SB Nation - DaJuan Morgan

Chiefs SS DaJuan Morgan Likely to Get His First NFL Start at FS

Joel Thorman — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 16:30:28 -0000

Kansas City Chiefs safety DaJuan Morgan was a Herm Edwards draft pick in 2008 and, after an injury-plagued rookie season, drew the ire of many fans who quickly labeled him a bust. And who could blame us? Edwards picks weren't being shown any preferential treatment (in fact, maybe the opposite) so he was a candidate to be cut in many of our minds.

Well, he's trying to change that.

The way the stars are aligning, it appears Morgan will get his first NFL start this weekend with a 'doubtful' Jon McGraw likely to see very little playing time, even more likely not to play at all.

Back in the preseason, pre-Bernard Pollard cut, a big topic of conversation around here was who will be cut: Morgan, Pollard or Mike Brown. They play the same position and it was becoming clear that the Chiefs wouldn't keep three strong safeties.

I was near certain that Morgan would be the odd man out - until he had a heck of a performance against the St. Louis Rams in the final preseason game.

"I don’t have fear with him playing," Chiefs coach Todd Haley said yesterday. "I think when DaJuan was in there in the preseason he’s done a pretty good job. He had an interception in the St. Louis game. He has a nose for the football.

He was all over the field in that game accumulating eight tackles and an interception. Here's what I said back then after the game:

"Then, the second year safety goes out and makes eight tackles and a diving interception. He saw plenty of playing time, which to me means that the coaching staff wanted to give him a good chance to win a spot on the team.

"He may have done just that last night."

I was right...sorta. Morgan's spot on the team may have been more of a result of Pollard than his own play since, frankly, he had shown very little in game action, but that doesn't matter now. He's on the team and getting a shot to start, even if it isn't at his true position.

"He had a good week of practice along with the other guys," Haley said of Morgan. "I wouldn’t say that I have any fear with him being back there. I think he’s ready to go. He’s got good speed, good ball skills, he’s a good tackler and I think he understands what we’re trying to do. Again, I think he’s much like a couple of the other guys who are getting a real opportunity this week."

Back in the Morgan/Pollard/Brown debate, I cited Brown's leadership skills and the idea of him being the "quarterback of the defense" as a reason why he'll make the team. I think that is still to this day a major reason he was brought on board.

"Yeah, they’ve got to quarterback the defense," Haley said. "Mike Brown does a great job of that (and) I think he’ll take some of the pressure off of DaJuan in that area. He still has to communicate and know what’s going on which, again, I feel comfortable with where he’s at.

"I think a lot of it is experience and just relaxing and not getting too hyped up. The time he’s been in games – and most of his play-time came in the pre-season – I think he showed very good progress and I think he’s excited about the opportunity."

Brown Talking As If McGraw Will Be Out for the Chiefs

Joel Thorman — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 01:09:28 -0000

Count Mike Brown as one of the Kansas City Chiefs players that believe DaJuan Morgan can step in this weekend and start at free safety against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

"We’ll be OK. You only need two (safeties)," Brown said.

But that's only if Jon McGraw can't go.

Jarrad Page is now on IR and McGraw is banged up with some sort of leg strain. I figured with an extra week off, whatever happened to McGraw, it wouldn't cost him a game. He was previously the starter after taking the job from an injured Page.

That said, read these words by Brown, distributed by the other AP, and tell me if it sounds as if Morgan starting and McGraw sitting is a done deal.

"It does hurt losing Jarrad and Jon. They’re very good players. But DaJuan is going to step in and play well. He’s young and ready to play and got a little juice in him. He’s excited. This is a great opportunity for him to show what he can do, to show the Chiefs fans what he’s all about."

I wonder if Mike Brown knows something we don't know (yet).

Morgan, Not Daniels, Lines up at Free Safety for the Chiefs in Practice

Joel Thorman — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 17:57:52 -0000

More photos » by Ed Zurga - AP

Chiefs S Jon McGraw has been injured and is causing a roster shuffle. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)

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The Kansas City Chiefs took the practice field today in preparation for Sunday's game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Josh Looney of KCChiefs.com has a practice report up and, somewhat surprisingly, DaJuan Morgan lined up at free safety.

The position has been an area of concern since news broke this morning that Jarrad Page was being placed on IR, ending his season, and Jon McGraw has been (and continues to be) out with a leg injury.

