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News

Heartland Health Training Camp Preview: Specialists

Posted Jul 26, 2012

Three questions surrounding the Chiefs specialists heading into training camp


1) Can Ryan Succop continue his mark of accuracy?

Not bad for a former Mr. Irrelevant.

Ryan Succop has evolved into a big-league placekicker for the Chiefs, and topped that improbable feat with another one.

His contract extension at the end of last season came before most members of the NFL’s 2009 draft class. And he nailed franchise-record 22 straight field goals in 2011. 

However, Succop struggled at other points last season. He went 2-for-5 to start last year's Chiefs campaign, and missed two field goals against the Raiders after righting the ship during the middle of the season. 

By limiting his rare mistakes, Succop will give the Chiefs offense a scoring edge again. 

2) Does rookie Devon Wylie fit in at returner?

Tamarick Vanover and Dante Hall are long gone. So the Chiefs are hoping that "Wiggles" can live up to his college nickname and become the team's next dangerous return man. 

Devon "Wiggles" Wylie, the Chiefs' fourth round pick, had a penchant for game-breaking special teams returns in college. The former Fresno State Bulldog was selected to be developed as a slot receiver, but in the meantime, the Chiefs could use some help from the fourth-best punt returner in the nation last season. 

According to Football Outsiders, the Chiefs offense was 31st in the league in average field position to start their drives. Only the Indianapolis Colts - the worst team in football last season - bested the Chiefs in that lowly statistic.  

Wylie notched two touchdowns in college from punt returns, including a career-best 79-yard return against Boise State. And with blazing sub 4.3-speed in the 40, he certainly has the speed to be up for the task. 

With a strong training camp performance, don't be surprised if "Wiggles" pulls away from the rest of the pack to claim the punt returner job. 

3) What will Dexter McCluster's role be?

Dexter McCluster is a self-described "offensive weapon," but his crowning Chiefs moment came in another phase of the game. 

Then a rookie running back, McCluster bested Dante Hall's franchise punt return record with his 94-yard scamper against the San Diego Chargers. But that return--which opened the New Arrowhead Stadium--was the last punt return notched by the Chiefs. 

McCluster tried to hone his receiving skills during offseason workouts, but he might be needed for his return skills just as much. 

The Chiefs need McCluster to become a game-breaker on special teams again, and appear ready to give him every opportunity to win a returner job. During special teams drills, the third-year veteran battled Devon Wylie and Javier Arenas at both punt and kickoff returner. 

That battle will continue in camp, but with another big return, McCluster could be Chiefs' "special teams weapon" in addition to his role as their offensive one.

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