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Boy, this is a good thread. Tough question, especially not knowing yet what's going to transpire with the draft and free agency, but I'm assuming most of the team is filled right now...
Here's my top 5 (with a bonus).
1. Eric Fisher, LT
If this guy isn't going to bust, this is the year he has to show it. The Chiefs can't afford to have a continual sieve at left tackle allowing pressure constantly. It helps he has a much better player next to him in Grubbs, but there's no depth behind Grubbs either.
2. Eric Kush, OC
Unless the Chiefs take a center on day 1 or day 2 of the draft, this guy is looking like the starter. I'm worried, mostly because we haven't really seen the guy play against 1st team defenses week in and week out. He looks solid, but you can't know for sure. This guy has to be able to make the calls and be a rock in the middle. He's replacing one hell of a good lineman.
3. Albert Wilson, WR
This guy has to become a legitimate threat at receiver this year. I'm guessing he's going to operate out of the slot, which is a good spot for him. The pressure can't go on Maclin and Kelce alone. I'm not counting on a rookie to be amazing year one opposite Maclin, so this guy needs to be a difference maker.
4. Josh Mauga, ILB
The Chiefs invested a bit in this guy and he was terrible in run defense most of last season. The Chiefs really need a guy to step up and stop the run, and if he's playing opposite Derrick Johnson, then Mauga is the guy that has to do that. I don't see the Chiefs taking a rookie that can start immediately at ILB, but you never know.
5. Donald Stephenson, RT
Another O-lineman... I'm going to fill this list with them. If the Chiefs don't go right tackle early and its left to the trio of Stephenson, Allen, or Sherrod to fill that spot, then I'm not only concerned, I'm scared as hell. One of these three need to step up and play at least as well as Harris did last year or the Chiefs are not going to fair well. Stephenson is penciled in now, and probably has the most legitimate shot of being the starter and being serviceable. Stephenson needs to show some consistency to go along with overall improvement.
Dis-honorable Mention. Pauliasi Fanaika, RG
One of either Fanaika or Fulton will be the starting right guard, and whichever one it is has weaknesses. I'm guessing Fanaika will be the man. Whomever it is will need to play better than they've shown me in the past if the Chiefs hope to save Alex Smith's spleen and that immediate, crushing pressure he faced last year. Fanaika has been solid in pass pro in his career, but Charles might not be able to run well to the right side. Fanaika needs to be better, but I'm not sure that is possible at this point.
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