The Kansas City Chiefs have crafted a highly-competitive 90-man offseason roster and that fact has been on full display through OTAs.
While every player receives an equal shot at making the 53-man roster come September, those who have been in the system tend to have a bit of an advantage. That's especially true regarding repetitions during the Organized Team Activities (OTAs) practices. The players who have earned the coaching staff's trust often get opportunities to work with the top units, while others learn and adjust to the system. That also provides them more opportunities to stand out and impress against the top tiers of NFL competition.
With that in mind, here's a look at several returning players on the Chiefs' 90-man offseason roster who fans might be sleeping on.
S Trey Dean III
Dean joined the Chiefs' practice squad late in the 2023 NFL season after his practice squad contract with the New York Jets elapsed. He could quietly make a push for the Kansas City 53-man roster after impressing with New York last season, but winding up in a logjam at the safety position for the Jets.
Bryan Cook is still being held out as he works his way back from last year's ankle injury. As a result, Dean has worked opposite rookie S Jaden Hicks on the second-team defense. Consider the possibility that Chamarri Conner winds up playing more nickel corner than safety, that'd help Dean's chances of making the team. It ultimately might come down to a young player like Dean and a veteran like Deon Bush.
RB Deneric Prince
After joining the team as an undrafted free agent, Prince virtually got a redshirt season on the Kansas City practice squad in 2023. He was elevated to the 53-man roster for two games, but he didn't play a single offensive snap in either game, with his only action coming on special teams.
With Clyde Edwards-Helaire absent from OTAs practice on Wednesday, Prince was one of the first players up in rotation following starting RB Isiah Pacheco. Prince also seems to be one of the Chiefs' top options at kick returner with the new rule set heading into the 2024 NFL season. There's little denying his speed and athleticism, but can he do enough to earn the coaching staff's trust this offseason?
LB Cam Jones
Jones saw his 2023 NFL season cut short due to a chest injury suffered during the wild-card round win over the Miami Dolphins. He mostly appeared on special teams during his rookie season with Kansas City, appearing in 17 games with just one start on the season. That start came in Week 18 when he managed a dozen total tackles against the Los Angeles Chargers, all while making plays all over the field.
Making the 53-man roster as a rookie was impressive last season and it feels like he could do it again in his second year with the team. Jones has been running with the second-team defense during OTAs thus far. He could even be tabbed as a potential replacement for Willie Gay Jr. playing either outside linebacker position.
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