Chiefs 53-man roster projection ahead of preseason Week 3
Every player on the Kansas City Chiefs' 90-man offseason roster has seven days left to make an impression before cutdown day. The exhibition game against the Cleveland Browns will be the biggest opportunity for those battling for a 53-man roster spot or a chance on the 16-man practice squad. There are a few notable positions […]
Every player on the Kansas City Chiefs' 90-man offseason roster has seven days left to make an impression before cutdown day. The exhibition game against the Cleveland Browns will be the biggest opportunity for those battling for a 53-man roster spot or a chance on the 16-man practice squad.
There are a few notable positions that Andy Reid claims are unsettled, like the backup quarterback job and the No. 6 and potentially a No. 7 wide receiver spot. It means that everyone will be giving it their all during the preseason finale.
With all of that in mind, here’s our latest 53-man roster projection for the Chiefs:
Note: Players with single asterisk (*) are 2023 draft picks and players with double asterisks (**) are 2023 undrafted free agents.
Quarterback (3)
In: Patrick Mahomes, Shane Buechele, and Blaine Gabbert
Out: Chris Oladokun
The Why: Last time around, I went with only two quarterbacks, but I think that Shane Buechele has given Blaine Gabbert a run for his money during the preseason. I do wonder if the Chiefs won't get some trade offers from Buechele from QB-needy teams. If they do, they might be wise to take it as it could cost them a pretty penny to keep him on the roster beyond the 2023 NFL season.
Running back (4)
In: Isiah Pacheco, Jerick McKinnon, Clyde Edwards-Helaire, and La'Mical Perine
Out: Deneric Prince** and Jerrion Ealy
The Why: We speculated that Perine had surpassed Prince on the depth chart. Sure enough, he did this past week. He also proved to the coaching staff why he belongs ahead of Prince in preseason Week 2. I still think the Chiefs stick with four running backs given the injury history of CEH and McKinnon, along with Pacheco coming off of injury himself.
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: Bell is a vested veteran. You can release him without him having to clear waivers and you can then re-sign him to the 53-man roster after you move other players to injured reserve.
Wide receiver (7)
In: Kadarius Toney, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Skyy Moore, Justin Watson, Rashee Rice*, Richie James, and Justyn Ross
Out: Ihmir Smith-Marsette, Cornell Powell, Nikko Remigio**, Ty Fryfogle, Juwan Green and Ty Scott**
The Why: Andy Reid admitted that the team might keep seven receivers on the 53-man roster for the first time in his 10 seasons in Kansas City. I'd be hard-pressed to put Smith-Marsette or Powell ahead of Ross or James, but Reid says the competition is wide open for the sixth and seventh WR spots.
Offensive line (9)
In: Donovan Smith, Joe Thuney, Creed Humphrey, Trey Smith, Jawaan Taylor, Nick Allegretti, Wanya Morris*, Prince Tega Wanogho, Darian Kinnard
Out: Lucas Niang, Mike Caliendo, Austin Reiter, Jerome Carvin**, Sebastian Guitterez, and Jason 'Chu' Godrick**
The Why: I think that Caliendo is more likely to make it through waivers than Kinnard, and I'm actually pleased with the progress I've seen from the former fifth-round pick in the preseason. I don't think that Morris is ready to be a true swing tackle quite yet. He's clearly more comfortable on the right side and PTW looks smooth as butter at left tackle. Niang looks to be the odd man out in the tackle room. I'm hoping they don't have to cut the former third-round pick outright and can find a trade partner.
Defensive line (10)
In: George Karlaftis, Mike Danna, Felix Anudike-Uzomah*, Malik Herring, BJ Thompson* Chris Jones, Derrick Nnadi, Tershawn Wharton, Keondre Coburn*, Matt Dickerson
Out: Joshua Kaindoh, Danny Shelton, Truman Jones, Daniel Wise, Phil Hoskins, and Chris Williams
Reserve/suspended: Charles Omenihu
The Why: I liked what I'd heard/seen out of Kaindoh in camp, but he hasn't done enough this preseason in my eyes. Herring and Thompson make more sense if the team goes with five edge players to start the year. The defensive tackle group is the hardest to predict right now. Andy Reid gave a positive update on Wharton, but he's still not practicing. Dickerson is dealing with turf toe, which could take him out for a few weeks or longer. I know the team likes Dickerson and could choose to keep him on the 53-man roster just to put him on IR.
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: No changes here. Cochrane has taken a step forward on defense and continues to be a stalwart contributor on special teams.
Cornerback (5)
In: L'Jarius Sneed, Trent McDuffie, Jaylen Watson, Joshua Williams, and Nic Jones*
Out: Dicaprio Bootle, Ekow Boye-Doe**, Kahlef Hailassie**, Reese Taylor**, Lamar Jackson, Duron Lowe
Already on IR: Nazeeh Johnson
The Why: Jones seems destined for a short-term IR stint. The Chiefs can bring up either Hailassie or Boye-Doe if either clears waivers. But Chamarri Conner being able to play nickel (and do it well) really gives them some flexibility here.
Safety (4)
In: Justin Reid, Bryan Cook, Mike Edwards, and Chamarri Conner*
Out: Deon Bush, Anthony Cook** and Isaiah Norman**
The Why: No changes here. Bush is a candidate to bring back. He won't need to clear waivers as a vested veteran.
Special teams (3)
In: K Harrison Butker, P Tommy Townsend, and LS James Winchester
Out: None.
The Why: No competition here.
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Featured image via Rob Schumacher/The Republic