Travis Daniels, signed this morning by the team, was working with the cornerbacks.

Looney also tells us that Mike Richardson was missing from practice, which is perhaps the reason Daniels was filling in there, instead of at free safety. Daniels has a little experience at safety and is familiar with the Chiefs scheme so many of us thought he was signed for short-term safety help.

No word on Richardson at this point. He had been playing the nickel since being signed a couple weeks ago.

If Daniels was signed to supplement the Chiefs at safety then they're getting off to a slow start. Or Richardson's absence signals the arrival of another player.

As always with this Chiefs roster, stay tuned.

Arrowheadlines: Chiefs News 11/2

NJ Chiefs Fan — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 11:51:38 -0000

via cdn2.sbnation.com

Evidently there is some new formating on SB Nation today. Hope this is readable.

"I’m ready to go, whatever they give me," Charles said. "I’ll go out there and try to make plays for the team.

"I’m a running back. I know how to run the ball. Whatever running plays they give me, I’ll be able to do them."

Haley’s actions would indicate he’s not as certain about Charles as a runner. Haley hasn’t been afraid to try different players when a certain part of the Chiefs isn’t working properly.

The running game certainly qualifies. Johnson is averaging only 2.7 yards per carry and doesn’t have a touchdown, yet the running game has stayed mostly as his domain.

Chiefs will give Charles a chance to run against Jacksonville from KC Star

This is the first time in Hoffman’s 21-year NFL coaching career where he’s handled the entire special teams package. Up to this season, during 17 years in Dallas, one in Atlanta and two with Miami, Hoffman’s duties involved only the punter and kicker. He did not handle the other 10 players on each kick.

But Haley has given him the chance to do it all. How much fun has it been?

"I don’t know if I’d say fun," Hoffman said with a weary smile. "It’s been a lot of work. I just feel a tremendous responsibility o do well. It’s just mind boggling how many things you have to think of to cover all the bases, from a roster standpoint, making sure you know who is going to make the team and who is going to be active on Sundays.

Making It Special … Tuesday Cup O’Chiefs from Bob Gretz

McGraw’s injury, which the Chiefs haven’t specified, doesn’t appear as serious as Page’s. But he could also miss the Jaguars game. McGraw didn’t practice Monday, but he was riding a stationary bicycle in a corner of the practice field in the area reserved for injured players.

The injuries leave the Chiefs in a bind. Their only other safeties are Mike Brown and DaJuan Morgan. The Chiefs will likely have at least one more safety on their roster by Wednesday, when they resume practice after today’s day off.

The Chiefs have an open roster spot because of the suspension of running back Larry Johnson.

Chiefs safeties Page, McGraw may miss Jacksonville game from KC Star

But a team that ranks 31st in offense and 27th in defense has to throw a changeup at some point, right? Surely Scott Pioli and Todd Haley, desperately needing to convince legions of potential season ticket-holders that they know what they’re doing, won’t stand pat as we begin the season’s second half.

Nah, they couldn’t possibly do that. Here’s five changes we hope to see in the coming weeks – hopefully starting as soon as this Sunday in Jacksonville.

Will the Chiefs Change? from WPI

Now the Rams must escape the league cellar by riding Jackson to additional victories during the second half.

Here are some teams the Rams could pass during their final eight weeks...

...Kansas City Chiefs: Their sole victory came against the hapless Redskins. The Chiefs (1-6) used their bye week to address the Larry Johnson situation, suspending him for a game for misconduct.

The Chiefs put up with Johnson’s antics when he was a dominant running back, but this season he is averaging just 2.7 yards per carry. He is the anti-Steven Jackson right now, setting the worst possible example for his teammates.

N FL's worst? It's not the Rams from St Louis Today

Player Tweets

almighty31 gotta get to work. wat shall i do now tho?

studie32 douggie is stayin in kc tonight!

Media and Fans

kb_kcstar Interesting. The Browns have fired first-year general manager George Kokinis. Remember, Cleveland was interested in Scott Pioli for that job

KSUpurple: Is there a worse sports town than Kansas City, the Royals are the permanent rebuilding team and the Chiefs...3 wins in a season and a half!

BrejanaeFTL186: Seriously Chiefs, when will we see some football like this Saints-Falcons game? I want interceptions, sacks, touchdowns. The whole nine yds.

bemonteer: I repeat, if Larry Johnson carries the ball again, EVER for the Chiefs, im done. I love this team, gave them my heart and soul.

vigliaturo: Man. I miss watching TGonz play every Sunday for the chiefs.

