Chiefs-Jaguars: 5 things to watch for in Week 1 of the preseason

The first full weekend of the 2024 NFL preseason is here. On Saturday, the Kansas City Chiefs will be on the road to play the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. Arrowhead time.

The Chiefs enter the test phase as defending Super Bowl champions for the second year in a row. The search for a Triple victory begins with a more detailed look at roster depth: The Chiefs’ core players will be eliminated by the end of the first quarter, making way for players competing for spots on the 53-man roster.

Even though the core of the team is as solid as ever, the competition for the remaining positions is even greater.

Here are five things to watch for in Kansas City’s first preseason game.

1. How wide receivers rotate and are used

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The team’s four best wide receivers seem to be set: Hollywood Brown, Rashee Rice and rookie Xavier Worthy form the starting trio. Justin Watson is the reliable next man.

After that, the competition begins. The team kept seven wide receivers on the original 2023 roster, but this year they may only have six. Skyy Moore seems to have a good chance of going fifth; entering his third year, he could still develop as a player. Justyn Ross was on the team last season. He could make the roster again by excelling as a big-built possession receiver.

Then there are three receivers with similar skills: Mecole Hardman, Kadarius Toney and Nikko Remigio. Each of them can be a one-time playmaker and each has the ability to rebound. Remigio was the team’s unofficially ranked kick returner.

As the least experienced of these three, Remigio may be the only one who will make a strong appearance on Saturday. Look for him to make a statement that puts pressure on the veterans in front of him.

Third-year receiver Montrell Washington could also be in contention. He impressed with the second-team offense in camp.

2. The cornerback battle

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Behind cornerback Trent McDuffie, the Chiefs are waiting for someone to step up and take the second spot.

While Joshua Williams got the most playing time in training camp, Jaylen Watson’s time was limited due to injury. Nazeeh Johnson has also missed practices. But all three should be ready to play on Saturday – and the competition between them seems so close that their performances in preseason games could make a big difference.

Behind them, there are up to two more spots open for cornerbacks. When rotating with the starters in camp, third-year player Kelvin Joseph stood out – but since he was unable to participate in practice on Wednesday due to a hamstring injury, he is unlikely to play.

This gives cornerbacks Keith Taylor and Ekow Boye-Doe a chance to show what they can do with their length on the perimeter. In the slot, Nic Jones has to prove his value to the squad. Rookie Kamal Hadden, who was drafted in the sixth round, has also seen playing time with the reserve units in the slot – and he looks like the kind of player that defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo likes in the secondary.

3. Kingsley Suamataia on the blind side

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All signs point to rookie Kingsley Suamataia, selected in the second round of the draft, starting at left tackle in Week 1. He has been skating with the first team since the start of training camp, and he rarely rotated with second-year tackle Wanya Morris as training camp progressed.

He has excelled as a run blocker, flying the ball away to position the front side or cutting off defenders on the back side, so the focus will be on Suamataia’s comfort level in pass protection: How solid will he look on an island?

The Chiefs’ regulars will likely only make one or two appearances, but don’t be surprised if Suamataia stays longer to gain more experience – and to monitor his development more closely.

4. Depth in the defensive front seven

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The Chiefs’ defense, while talented, is top-heavy, so with the first unit going, a lot of backups will be looking to prove they can step in.

One of the team’s most underrated players is linebacker Jack Cochrane, who is expected to replace Nick Bolton, who is recovering from an elbow injury. The third-year player has been a strong part of the special teams and Saturday will be a good opportunity to show how well he can handle the defense.

He and the other linebackers will be interesting to watch. Undrafted rookies Curtis Jacobs and Swayze Bozeman have interesting athletic profiles. Any of them could compete for the final spots at the position.

Ahead of them, second-year defensive end Felix Anudike-Uzomah is one to watch. His pass rush skills appear to be more polished, but his down-to-down playmaking will need to match that.

At nose tackle, untested veteran Neil Farrell Jr. and undrafted rookie Fabien Lovett have the chance to show what they can do.

5. Two rising players in the backfield

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In training camp, second-year undrafted running back Deneric Prince was the immediate replacement for starter Isiah Pacheco. If Prince plays with the starters on Saturday, it would say a lot about the team’s plans for him. In the 2023 preseason, he worked primarily with the reserve units.

In general, watch how Prince performs as a ball carrier – but his pass protection skills will also be a big factor.

Undrafted rookie Carson Steele has become a player to watch on the first team. During training camp, he was in heavy formations playing fullback. Since he’s more of a traditional running back, he could play both roles. However, his impact on special teams will be key. Look for him to make some plays in the kicking game.