Projecting the starting lineup for the Kansas City Chiefs heading into training camp.
OFFENSE
Quarterback (Alex Smith): Smith's stats last season (3,265 yards, 18 touchdowns) need to rise dramatically.
Running back (Jamaal Charles): His numbers dipped last season because he was fighting one nagging injury after another.
Fullback (Anthony Sherman): He does a solid job as a lead blocker and on special teams.
Wide receiver (Jeremy Maclin): The Chiefs invested $55 million in Maclin hoping he can help revitalize their passing game.
Wide receiver (Albert Wilson): He came on near the end of his rookie season, recording 12 of his 16 catches in the Chiefs' last four games.
Tight end (Travis Kelce): He busted out in his debut NFL season in 2014, leading the Chiefs in catches and receiving yards.
Left tackle (Eric Fisher): The Chiefs need major improvement from Fisher, rated by Po Football Focus as the 72nd-best tackle last season.
Left guard (Ben Grubbs): The former Pro Bowler was acquired in a trade from the New Orleans Saints.
Center (Eric Kush): He was the Chiefs' sixth-round pick in 2013 but has played in only three games since.
Right guard (Jeff Allen): He missed all but the season opener last season because of an elbow injury.
Right tackle (Donald Stephenson): He lost his starting job because of a four-game suspension to start the season, and he didn't get it back after his return.
DEFENSE
Left end (Mike DeVito): He missed all but the season-opener last season because of a ruptured Achilles tendon.
Nose tackle (Dontari Poe): He's so valuable to the Chiefs as a run defender and pass rusher that he rarely comes out of the game.
Right end (Allen Bailey): Bailey was a full-time starter for the first time last season and responded with a career-high five sacks.
Left outside linebacker (Justin Houston): Houston led the NFL in sacks last season with 22 but is also a terrific all-around player.
Left inside linebacker (Derrick Johnson): Johnson turns 33 in November and is coming back from a torn Achilles tendon.
Right inside linebacker (Josh Mauga): Mauga was one of the NFL leaders in missed tackles, according to Pro Football Focus.
Right outside linebacker (Tamba Hali): He had six sacks last season, his lowest total since 2008.
Left cornerback (Phillip Gaines): He will need to continue his strong play from the offseason to hold off first-round draft pick Marcus Peters.
Right cornerback (Sean Smith): The veteran quietly had a big year last season, his first as the Chiefs' No. 1 corner.
Strong safety (Ron Parker): He can also help at cornerback, where he started four games last season.
Free safety: Husain Abdullah: Another safety with cover skills, Abdullah has played some at nickelback.
SPECIAL TEAMS
Kicker (Cairo Santos): He overcame a slow start to have a solid rookie season.
Punter (Dustin Colquitt): A model of consistency, Colquitt had another solid season in 2014.
Long snapper (James Winchester): He has never snapped in a regular-season NFL game.
Kick returner (Knile Davis): He has two touchdowns and a 29.5-yard average in two NFL seasons.
Punt returner (De'Anthony Thomas): He has the quickness and speed to be one of the great punt returners.