Rumor: Chiefs Trying to Trade LB Derrick Johnson and S DaJuan Morgan

Chris Thorman — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 00:46:55 -0000

More photos » by Andy King - AP

4 months ago: Minnesota Vikings receiver Visanthe Shiancoe catches a touchdown pass with defense from Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Derrick Johnson in the second quarter on a pass from Vikings quarterback Tarvaris Jackson during a NFL preseason football game, Friday, Aug. 21, 2009 in Minneapolis.(AP Photo/Andy King)

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The NFL trade deadline is Tuesday at 4 PM Eastern time and the rumors are going to be swirling for the next 48 hour or so.

This report come from Mike Lombardi at the National Football Post, who has consistently delivered solid insider info from Arrowhead. He was very close on early reports about Matt Cassel's contract.

I do want to stress that this is a rumor. From Lombardi:

The Chiefs are trying to move former 2005 first-round linebacker Derrick Johnson and 2008 third-round safety DeJuan Morgan.

Todd Haley and Co. are making no secret about their unhappiness with the players they inherited from the previous regime.

I’m hearing they don’t like anyone, including Branden Albert, who they feel is not a left tackle.

Strong words from Lombardi as we near the trade deadline. I do believe Lombardi is correct in his comments about the Kansas City Chiefs and their intentions for those players. At least in the sense that there are a lot of Chiefs players who could possibly be moved for the right price. Jay Glazer said earlier today that the Chiefs are open to trading any player except for Matt Cassel.

Back in August, we caught wind of a rumor that Scott Pioli offered the Detroit Lions DaJuan Morgan for a 4th round pick. The Lions didn't bite, possibly giving us a glimpse into what Morgan may be worth on the open market.

The question is - Will any other team bite on either DJ, DaJuan Morgan or Branden Albert?

H/T to Matt for the initial FanShot on this.

Kansas City Chiefs Release Bernard Pollard, 12 Others

Joel Thorman — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 22:56:02 -0000

More photos » by Ed Zurga - AP

4 months ago: Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rodney Wright (11) makes a catch while chased by Houston Texans cornerback Glover Quin, left, during the first quarter of their NFL football exhibition game in Kansas City, Mo., Saturday, Aug. 15, 2009. Wright gained 12 yards on the play. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)

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The Kansas City Chiefs have just announced the final round of cuts to get down to the league mandated 53 man roster.

Biggest shocker? Bernard Pollard. Wow.

Offense	Defense
TE Tom Crabtree	CB Jackie Bates
G Darryl Harris	DE Dion Gales
WR Taurus Johnson	DE Bobby Greenwood
WR Ashley Lelie	DT Derek Lokey
RB Javarris Williams	S Bernard Pollard
WR Rodney Wright	LB Zach Thomas
G Colin Brown (IR)	S Ricky Price

After the jump, we take a look at the circumstances surrounding each of the cuts.

The following were released:

S Bernard Pollard

Wow. There were trade rumors recently and apparently they had some legs. This is far and away the most shocking move by the Chiefs.

Frankly, I don't understand this move. This leaves DaJuan Morgan, who was injured for much of last season as a rookie, and Mike Brown, who has been injured much of the last five years, as your strong safeties.

CB Jackie Bates

This shouldn't be much of a surprise. The Chiefs decided to keep five cornerbacks and it was down to Bates or Ricardo Colclough. Colclough has been a return man in the past and provides a little more experience.

TE Tom Crabree

It's not surprising, either. This leaves three tight ends on the Chiefs roster (Sean Ryan, Brad Cottam and Jake O'Connell). Crabtree had a couple of nice plays in last week's game against the Rams but ultimately it came down to a numbers game. Remember, the Chiefs gave up a draft pick in a trade to get O'Connell.

DE Dion Gales

A little surprised here. Gales didn't necessarily separate himself but the Chiefs will be a little low on defensive ends.

DE Bobby Greenwood

See above.

G Darryl Harris

I thought about the best chance he had to make the team was due to the low number of offensive linemen. Harris' name was rarely mentioned and ultimately proved to be expendable.

WR Taurus Johnson

Chiefs had a lot of wide receivers and, for a position where they needed playmakers, he apparently couldn't cut it. It doesn't help that he didn't return kicks and/or punts as well.

