5 Kansas City Chiefs Training Camp Battles to Watch in 2015

5 Kansas City Chiefs Training Camp Battles to Watch in 2015

By Ryan Williams

July 13, 2015

5 Kansas City Chiefs Training Camp Battles to Watch in 2015

De'Anthony Thomas Kansas City Chiefs — The Kansas City Chiefs come into the new season with their mission being to win the AFC West, but before they can do so, they will have to address some things in training camp. Here are the top five position battles to watch in training for the Kansas City Chiefs in 2015.

The Kansas City Chiefs come into the new season with their mission being to win the AFC West, but before they can do so, they will have to address some things in training camp. Here are the top five position battles to watch in training for the Kansas City Chiefs in 2015.

5. Linebacker: Dee Ford vs. James-Michael Johnson

Dee Ford Kansas City Chiefs OTAs

5. Linebacker: Dee Ford vs. James-Michael Johnson

Dee Ford Kansas City Chiefs OTAs — The Kansas City Chiefs will be eager to see what Dee Ford can do in Year 2 with the team. He didn't play much in 2014, even with Derrick Johnson gone for the season to an Achilles injury. The fact is, though, the Chiefs really aren't deep here at linebacker, and, with running a 3-4 defense, need all their starters to be reliable. Ford will go against James-Michael Johnson in camp to prove he deserves a starting role.

The Kansas City Chiefs will be eager to see what Dee Ford can do in Year 2 with the team. He didn't play much in 2014, even with Derrick Johnson gone for the season to an Achilles injury. The fact is, though, the Chiefs really aren't deep here at linebacker, and, with running a 3-4 defense, need all their starters to be reliable. Ford will go against James-Michael Johnson in camp to prove he deserves a starting role.

4. Kick Return: De'Anthony Thomas vs. Knile Davis

De'Anthony Thomas Kansas City Chiefs

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4. Kick Return: De'Anthony Thomas vs. Knile Davis

De'Anthony Thomas Kansas City Chiefs — Knile Davis led the team in kick returns last season, but due to his offensive abilities and his talents at backup running back, the Chiefs might need to look elsewhere. De'Anthony Thomas had a 30.8 yards per return average in 2014 on only 14 returns. He's the best candidate to take over since he's already made a name for himself returning punts. Look for Thomas to make an impact in training camp and surpass Davis.

Knile Davis led the team in kick returns last season, but due to his offensive abilities and his talents at backup running back, the Chiefs might need to look elsewhere. De'Anthony Thomas had a 30.8 yards per return average in 2014 on only 14 returns. He's the best candidate to take over since he's already made a name for himself returning punts. Look for Thomas to make an impact in training camp and surpass Davis.

3. Center: Mitch Morse vs. Eric Kush

Mitch Morse Kansas City Chiefs OTAs

3. Center: Mitch Morse vs. Eric Kush

Mitch Morse Kansas City Chiefs OTAs — The only sure starters are Eric Fisher and Ben Grubbs leaving the offensive line with many questions coming into 2015. The Chiefs brought in Mitch Morse through the draft out of Missouri, who is known for his versatility. He played many different positions on the offensive line in college. There's no doubt that there will be a chance for Morse to start for the Chiefs at some point this season.

The only sure starters are Eric Fisher and Ben Grubbs leaving the offensive line with many questions coming into 2015. The Chiefs brought in Mitch Morse through the draft out of Missouri, who is known for his versatility. He played many different positions on the offensive line in college. There's no doubt that there will be a chance for Morse to start for the Chiefs at some point this season.

2. Wide Receiver: Jason Avant vs. Chris Conley

Jason Avant Kansas City Chiefs

2. Wide Receiver: Jason Avant vs. Chris Conley

Jason Avant Kansas City Chiefs — Jason Avant is the seasoned veteran of the Kansas City Chiefs' wide receiving corps and will be set to come into training camp as the No. 2 aside Jeremy Maclin. But Chris Conley, the rookie from Georgia, has been having a great offseason thus far and many, myself included, believe he will have a breakout year. Although Avant has been in the league for 10 years and has played many of them with Andy Reid, his competition is real for the No. 2 spot.

Jason Avant is the seasoned veteran of the Kansas City Chiefs' wide receiving corps and will be set to come into training camp as the No. 2 aside Jeremy Maclin. But Chris Conley, the rookie from Georgia, has been having a great offseason thus far and many, myself included, believe he will have a breakout year. Although Avant has been in the league for 10 years and has played many of them with Andy Reid, his competition is real for the No. 2 spot.

1. Cornerback: Marcus Peters vs. the field

Marcus Peters Kansas City Chiefs

1. Cornerback: Marcus Peters vs. the field

Marcus Peters Kansas City Chiefs — Marcus Peters comes into a rough situation. He was the Chiefs first draft pick in 2015, but he might not see the field barring injury to someone at his position -- unless he wows in camp. His direct competition will be with Steven Nelson at the nickel corner for playing slot, but it's unsure whether his skill set necessarily fits. Peters could potentially pass up Phillip Gaines for the No. 2, but Gaines is poised to have a bounce-back year.

Marcus Peters comes into a rough situation. He was the Chiefs first draft pick in 2015, but he might not see the field barring injury to someone at his position -- unless he wows in camp. His direct competition will be with Steven Nelson at the nickel corner for playing slot, but it's unsure whether his skill set necessarily fits. Peters could potentially pass up Phillip Gaines for the No. 2, but Gaines is poised to have a bounce-back year.

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