Chiefs early 53-man roster prediction as training camp finally begins

Early in the offseason, I made my first prediction as to what the Chiefs' Week 1 roster would look like, and it featured several bold predictions. As we rapidly approach training camp and preseason play, the scope of the Chiefs' 53-man roster is becoming clearer, and we have a much better idea of who will be on the roster by Week 1.

There are plenty of position battles to keep an eye on across the team. There will be several UDFA players making a push for a roster spot, as well as several veteran players who hope to hang on to their jobs for another year. So today, I went position by position to help get a better idea of what the Chiefs' Week 1 roster will look like in 2026.

Quarterback (3): Patrick Mahomes, Justin Fields, Garrett Nussmeier

Maybe the biggest competition going into camp for the Chiefs will be for the QB2 job and whether to keep a third quarterback on the roster. The Chiefs have not kept a third quarterback since 2022, when Shane Buechele fought his way onto the Week 1 roster. But with Fields and seventh-round draft pick Garrett Nussmeier, the Chiefs will likely keep a trio of QBs on the roster for Week 1. Chris Oladokun, who made a couple of starts for Kansas City last year, is likely to be stashed on the practice squad.

Running back (4): Kenneth Walker, Emmett Johnson, Brashard Smith, Emari Demercado

In my first prediction of the offseason, I had the Chiefs carrying four backs on their active roster. Kenneth Walker was their biggest addition of the offseason, and with Emmett Johnson being added in the fifth round, the Chiefs have a strong 1-2 punch out of the backfield. Brashard Smith is a strong pass catcher out of the backfield and also contributed as a return man for the Chiefs in 2025. Demercado was also added on a one-year deal and will be a depth piece for the Chiefs in 2026.

Wide Receiver (6): Rashee Rice, Tyquan Thornton, Xavier Worthy, Cyrus Allen, Jalen Royals, Andrew Armstrong

The top of the wide receiver room is chalk, with Rice, Worthy, Thornton, and Allen all being guarantees to make the team. Royals is very likely to make the team despite a limited role, leaving the sixth and final spot up for grabs. I have a new name, Andrew Armstrong, who was picked up on a reserve/futures contract at the end of last season, claiming this final spot. The Chiefs will try to stash the super-athlete Jeff Caldwell on the practice squad, as Armstrong can provide a change of pace on the outside.

Tight end (4): Travis Kelce, Jared Wiley, Noah Gray, Jake Briningstool

The Chiefs' top three tight ends are all but certain to make the roster, and the final spot on the team will come down to Jake Briningstool and John Michael Gyllenborg. The Chiefs seemed happy with Briningstool last offseason despite him spending the year on IR, and I think they will feel more comfortable putting JMG on the practice squad. The Chiefs like to run a lot of 12 personnel, so I fully expect them to carry four tight ends to start this season.

Offensive Line (9): Josh Simmons, Kingsley Suamataia, Creed Humphrey, Trey Smith, Jaylon Moore, Esa Pole, Khalil Benson, Hunter Nourzad, CJ Hanson

Four of the Chiefs' five starting linemen are set in stone, and one of the few remaining competitions for Kansas City's starting 11 will come at right tackle. Between Esa Pole, Khalil Benson, and Jaylon Moore, there seems to be a neck-and-neck race to see who will anchor the right side of the Chiefs' line. Moore is the early favorite, but there has been buzz about Benson getting first-team reps and/or Pole shifting to the right side as well in 2026 despite playing left tackle for the Chiefs last year.

Depth-wise, the Chiefs will have versatility, with both Moore and Pole potentially being able to provide swing tackle value. Hunter Nourzad has been the backup center since the Chiefs grabbed him out of Penn State, and CJ Hanson beats out Mike Caliendo for the backup guard job.

Defensive line (8): George Karlaftis, Felix Anudike-Uzomah, R Mason Thomas, Ashton Gillotte, Chris Jones, Omar Norman-Lott, Peter Woods, Khyris Tonga

The Chiefs' defensive line has been a point of emphasis for the team this offseason, and the eight guys listed all feel like locks to make the team. The biggest questions regarding the Chiefs' defensive line will surround whether the team chooses to carry an extra DE or DT. As of today, I think the most likely scenario is that the Chiefs roll with their top eight guys and will try to stash Ethan Downs or Marcus Harris on the practice squad for 2026.

Linebacker (5): Nick Bolton, Drue Tranquil, Jeffery Bassa, Cooper McDonald, Jack Cochrane

The Chiefs often like to carry five linebackers, and the top three guys are set in stone. Nick Bolton is the anchor of the Chiefs' defense, and Drue Tranquill is a reliable veteran. Jeffrey Bassa is a promising young player whom I had graded in my top 100, and I expect him to step into a major role for the Chiefs' defense this offseason. The final two spots are up for grabs, and I have McDonald and Cochrane winning the depth linebacker jobs again this season.

The Chiefs have maintained their faith in Jack Cochrane to fill a depth linebacker role, and I expect him to be the defense's fourth linebacker this season. McDonald played in 17 games for the Chiefs last season, and there is little to no doubt that he will be back in a similar role this year. UDFA pickup Wessly Bissainthe will compete for a spot but feels most likely to end up on the practice squad to start the year.

Cornerbacks (7): Mansoor Delane, L'Jarius Sneed, Nohl Williams, Jadon Canady (SLOT), Kristan Fulton, Chris Roland-Wallace, Kader Kohou

The Chiefs made significant investments in the DB room this offseason after losing their top two corners via trade and free agency. The Chiefs selected Mansoor Delane with the sixth overall pick in the draft, as well as Jadon Canady with the 109th pick. Kansas City also invested a third-round pick in Nohl Williams in last year's draft, as well as signing L'Jarius Sneed after he was let go by the Titans.

Kansas City has one of the best man-coverage units in football, and the biggest question for the CB room will be how many players they choose to keep. Kansas City has rarely elected to keep 11 DBs on its roster, but this year I think it will. Kristian Fulton is a trade candidate, but if he stays with the team, he will provide valuable depth. Chris Roland-Wallace is a CB/S hybrid who can play nearly every position in the secondary, and Kader Kohou will be the team's backup slot corner behind Canady.

Safeties (4): Alohi Gillman, Jaden Hicks, Xavier Nwankpa, Chamarri Conner

Losing Bryan Cook to free agency was a major blow to the Chiefs' defense, but with the addition of Alohi Gilman, they hope the unit can remain a strong suit in 2026. Despite not playing much last year, the Chiefs seem to have faith in Jaden Hicks, and I expect him to step into a big role this year. The final two spots go to Chamarri Conner, who will move into his natural position in 2026, and Xavier Nwankpa, who will make the team as a UDFA pickup out of Iowa.

Special Teams (3): Harrison Butker, Matt Araiza, James Winchester

No doubts here. The Chiefs will have one of the best special teams units in the NFL, as all three of these guys are locks heading into 2026.

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