WR Ashley Lelie

A little surprising considering he showed a little promise and is one of the few Chiefs receivers with some experience. He's a fast receiver and the Chiefs don't really have that right now.

DT Derek Lokey

He was playing nose tackle behind Tank Tyler and Ron Edwards. It was going to be tough to beat out one of those guys.

S Ricky Price

Again, a numbers game. He couldn't beat out Jon McGraw and starter Jarrad Page.

LB Zach Thomas

Rumored to be injured and looking at retirement. Apparently he was healthy enough for the Chiefs to part ways with him without an injury settlement.

RB Javarris Williams

The Chiefs 7th round draft pick and the only draftee released. He's certainly eligible for the practice squad.

WR Rodney Wright

29 year old player who hasn't shown much thus far.

Placed on Injured Reserve

G Colin Brown

When did he have an injury? Behind Pollard, this is the second most surprising move. There were no indications he was injured. He was the team's fifth round draft pick.

Chiefs Quarterbacks, Secondary Biggest Unknown Heading into Cutdown Day

Joel Thorman — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 14:13:15 -0000

More photos » by Orlin Wagner - AP

4 months ago: Kansas City Chiefs coach Todd Haley, left, talks with general manager Scott Pioli during NFL football training camp in River Falls, Wis., Sunday, Aug. 2, 2009. (AP Photo/Orlin Wagner)

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First off, we've got a must read for you. Over at the Mothership, Josh Looney has a nice chart posted that lists the number of players kept at each position for the '08 and '07 Chiefs, Cardinals and Patriots. It definitely helps give us an idea of how many players the Chiefs might keep at each position this year.

I stress might because, well, the more we learn about this team the more we realize we don't know.

One note to mention is that the '08 and '07 Chiefs didn't run a 3-4 defense so the number of defensive linemen, ends and linebackers will be much different.

Today, however, I want to point out the two positions where I think we'll see good players from the Chiefs hitting the waiver wire. Predicting the cuts for this administration is difficult but as we wind down to the league mandated 53 man roster, it's becoming a numbers game.

Here are the two positions where I think the biggest question marks remain.

Quarterback

I won't spend much time here because, if you've looked at Arrowhead Pride in the last month, you know the quarterback debate has been heated and well discussed.

Matt Cassel is safe. There's no question about that. In my humble opinion, Brodie Croyle is safe as well.

That leaves Tyler Thigpen and Matt Gutierrez as the two battling it out for what is likely to be one position. There's a chance the Chiefs carry four quarterbacks, especially in the early goings as Cassel's injury isn't quite known, but I deem it unlikely. Just my opinion, which would mean something only if I was on the Chiefs payroll.

My best guess: Gutierrez is cut, Thigpen remains.

***

Secondary

Prior to training camp, or even a week into training camp, I never would have guessed this would become arguably the most interesting position battle.

DaJuan Morgan's return from injury is what made this one of the best battles in the '09 version of Chiefs training camp.

We've now heard two rumors about the Chiefs trying to move a safety. The first came a couple weeks back when the Chiefs were rumored to have offered the Lions DaJuan Morgan for a fourth round pick in return. Schwartz and Lions didn't bite. The next rumor, reported by Brad Biggs of the National Football Post, stated the Chiefs were shopping Bernard Pollard. As of this posting, there's been no movement on that front.

The Chiefs worked Mike Brown out in early June then had a month full of OTAs looking at the current safeties and brought him on board. Doesn't that say to you they thought Brown has a very good shot to make this team? It does to me.

Here's my thought process on the whole secondary:

If the Chiefs keep four cornerbacks, they'll probably keep five safeties and we won't be discussing the Pollard/Brown/Morgan issue. This is definitely a possibility. Here are the current corners and who I would release if only four were retained:

Brandon Carr, Brandon Flowers, Maurice Leggett, Donald Washington, Ricardo Colclough and Jackie Bates
That would leave the following safeties: Jarrad Page, Jon McGraw, Bernard Pollard, Mike Brown, DaJuan Morgan and Ricky Price

If the Chiefs keep five cornerbacks, then they're likely keeping Colclough or Bates and it could mean only four safeties are retained:

Page and McGraw probably safe
Two spots for Pollard, Brown and Morgan

With a pair of trade rumors involving Chiefs safeties, something tells me they don't want to keep five. Or it tells me they'll hang onto five, for now, and move one of them. Just a hunch.

