With one preseason game on film, we break down the remaining 85-man roster and predict what 53 men the Chiefs will bring into their September 11th season opener.
The Kansas City Chiefs showed the sort of results during Saturday’s preseason game against Chicago that should encourage fans for some potential greatness ahead. The Chiefs dominated the Bears on both sides of the ball, forced five straight punts, moved the ball up the field effortlessly, and got some great reps out of the drafted rookies.
For two quarters at least.
The bottom half of Kansas City’s 90—now 85—man roster struggled Saturday, allowing the Bears to storm back and win the first preseason game by a final of 19-14. Dustin Crum hit the dirt three times while Trevor Siemian got to role play like it was half a decade ago and finally got the better of the Chiefs.
While the roster seemed likely solidified before the preseason even took place, a few performances stood out and have helped round out a formidable roster for the red and gold to bring to Arrowhead next month.
Quarterback: Patrick Mahomes, Chad Henne
Controversial take here, I am aware.
There is a slight story here, in that Shane Buechele does not make the roster yet again. There is no reason for the Chiefs to take more than two quarterbacks on the roster. Buechele is great and with some opportunities to learn and develop, he could be a very good backup quarterback in the NFL. The problem is that the Chiefs are not going to focus on developing a backup quarterback when they have one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history in their prime as their starters. Buechele could be put back on the practice squad, but if Buechele is to jump ship to another team, this is the year to do it.
Running Backs: Clyde Edwards-Helaire, Isaiah Pacheco, Jerrick McKinnon – Fullback: Michael Burton
Ronald Jones is the biggest story of this position. Rojo signed with Kansas City and was immediately met with huge expectations from fans. However, his reps during practice slowly started falling lower and lower on the depth chart, and in the first preseason game, Jones was the running back with the third-string offense. Even worse, his performance was embarrassing, with four carries for a single yard. Clyde Edwards-Helaire will get the benefit of the doubt for the starting position, but Isaiah Pacheco has all the opportunities to topple that throne and make a name for himself this season.
Tight Ends: Travis Kelce, Blake Bell, Jody Fortson
Blake Bell suffered an injury in the first preseason game, which may land him a spot on the IR to start the season. If this is the case, add Noah Gray to this position group. The Chiefs could add Gray to this position to start the season whether Bell is injured or not, but four tight ends seem like a lot for a team with the talent Kansas City has in their skill positions.
Wide Receivers: JuJu Smith-Schuster, Marquez Valdez-Scantling, Mecole Hardman, Skyy Moore, Justin Watson, Josh Gordon, Daurice Fountain
The Chiefs had seven receivers on their roster several times last season, which is what this prediction is based on. They could go one less here, which either means Gordon or Fountain do not make the cut. Justin Watson is the only player that was dramatically affected by Saturday’s preseason game, balling out for 45 yards and a touchdown. He has received first-team reps in the week after as a result, which has given him the opportunity to shine even brighter.
Left Tackle: Orlando Brown Jr., Geron Christian
The Chiefs have a lot of flexibility and maneuverability on the line, for various reasons. Whether it be an injury, rotations, or money conflicts…
Left Guard: Joe Thuney, Nick Allegretti
Hey look, flexibility personified. Joe Thuney is one of the best guards in the league and has the experience and the ability to swing to the left tackle if something were to happen. There is a reason Brett Veach gave him the money that he did.
Centers: Creed Humphrey, Austin Reiter, James Winchester
Creed Humphrey actually did not look great during Saturday’s game, but when he excelled, he looked as good as he did last year. Humphrey can also bump out to guard if anything happens elsewhere on the line. This leaves Austin Reiter, who Andy Reid has kept in Kansas City for so long for a reason.
Right Guard: Trey Smith
This is technically the thinnest position on the Chiefs roster, which would be a big deal if almost every lineman the Chiefs have could not swing over to the right guard in a pinch. Do not let that statement undermine the ability of Trey Smith, who was a monster in 2021. He bodied incoming defenders like they owed him money and created some massive holes for the Chiefs running backs.
Right Tackles: Andrew Wylie, Darian Kinnard, Lucas Niang
Andrew Wylie has been an Andy Reid guy for a very long time and gets the starting job at right tackle without much conflict. Darian Kinnard is a young player to keep an eye on in the next few seasons, but for right now he will sit and develop before getting a prime opportunity to protect the league’s most valuable player.