NFL Kansas City Chiefs

5 Young Players Set to Break Out For the Kansas City Chiefs in 2015

5 Young Players Set to Break Out For the Kansas City Chiefs in 2015

Kansas City Chiefs
Getty Images

There is no shortage of rising stars with the Kansas City Chiefs. GM John Dorsey and his scouting crew have done an excellent job finding young talent. Here are the five biggest candidates to break out in 2015.

5. OLB Dee Ford

Oakland Raiders v Kansas City Chiefs
Getty Images

5. OLB Dee Ford

Oakland Raiders v Kansas City Chiefs
Getty Images

Dee Ford didn't get a lot of playing time in 2014, but that will certainly change in 2015, especially if Tamba Hali is released. In his limited opportunities, Ford showed that he could be a special pass-rusher in the NFL. We also learned that he has a long way to go with his abilities to stop the run.

4. WR Albert Wilson

Kansas City Chiefs v Pittsburgh Steelers
Getty Images

4. WR Albert Wilson

Kansas City Chiefs v Pittsburgh Steelers
Getty Images

Wilson made a lot of noise in training camp last season, but he didn't crack the starting lineup until late in the season. Had he been the starter all season, the undrafted rookie would've challenged Dwayne Bowe as the team's most productive wide receiver. Wilson turned 28 targets into 16 grabs for 260 yards, compared to 96 targets, 60 catches and 754 yards for Bowe.

3. CB Phillip Gaines

Kansas City Chiefs v San Diego Chargers
Getty Images

3. CB Phillip Gaines

Kansas City Chiefs v San Diego Chargers
Getty Images

Gaines was supposed to be a project, but he sneaked his way into significant snaps by midseason and played very well. It wasn't a big enough sample size to declare him a great third-round pick, but it's definitely looking good.

2. RB/WR/KR De'Anthony Thomas

Oakland Raiders v Kansas City Chiefs
Getty Images

2. RB/WR/KR De'Anthony Thomas

Kansas City Chiefs
Getty Images

When Thomas touches the ball, you get the feeling anything can happen. The ridiculously fast rookie had the second-best kick return average in the NFL (30.6 yards) and the third-highest punt return average (11.9). Though he only had 14 carries this season, he turned them into 114 yards and a TD. Kansas City can't wait to see what's next from Thomas.

1. TE Travis Kelce

San Diego Chargers v Kansas City Chiefs
Getty Images

1. TE Travis Kelce

Kansas City Chiefs
Getty Images

Kelce broke out this season, making 67 catches for 862 yards and five TDs. The reason he's No. 1 on this list is because I believe he'll break out further into full-blown stud status in 2015. Despite every KC fan with eyes calling for more Kelce, he had to fight for snaps early in the season. Now that the coaching staff can see Kelce is clearly Kansas City's best weapon in the passing game, I think a monster 2015 season is ahead of him.

Share Tweet