering in a much younger group than what they have utilized previously. Frank Clark is no longer on this unit. As of now, Carlos Dunlap is still unsigned after having a solid year with Kansas City last season. George Karlaftis had a solid finish to his rookie season last year. He ended up with the second-most pressures (48) and the third-most sacks (six) of any rookie in the NFL last season. Overall, Karlaftis will likely start every game as one of the top defensive ends.

Ideally, Charles Omenihu will hope to carve out a top role right away. The good news is, the Texas product can kick inside, if need be, being able to align all over the defensive line. He also found a pass rush spark last year with the San Francisco 49ers.

On the other hand, rookie Felix Anudike-Uzomah is hoping to start his career off strong. Can he possibly gain a larger role and workload from the jump? If so, it will be intriguing to see his mix of power and first step quickness as a bookend with the relentless nature of Karlaftis. Surely, he will still be a main factor, even if he does not start more than Omenihu. Finally, a name like Mike Danna should not be forgotten, as far as a noticeable workload goes.

Strong Safety

Justin Reid quietly turned in one of the better performances at safety throughout all of last season among the entire NFL. He will not always blow anyone away in the box score. Nevertheless, Reid proved to be worth the investment that Kansas City made in him last offseason. But, who will be the main starting safety lining up next to him?

Entering year two of his career, Bryan Cook appears to be in a position where it is his job to lose. The Cincinnati product showed exciting flashes once he received more snaps late last year. His pass deflection in the AFC Championship Game, which led to a Joshua Williams interception, was just one of a handful of plays where his instincts shined during the postseason run. His football IQ and reactionary speed is what will help his case in hoping to win this starting job.

Elsewhere, Mike Edwards was a cheaper investment in free agency this offseason. He has a history of immense ball production from his time with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. If he can continue to hit on that, along with showing improvement in coverage spacing and reads, do not rule out Edwards having a major chance with the Chiefs defense.

RB3

The last spot on this list may not necessarily receive a high volume of snaps. Generally, it is assumed that the duo of Isiah Pacheco and Jerick McKinnon will carry the load at running back. In the end, it is still interesting to see who may win out at the job of RB3 on the depth chart. For one, the Chiefs may only keep three running backs, if they feel like they need more depth elsewhere. It is also going to be fascinating to see if they give one player one last chance to make any noise on the active roster.

That name is Clyde Edwards-Helaire. Even if he does make the team, this is likely to be his last year with the Chiefs after some mixed results as a former first-round pick. Can he still show a glimpse of hope? In training camp, rookie undrafted free agent Deneric Prince out of Tulsa and former New York Jets running back La’Mical Perine will look to give CEH a tough battle for RB3.