Chiefs training camp: Who is behind Patrick Mahomes at quarterback?

#6 Shane Buechele

College: SMU
Years Pro: 2 (24 years old)
Chance of Making the Roster: Practice Squad Candidate

Shane Buechele is one of the more intriguing prospects on the entire roster. With very good accuracy and strong leadership experience, the Chiefs chose to not only keep him around on the practice squad last year but also protected him from being signed by other teams. It may have just been a ploy to keep him from helping opposing defenses, or perhaps the Chiefs saw something for the future and elevated him to the active roster late in ’21.

It seems likely that Buechele earns a role on the practice squad again this season. Expect to see a lot of him during preseason games and in the third-string role during camp. Pay close attention to how Andy Reid works with him as he just may one day be Mahomes’s reserve. His fit in Reid’s West Coast system is perfect and the future may be bright for the second-year quarterback.

#13 Dustin Crum

College: Kent State
Years Pro: Rookie (23 years old)
Chance of Making the Roster: Low

During Andy Reid’s tenure with the Chiefs, he has rarely entered a season with four quarterbacks. Generally, when the season starts, the Chiefs carry two on the active roster and one on the practice squad. Dustin Crum finds himself in an uphill battle to make the roster or practice squad but will receive plenty of opportunities.

Crum was a three-year starter at Kent State and was an effective passer, but was truly a playmaker with his feet. Not only does he have effective straight-line speed, but he can also make defenders miss in the open field. If Reid and company can work on some throwing mechanics, Crum may just wind up on the practice squad. Still, he faces a serious challenge to knock off Buechele for the final position.