My best guess: Chiefs keep four cornerbacks (Carr, Leggett, Flowers and Washington) and five safeties (Page, McGraw, Pollard, Brown and Morgan).

How it all really shakes out? I guess we'll know in about eight hours.

These Kansas City Chiefs Helped Themselves Last Night

Joel Thorman — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 14:34:09 -0000

Photo courtesy John Sleezer of the Kansas City Star

The Kansas City Chiefs lost the Governor's Cup to the poor man's version of Kansas City St. Louis Rams last night 17-9. The Chiefs, led by Matt Gutierrez, had a chance to tie the game late but instead chose to preserve their unperfect record.

There were positives, however, ranging from players that are on the roster bubble to the most established veterans.

The following Chiefs helped themselves last night.

DaJuan Morgan

Of course he had a big game. Just yesterday I said Mike Brown would win the battle for the backup safety job. I cited Brown's leadership qualities and Morgan's history of injury as reasons for the pick.

Then the second year safety goes out and makes eight tackles and a diving interception. He saw plenty of playing time, which to me means that the coaching staff wanted to give him a good chance to win a spot on the team.

He may have done just that last night.

Jackie Battle

How many times have we said versatility is a good thing with the new Chiefs regime? A lot.

Jackie Battle demonstrated just that last night. Eight rushes for 28 yards is so, so but good enough to spell the starters. What was nice was the four receptions for 63 yards. Yeah, most of it was at the end of the game when the Rams were playing a quasi-prevent defense but he still got in the open field and got out of bounds when necessary.

Oh yeah, he's a pretty darn good special teamer, too.

Ryan Succop

Last week was just a hiccup for Succop. Last night was, in my opinion, a sign of things to come.

Three attempts, nine points, and a long of 40 yards. His kickoffs consistently made it to the end zone.

There's not much else to say. I think we've found our kicker.

Tom Crabtree

An odd pick, no? There were two things I liked from Mr. Crabtree, a UDFA, last night.

First, a 17 yard reception. He caught the ball on the right side of the field and, right as he turned up field, was met by a defender. There's no doubt Crabtree won that collision.

Then, with time running out in the fourth quarter, Matt Gutierrez threw a prayer to Crabtree as he crossed the middle of the field. It was a mistake on the quarterback's part as Crabtree didn't have a chance to catch the ball. In fact, the defender had a better chance to catch it, which he would have if Crabtree didn't make a great play on the ball to knock down the interception.

I don't think he'll make the team, because at tight end it's becoming a number game with Ryan, Cottam and O'Connell in front of him, but that was a heads up play by a rookie.

The Kansas City Chiefs Lose the Governor's Cup to the St. Louis Rams

Chris Thorman — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 03:07:42 -0000

More photos » by Jeff Roberson - AP

3 months ago: Kansas City Chiefs running back Dantrell Savage bounds into the end zone during the first quarter of a preseason NFL football game against the St. Louis Rams Thursday, Sept. 3, 2009, in St. Louis. The play was called back after the Chiefs were called for offensive holding. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)

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Pretty bland game tonight between the Chiefs and Rams. The Chiefs lost 17 to 9. Full stats are here.

It had a few ups and a few more downs than usual. Here are a few post game thoughts. Of course, we'll have much more tomorrow.

This was the first game that Chiefs head coach Todd Haley called the offensive plays. And over half of you gave him a B grade for his first half play calling.

This isn't mean to be a comprehensive post. Fill in the gaps in the comment section.

The Good

The Chiefs racked up over 150 yards rushing on the ground on the strength of a 70-yard run by Dantrell Savage and a 41-yard run by Larry Johnson.
The defense only gave up X points themselves and played pretty consistently the entire game.
Quinten Lawrence had a 44-yard punt return.
Wallace Gilberry, Tamba Hali and Corey Mays all had sacks.
DaJuan Morgan had an athletic, diving interception in the flat.
LB Jovan Belcher may make this team because of his special teams play.

The Bad

WR Quinten Lawrence fumbled the ball away after a short catch. Todd Haley had words for him as he reached the sideline.
Needing to make his mark on special teams to make the roster, WR Taurus Johnson was called for roughing the kicker.
Brodie Croyle wasn't really bad but he wasn't good either. I know the o-line sucks but Croyle wasn't on his A game tonight.
Matt Guiterrez's 4th and 8 pass at the end of the game was a weak decision.

