Brief Review of 2014 Season
The Kansas City Chiefs finished the 2014 season in second place with a 9-7 record, but missed out on the playoffs. After losing several of their top players from the year before, their play this past season was impressive, however when it came to the must win games, they fell short.
They had a dynamic defense, but struggled at times offensively due to some challenges with the receiving core. As usual they always had the option of a strong run game with Jamaal Charles, and Knile Davis also stepped up when needed.
2015 Free Agents
Kurt Coleman, Safety
In his first season with the Chiefs, Coleman had 37 combined tackles with three assists, as well as one forced fumble and three interceptions.
Thomas Gafford, Long Snapper
Gafford has spent his entire six year career with the Kansas City Chiefs.
Jason Avant, Wide Receiver
The Chiefs signed Avant in late November after he was cut by the Carolina Panthers. In five games with KC, he had 13 receptions from 21 targets for 152 yards.
Ryan Harris, Offensive Tackle
Harris took over for Jeff Allen who suffered a season-ending elbow injury in Week 1.
Justin Houston, Linebacker
Houston is a player the Chiefs cannot let slip away. Last season he was a force to be reckoned with as he collected 22 sacks, giving quarterbacks around the league nightmares. KC will likely lock up Houston this offseason.
Rodney Hudson, Center
Hudson has been efficient for the Chiefs and led the team with over 1,000 snaps for the second season in a row.
Jeffrey Linkenbach, Offensive Tackle
Linkenbach started only three games for the Chiefs in 2014.
Josh Mauga, Linebacker
2014 was his first year with the Chiefs, and Mauga had 103 combined tackles with 21 assists and .5 sacks.
Mike McGlynn, Offensive Lineman
McGlynn was signed last offseason and took over left guard duties.
Joe McKnight, Running Back
McKnight only had one attempt for three yards last season.
Chris Owens, Cornerback
Owens played in 11 games and had 33 combined tackles with six assists and .5 sacks.
Ron Parker, Defensive Back
Parker had 94 combined tackles with 10 assists, one sack, and one interception last season.
Kevin Vickerson, Defensive Tackle
Vickerson had 12 tackles with three assists last year with the Chiefs.
2015 Cap Room: $1,573,632
Biggest-Need Areas
Wide Receiver
The Chiefs were the only team since 1950 to go an entire season without a wide receiver scoring a touchdown. KC’s receiving core isn’t flashy, but their solid run game was able to carry them offensively, and they have a stud in Travis Kelce. This offseason, the Chiefs will look to reboot a strong receiving duo to help Alex Smith and this Chiefs offense put more points on the board.
Offensive Line
Smith needs better protection from his O-line and is an area that needs to be addressed this offseason. They suffered on the injury front when it came to the O-line, and some areas of improvement include right tackle and guard.
Secondary
The Chiefs had a strong defense this past season, which kept them in games, however there are some questions revolving the secondary. Eric Berry is battling lymphoma and they have a few defensive backs potentially testing free agency. Depth in the secondary is needed.
2015 Draft Selections
Round 1: 17th overall pick
Round 2: 48th overall pick
Round 3: 83rd overall pick
Round 4: 114th overall pick
Round 5: 145th overall pick
Round 6: 176th overall pick
Round 7: 211th overall pick