From what we hear, Cottam, a 2008 third-round pick by the Chiefs and the favorite to capture the job, struggled mightily during offseason workouts, frequently dropping catchable passes. His failure to seize the opportunity has opened the door for others — like veterans Sean Ryan and Tony Curtis and seventh-round rookie Jake O’Connell — to enter the mix for starting duties. Although the Chiefs aren’t expected to utilize their tight ends as receivers very often, the offense would be lacking without a skilled pass catcher at that spot. Thus far, Cottam has "dropped the ball."