The Ugly

Tyler Thigpen came in and was 2/7 with two INTs.
Three total turnovers. Is this something we need to be concerned about?
Third down conversions: Chiefs were 3/16 (18%) and the Rams were 9/20 (45%).
The Rams and St. Louis in general.

Let us know your thoughts on the game in this post-game thread. Be sane, please. The one thing I'll add is that I'm glad to be able to put this unanalyzable preseason behind and start the regular season. We're so close...

Poll

Are you confident in this Chiefs team heading into the regular season?

Yes

123 votes

Not

627 votes

Not sure yet

180 votes

930 votes | Poll has closed

Receivers, Safeties on the Chiefs Roster Bubble

Joel Thorman — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 21:44:58 -0000

There are roster battles across the board for the Kansas City Chiefs bubble players but I've highlighted two of the particularly interesting battles today.

(Photo via David Eulitt of the Kansas City Star)

First, is DaJuan Morgan and Mike Brown battling it out to backup Bernard Pollard. There are reasons for and against each player. I make the case that Brown will be retained by the coaching staff.

Second, is the slew of reserve wide receivers on this team. From Copper to Wright to Johnson to Lelie, there are no sure things. I don't make a case for any of these players, instead raise questions about each of them.

Safety: DaJuan Morgan vs. Mike Brown

Neither have made a huge impact on the field this season but, for leadership purposes, I see Mike Brown winning the backup safety battle. Bernard Pollard should be the starter, in my estimation, despite what might be going around.

Some rumors surfaced within the last couple of weeks that Morgan was the subject of a failed trade between the Chiefs and Lions. We're not sure of the accuracy of the rumor but it was definitely out there. If it is indeed true, then it's clear the Chiefs A) don't need him, B) don't want him or C) have someone else on the roster (Brown) they prefer.

Whatever the choice, the result is the same.

This is what tells me Brown will stick around: The Chiefs worked him out on June 3rd. 23 days and a full slate of OTAs later, they signed him. That means that they wanted to see what he had left in the tank, saw the competition already on the roster and went ahead and signed him. To me that says they believe he's a good fit with the Chiefs.

Both have been pinned as injury prone but, thus far in Chiefs camp, it's been Brown, not Morgan, who has stayed healthy.

Both players are due minimum contracts with Morgan signed through '10 and Brown just this year.

Reserve Wide Receivers

I think most of us can agree that Dwayne Bowe and Mark Bradley are making the team. Are there any arguments on this one?

I feel pretty safe saying that Bobby Engram will make the team even if he hasn't had much action in preseason. He's been in the league for 13 years so, assuming health, the Chiefs know what they've got with him meaning the preseason action isn't necessary.

I also feel safe about Quinten Lawrence who has been targeted more than any other wide receiver this preseason, which means he gets open (or the quarterbacks think he's open) and that's gotta be something the coaching staff recognizes. Two more pluses: He has been getting some time at returner and might be the fastest player on the team.

That leaves the following players battling it out: Terrance Copper, Ashley Lelie, Taurus Johnson and Rodney Wright.

At this point, it's down to a numbers game. For these four, I have some questions.

Copper has been with the first team, which shows he's on Haley's good side when it comes to showing effort (because that's how his depth chart is created...based on effort). But, will Haley keep someone on the team based on effort and not necessarily results in the preseason?

Lelie showed up late so he's a little behind. He's shown a little bit, especially last game and especially considering he was just signed a couple weeks ago. Does Haley keep Lelie based on what he could learn in this offense and what he could contribute?

Johnson appears to be out of the running if we base this off of what we've read in practice reports. To be honest, the only reason I remember Johnson's name is because he was the recipient of a Haley lashing in a recent NFL Network video. But the Chiefs did work him out prior to the draft, and signed him as a UDFA so there's something there that they like, or thought they liked. Does Haley give Johnson some more time to figure out if he likes what he thought he liked?

Wright is an interesting figure on the team. In the early goings his name was splattered across nearly every camp report out there. Christy Brusoe, a UWRF writer who covered the Chiefs, boldly claimed there's a spot on this team for Wright based on effort alone. We'll see. Does Haley keep a guy like Wright who appears to be competent at most things, yet not exceptional at anything?