Having adequate depth can make or break a season, and Kansas City Chiefs general manager Brett Veach believes this year’s team is one of the better ones the Chiefs have had.
With several new faces in key spots at receiver and on defense, the Chiefs could easily still be trying to get their feet under them. But Veach not only believes the Chiefs already have formed a solid foundation, he’s convinced they will be ready to go when they play the season opener Sept. 11 at Arizona.
“I think the way it worked out this year, I think we feel very fortunate and lucky,” Veach said Wednesday. “And I think we’re heading into the season in the right direction.”
Spearheading the effort on the field is quarterback Patrick Mahomes, tight end Travis Kelce and coach Andy Reid. But the Chiefs also feel good about veteran free agent wide receivers JuJu Smith-Schuster and Marquez Valdes-Scantling, who have fit in well with Mahomes and Co.
The Chiefs also like their deep rookie class. Nine of the 10 rookies who were drafted by the team made the active 53-man roster and the one who didn’t — defensive back Nazeeh Jonson — made the practice squad.
First-round picks cornerback Trent McDuffie and defensive end George Karlaftis could start Week 1, but fellow rookies Bryan Cook (safety), Joshua Williams (cornerback), Skyy Moore (receiver) and Isiah Pacheco (running back) could all see ample playing time.
“So many rookies with George, Bryan Cook and then bringing (Justin) Reid in, McDuffie, some of these younger corners that have made our active roster,” Veach said. “I think all these guys have done a great job. And again, I think a lot of that, the credit goes to the coaching staff for being able to get these guys up and running quickly.”
One player who took a little time to get going during the preseason was veteran running back Ronald Jones. The Chiefs signed Jones to be a physical runner between the tackles but that didn’t materialize until the preseason finale against the Packers when he ran eight times for 43 yards.
Jones was likely on the roster bubble entering the game but played his way onto the team.
“I think Thursday was a good reminder of how important that role is in our offense,” Veach said. “I certainly think that he took advantage of that. When he got his number called, I think there was a sense of urgency that he ran with. I think it’s a good springboard for him to continue to work and be a valuable asset for us.”
The Chiefs also kept three quarterbacks on the active roster as Shane Buechele made the squad as the third-string QB.
“We always try to strive and keep the best players on the team,” Veach said. “And you know, we have been very fortunate to have Chad Henne here the last few years and he’s been outstanding to have both on the field and in the classroom. And last year, bringing Shane in here, we just continued to see the growth and development in him, and we like that room.
“There’s a great chemistry with all three of those guys. At the end of the day, we always tell the guys that once we get them here, we like to put the decision in their hands. And Shane was one of those guys that played well and earned a spot on this roster.”
BELL EXPECTED TO START SEASON ON IR
Chiefs tight end Blake Bell (hip surgery) is expected to begin the season on injured reserve, though Veach says it’s possible he could return yet this season.
“We hope so,” Veach said. “We’ll work through that the next couple of days. But we’re certainly optimistic that Blake will be back on the roster.”
