After the Kansas City Chiefs' final preseason game on Thursday, we now have a clearer view of their potential opening-day roster. The Chiefs will have to set their initial 53-man roster by August 27th at 3 pm Arrowhead time.
A reminder that while we try to be as accurate as possible with these projections, it's impossible to be 100% accurate. We will be updating our roster predictions after each preseason game as well. Previously, the NFL had several smaller deadlines to get the roster down from 90 to 53. The new process only requires one cut-down day. So the Chiefs will set their final 53 all at once.
Quarterbacks
Making the Chiefs roster: Patrick Mahomes, Carson Wentz
The Chiefs have the best QB situation they've had in years. Patrick Mahomes comes in as the undisputed best quarterback in the NFL. Former MVP candidate Carson Wentz was added to the roster this off-season, bringing the highest upside to the back QB position since Mahomes filled the role in 2017. Carson Wentz finished the preseason going 9/14 for 57 yards and 1 touchdown in the two preseason games he played.
Running Backs
Making the Chiefs roster: Isiah Pacheco, Clyde Edwards-Helaire, Deneric Prince
We know Isiah Pacheco is a lock to make the roster, and after seeing Carson Steele mix in with the first-team offense, he feels like a lock as well. The question is how loyal are the Chiefs to Clyde Edwards-Helaire who has had a lackluster camp and struggled to stay available. With some of the questions surrounding his week-to-week availability the Chiefs might also keep Deneric Prince on the 53.
Notable Omission: Louis Rees-Zammit and Emani Bailey
Fullback
Making the roster: Carson Steele
One of the stars of the preseason, Steele is a lock for the roster. We've seen what we can do at running back and at fullback. Right now, he feels like the second best back on the team. His valule added in special teams has been an encouraging sign as well.
Wide Receivers
Making the Chiefs roster: Marquise Brown, Xavier Worthy, Rashee Rice, Justin Watson, Mecole Hardman, Justyn Ross and Skyy Moore.
Without any update on a potential Rashee Rice suspension, we will assume he starts the season on the 53. Wide receiver has been one of the toughest spots to predict throughout camp. It feels safe to lock in the top four of Brown, Worthy, Rice, and Watson. From there, it gets complicated.
Justyn Ross has had another strong camp and has contributed on special teams as well. It feels like his role might be safe due to his body size and what he can do at the catch point. He might have a tougher case to make the roster without the injury to Brown, but it feels like they need another body to play the X in the weeks Brown is out
Skyy Moore hasn't really done anything great in camp or preseason besides a nice kick return here and there, but he has been consistent. He frequently runs with the second-string offense and mixes in with the first team as well. The staff seems to trust him to be in the right spot offensively and contribute in special teams. Kadarius Toney's low standing on the depth chart and inability to stay healthy illustrate that his career continues to be what it has previously been.
Nikko Remigio has been a camp darling and did have a nice return on special teams but that's been his only real impact. It feels like both Mecole Hardman and Skyy Moore are more trusted offensive skill players who can also return as well. Remigio might be a practice squad candidate.
Notable Omissions: Kadarius Toney and Nikko Remigio
Tight Ends
Making the Chiefs roster: Travis Kelce, Noah Gray, Jared Wiley and Irv Smith Jr.
The Chiefs have been very committed to improving their heavy personnel packages this year. Irv Smith hasn't really made any big splashes, but he's been a trusted blocker and role player in the red zone. As much as fans are excited about rookie Jared Wiley, there are likely going to be some learning moments ahead for him in 2024. Smith gives a nice floor for the room.
Offensive Line
Making the Chiefs roster: Jawaan Taylor, Trey Smith, Creed Humphrey, Joe Thuney, Wanya Morris, Kingsley Suamataia, Mike Caliendo, Hunter Nourzad and Lucas Niang.
The offensive line seems to have been defined by injuries this training camp, though thankfully none of them major. The starting offensive line won't have played a snap together before they take the field against the Ravens. For now, the depth appears to be Caliendo and Nourzad on the interior and Morris and Niang on the outside. C.J. Hanson might just be the odd man out in this case. UDFA Ethan Driskell has made a nice push for the roster but the Chiefs likely won't let go of Niang or Morris as their backup tackles.
