Kansas City Chiefs best position battles for the 2014 offseason

A few weeks back I asked on Twitter for the best Kansas City Chiefs position battles this offseason and got some combination of the positions below. The third quarterback was oddly popular so we start with that.

Quarterback (No. 3)

Tyler Bray vs. Aaron Murray

Aaron Murray is going to win this one. Right? I can't see the Chiefs cutting him or placing him on the practice squad because he'd be gone in a minute. I guess the questions here are what happens to the No. 2 and could the Chiefs carry four quarterbacks ... that's the only way I can see Bray fitting on right now.

Free safety

Husain Abdullah vs. Sanders Commings vs. others

Andy Reid said Abdullah would get the first crack at the safety job but that's by no means guaranteed. Commings is a total unknown for us after missing almost all of last season.

Right guard

Rishaw Johnson vs. Jeff Linkenbach vs. Rok Watkins

Johnson had a big Week 17, which helped his cause. Linkenbach was brought in as a free agent in March. He could play tackle or guard.

Slot receiver

Junior Hemingway vs. De'Anthony Thomas vs. Weston Dressler vs. others

The Chiefs are probably going to try a lot of different combinations this offseason. Hemingway isn't a typical slot receiver at his size (6'1, 225 pounds) but he's been reliable in his limited stints. He's gotten the first crack at slot this offseason, according to Adam Teicher. DAT can't practice until the Chiefs final mandatory minicamp later this month due to school / NFL rules so he'll be behind others.

Tight end (No. 2)

Travis Kelce vs. Sean McGrath vs. Demetrius Harris vs. others

Anthony Fasano is the No. 1 here when healthy. Kelce's issue is his injury and how healthy he will be to contribute. He told me earlier this offseason that he was feeling good for training camp. Harris has drawn some good reviews this offseason as well.

Most importantly here is Sean McGrath's beard:

McGrath's beard is making a comeback (via @65TPTPhotog) http://t.co/vrmgZszljD pic.twitter.com/Selmme4TLC

— Arrowhead Pride (@ArrowheadPride) May 27, 2014

Cornerback

Brandon Flowers vs. Sean Smith vs. Marcus Cooper vs. Phililp Gaines vs. others

This one could go a lot of different ways. If Brandon Flowers is a Chief next season, I assume he takes his normal starting role. If he's not it opens things up. It was Cooper who stepped in for Flowers, who has been absent from OTAs. Where does Gaines fit in his first year?

Offensive tackle (No. 3)

J'Marcus Webb vs. Laurent Duvernay-Tardif vs. others

Eric Fisher and Donald Stephenson are expected to be your starters. Who is the No. 3? Veteran J'Marcus Webb, signed last week, looks like the best bet right now. Laurent Duvernay-Tardif was drafted in the sixth round a few weeks ago and has seen time at both tackle and guard.

Other positions:

• Some asked about the No. 2 receiver position but, to me, that looks like Donnie Avery with few serious contenders.
• Backup quarterback was another brought up. I see Chase Daniel as the clear leader for that job.
• Defensive end is Vance Walker, right? Still need to know the sub package rotation.