Former Wildcat Braden Wilson #2 On Kansas City Chiefs Preseason Depth Chart

Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

The Kansas City Chiefs released their first depth chart on August 4th leading up to the Friday preseason game at New Orleans, and former K-State Wildcat Braden Wilson is #2 in the list of fullbacks for the team. What does that mean? Honestly, not a whole lot this early in the process, but let’s take a quick gander anyway.

Wilson was drafted in the sixth round by the Chiefs but has had trouble generating excitement so far. The Chiefs traded for Arizona Cardinals veteran Anthony Sherman this summer, implying the front office was not confident with the current talent available. Then, once rookie training camp started, Wilson injured his hamstring and had to sit out for four days. “It’s been a tough situation, just watching everybody else go,” Wilson said regarding the time he’s missed, “In the NFL, the whole time you’re sitting on the sideline you’re thinking about how quickly you can be forgotten.”

Interestingly, Wilson is competing with a former Jayhawk for a roster spot as well. Toben Opurum went undrafted this spring and was picked up by the Chiefs in May to provide some competition at the position. However, he played defense in college (mostly linebacker and defensive end) and is now learning an entirely new role. Even if he makes a career out of the fullback position in the NFL, he will likely need a year of practice squad duty to fully learn the position.

Unlike last year when the Chiefs opted not to carry a fullback on their 53-man roster, incoming coach Andy Reid will undoubtedly choose to keep at least one true backfield blocker on the team (Nate Eachus assumed the role to an extent in 2012, but the 5’10”, 212 pound running back was not born to block the likes of Von Miller). The question is whether the team could consider carrying two with Wilson also assuming special teams duties, or if he will need to beat Sherman outright for a spot with the team.

Of course, depth charts change considerably over the preseason as teams have an opportunity to evaluate players in action and injuries change roster dynamics; Kansas City will probably release four more versions of the chart before the regular season starts. However, with an injury sidelining him early and an experienced starter currently assuming the number one spot, Wilson will need to impress over the next four weeks if we hope to see him play on Sundays at Arrowhead this season.

Full FB depth chart:

1. Anthony Sherman
2. Braden Wilson
3. Toben Opurum

Visit Arrowhead Addict to view the full depth chart as it currently stands.