Kansas City Chiefs assistant head coach and special teams coordinator Dave Toub probably has more control over the 53-man roster decisions than anyone not named Andy Reid and Brett Veach. Reid admitted as much when speaking to reporters after Tuesday's practice.

“We always tell the guys that three or four guys make it because of their special teams play," Reid said, before going on to discuss WR Nikko Remigio and RB Louis Rees-Zammit.

This year will be no different, but there could be an even greater emphasis on picking the right special teams players with the new kick return rules the NFL is testing this season. 

After practice on Saturday, Toub spoke about the players that he's most excited to see once the preseason rolls around. He potentially revealed a few players who could make the 53-man roster based on special teams ability alone.

What Toub needs to see from Louis Rees-Zammit during the preseason?

Rees-Zammit, as a player who has never played football before, is a longshot to make the Chiefs' 53-man roster. He's relentless in his work ethic because this is his dream. He also offers a lot in terms of versatility and his role, but Chiefs STC Dave Toub is going to need to see some things from him during the preseason. 

"I want to see Louis (Rees-Zammit)," Toub said. "I mean, he's number one. I want to see how he handles being tackled and blocking. You know, I love him. I love the way he works. So I want him to do well. So I'm looking forward to seeing him. 

Toub knows that Rees-Zammit can kick off, and he can be a returner. They've learned that much at training camp practices, but the things that Toub is looking to see is how he handles tackling and blocking players on special teams. Those are things you can't really practice until the preseason arrives.

If Rees-Zammit happens to excel in those areas, he just might have a chance to sneak onto the roster. 

One return specialist stands out above the rest.

When discussing return specialists, Toub referred to Remigio as, "the guy that's really done a really good job." It just echoes what Toub has said about the second-year receiver in the past and strengthens his case to make the 53-man roster. Toub also named Remigio among the players he's looking forward to seeing in the preseason. 

He'll have some stout competition as a return specialist, with guys like Mecole Hardman, Xavier Worthy, Kadarius Toney, Hollywood Brown, and Montrell Washington also competing for the job. However, being in Toub's good graces already gives him a leg up on the rest of the competition during training camp and the preseason. It also doesn't hurt that Andy Reid, Matt Nagy, and Patrick Mahomes all seem to really like the kid.

Athletic linebackers are on Toub's radar

The Chiefs quietly have a pair of hyper-athletic rookie linebackers who could work their way onto the 53-man roster as special teamers. Remember, teams might value carrying an extra linebacker this year over an extra defensive back or defensive lineman given the new kick return rules. 

"I'm looking forward to seeing (Swayze) Bozeman who showed up, a linebacker who has done a lot in camp, and (Curtis) Jacobs. A lot of those linebackers. . . I love the linebacker room." 

A strong preseason could also lead to either Bozeman or Jacobs or both earning a role as a multi-phase special teams ace for Kansas City at the linebacker position.

What about the safety room?

What's most interesting here is that Toub mentions a player who just rejoined the team days ago as someone he's excited to see on special teams. I have to wonder if it wasn't that player's special teams prowess that led him back to the team.

"Safeties, I'm excited about them, too," Toub said. "You know, guys like the (Tyree) Gillespie and you know that whole room really is pretty good. (Jaden) Hicks, he's a no-brainer special teams guy for me. He'll be he's a four-phase starter right now. So he's already PPP on the punt team."

As a fourth-round draft pick, Hicks isn't at any risk of not making the roster. However, special teams play makes him that much more valuable in Kansas City as he gets acclimated to the NFL game.

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