Notable omission: C.J. Hanson and Ethan Driskell
Interior Defensive Line
Making the Chiefs roster: Chris Jones, Derrick Nnadi. Turk Wharton, Neil Farrell and Mike Pennel
The Chiefs' interior was without both Chris Jones and Derrick Nnadi for all of the preseason which gave us a good look at some depth pieces. Turk Wharton looks faster another year removed from ACL surgery. It's hard to find a true standout in this group besides Jones, but it feels like a game of quantity over quality. Fabien Lovett will likely be a nice practice squad candidate and still might factor into the roster throughout the year.
Notable omissions: Fabian Lovett and Matt Dickerson
Edge Defenders
Making the Chiefs roster: George Karlaftis, Felix Anudike-Uzomah, Mike Danna, Malik Herring
Four seems a little light here but the injury to Charles Omenihu makes this a thinner group. Malik Herring played 36% of the defensive snaps in 2023 and will likely be counted on to start the year. Having flexibility with Chris Jones as an edge rusher here is handy as well. Before the medical emergency, BJ Thompson was already going to have to fight for a roster spot. With him still not being cleared to practice it could be hard for him to make the 53. Felix Anudike-Uzomah at this point is likely the 4th edge rusher on the roster strictly because of his inability to stay on the field in the run game.
This feels like a position that the Chiefs might make an addition to before they play their first game..
Notable omissions: Charles Omenihu (PUP), BJ Thompson (NFI)
Linebackers
Making the Chiefs roster: Nick Bolton, Leo Chenal, Drue Tranquill, Jack Cochrane and Curtis Jacobs
The top three are locked in but the defense has some snaps to replace
with Willie Gay now in New Orleans. Jack Cochrane is highly regarded by both Steve Spagnuolo and Dave Toub, so he feels like a lock as well. The Chiefs routinely have kept 5 or 6 linebackers with Curtis Jacobs flashing in pre-season and with his ability on special teams, he feels like a strong candidate to make the roster.
Notable omission: Cam Jones and Cole Christiansen
Cornerbacks
Making the Chiefs roster: Trent McDuffie, Jaylen Watson, Joshua Williams, Nazeeh Johnson and Keith Taylor
The most difficult position to predict, corner has been a battle all camp long. Right now, it feels like the core of McDuffie, Watson, Williams, and Johnson can all be locked in as making the squad then it gets complicated. Jaylen Watson seemed to stuggle in his first outing Thursday night but he's likely working off some rust. Keith Taylor spent time on the Chiefs playoff roster last year and seems to be a trusted veteran.
We've not seen much of anything from Nic Jones or Kamal Hadden this camp or preseason. It might be painful to move on from two recent day 3 picks but the Chiefs are in the business of having the best roster possible, not keeping former draft picks.
Notable omissions: Nic Jones, Ekow Boye-Doye, Kelvin Joseph, and Kamal Hadden
Safeties
Making the Chiefs roster: Justin Reid, Bryan Cook, Chamarri Conner, Jaden Hicks and Deon Bush
An injury to Justin Reid's quad has started him on the NFI list for training camp. However, the Chiefs haven't made a move to place him on PUP or IR which means he will likely begin the season on the active roster. Jaden Hicks has looked like the real deal all preseason long. Chiefs fans have lots to look forward to with him and a healthy Justin Reid on the same defense.
Safety is easily the deepest position on the roster with five meaningful contributors with some of the questions around the corner room the Chiefs might lean heavily into three safety formations. Especially with the versatility of Conner, the safety room will play a big role in coverage for the 2024 season.
Specialists
Making the Chiefs roster: Harrison Butker, Matt Araiza, James Winchester
No surprises here as the rookie Matt Araiza won the punting job in OTAs. Chiefs fans got a good look at his power this pre-season. Harrison Butker and James Winchester both are locks to make it. Harrison Butker has been one of the best kickers in the NFL over the last seven years. Despite missing some snaps with a shoulder injury, Winchester appears to be fine and will not miss any time.