Chiefs 53-man roster prediction ahead of roster cuts

I do not envy Kansas City Chiefs GM Brett Veach. The preseason is officially in the rearview mirror after the team defeated the Cleveland Browns on Saturday. In just a few short days, 37 players on the Chiefs' 90-man roster will be told that they're not making the team. The battle has been as competitive […]

Charles Goldman — NFL Managing Editor

Aug 27, 2023 10:30 AM EDT

I do not envy Kansas City Chiefs GM Brett Veach.

The preseason is officially in the rearview mirror after the team defeated the Cleveland Browns on Saturday. In just a few short days, 37 players on the Chiefs' 90-man roster will be told that they're not making the team. The battle has been as competitive as ever before and several positions are simply overloaded with talent.

Which of the players made an indelible mark on the coaching and personnel staff? Here’s a look at our final 53-man roster prediction for the Chiefs:

Note: Players with single asterisk (*) are 2023 draft picks and players with double asterisks (**) are 2023 undrafted free agents.

Quarterback (2)

In: Patrick Mahomes and Blaine Gabbert

Out: Shane Buechele and Chris Oladokun

The Why: I'm of the opinion that Buechele is closer to Oladokun than he is to Gabbert, especially after his preseason Week 3 performance. I don't know if the front office agrees with me. I know that Mahomes is a big Buechele fan, but if I'm Kansas City, I risk Buechele and Oladokun on waivers. Keep whichever player clears. If neither makes it, I'm sure they'll be able to find someone for the practice squad (Carson Wentz).

Running back (4)

In: Isiah Pacheco, Jerick McKinnon, La'Mical Perine, and Clyde Edwards-Helaire

Out: Deneric Prince** and Jerrion Ealy

The Why: I think the team will probably just keep four running backs, but I wouldn't be mad if they attempted to trade Edwards-Helaire. I'm just not sure he has much value at this point. Perine has absolutely earned his spot on the 53-man roster. He's actually been the team's best running back this preseason.

Tight end (3)

In: Travis Kelce, Noah Gray, and Matt Bushman

Out: Blake Bell, Kendall Blanton, and Izaiah Gathings**

Already on IR: Jody Fortson

The Why: I still think that keeping Bushman over Bell makes the most sense if you're Kansas City. Bell is vested and can probably survive on the practice squad with three opportunities for elevation before you have to add him to the roster. Bushman offers you a receiving threat across the middle of the field and in the red zone.

Wide receiver (8)

In: Kadarius Toney, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Skyy Moore, Justin Watson, Rashee Rice*, Richie James, Justyn Ross and Ihmir Smith-Marsette

Out: Cornell Powell, Nikko Remigio**, Ty Fryfogle, Juwan Green and Ty Scott**

The Why: I'm doing this more to appease the fans than anything else. I don't think the Chiefs would actually keep eight receivers. Andy Reid struck a positive tone about Kadarius Toney following preseason Week 3 and even suggested he could practice this week. I still think it might be in the team's best interest to put him on IR for the short term and get him as close to 100% as possible. That might open up the opportunity for the Chiefs to keep Ihmir Smith-Marsette, or at least save him from being claimed by another team, and release him at a time when teams are more settled on their rosters. He had nearly 200 receiving yards and two touchdowns this preseason, which is a performance worth rewarding.

Offensive line (9)

In: Donovan Smith, Joe Thuney, Creed Humphrey, Trey Smith, Jawaan Taylor, Nick Allegretti, Prince Tega Wanogho, Wanya Morris*, and Darian Kinnard

Out: Lucas Niang, Mike Caliendo, Austin Reiter, Jerome Carvin**, Sebastian Guitterez, and Jason 'Chu' Godrick**

The Why: Wanogho has been the team's best offensive tackle outside of Smith and Taylor. The battle between Kinnard and Caliendo might come down to whether Allegretti's shoulder injury will allow him to be back for Week 1. Allegretti has typically been the backup center on game day, but Caliendo has been playing some center for the Chiefs. Trading Niang would probably be in the best interest of both parties and there seem to be a few teams who could need a tackle.

Joshua Kaindoh via Jay Biggerstaff – USA TODAY Sports

Defensive line (9)

In: George Karlaftis, Mike Danna, Felix Anudike-Uzomah*, Malik Herring, BJ Thompson*, Joshua Kaindoh, Derrick Nnadi, Tershawn Wharton, and Keondre Coburn*

Out: Danny Shelton, Matt Dickerson, Truman Jones, Daniel Wise, Phil Hoskins, and Chris Williams

Reserve/suspended: Charles Omenihu

Reserve/did not report: Chris Jones

The Why: I wouldn't be shocked to see the team make a trade to acquire a player on the interior defensive line, especially if Jones does end up on the DNR list. I tend to think that's the direction we're heading after there was no mention of No. 95 during the broadcast interview with Brett Veach. The plan here is to cut Danny Shelton with the intention of bringing him back after placing Toney on injured reserve.

Linebacker (5)

In: Nick Bolton, Drue Tranquill, Willie Gay Jr., Leo Chenal, and Jack Cochrane

Out: Cole Christiansen, Ola Fatukasi and Cam Jones

The Why: This group is pretty straightforward. I'm on the fence between Cochrane and Jones, but I think the prior has the edge, though Jones had some good plays on special teams and defense on Saturday. Jones and Fatukasi should be practice squad candidates.

Cornerback (6)

In: L'Jarius Sneed, Trent McDuffie, Jaylen Watson, Joshua Williams, Nic Jones* and Ekow Boye-Doe**

Out: Dicaprio Bootle, Kahlef Hailassie**, Reese Taylor**, Lamar Jackson, and Duron Lowe

Already on IR: Nazeeh Johnson

The Why: Andy Reid gave a positive update on Nic Jones following preseason Week 3. However, Sneed's status remains up in the air. I think the Chiefs go heavy at the cornerback position because of that uncertainty. Hailassie might get swooped, but Jackson, Lowe, and Taylor are good options for the practice squad if he does.

Safety (4)

In: Justin Reid, Bryan Cook, Mike Edwards, and Chamarri Conner*

Out: Deon Bush, Anthony Cook** and Isaiah Norman**

The Why: Edwards hasn't flashed much this preseason, but he was a ballhawk during training camp. Bush is a vested veteran and could be a candidate for a veteran spot on the practice squad. Conner is becoming a new jack-of-all-trades defender for Steve Spagnuolo.