Kansas City Chiefs release first unofficial depth chart of 2024 ahead of Week 1 vs. Baltimore Ravens

The Kansas City Chiefs have released their first "unofficial" depth chart ahead of the Week 1 2024 NFL season opener against the Baltimore Ravens.  We'll caution all season long to take these with a grain of salt. The depth chart is released by the team, but it's considered "unofficial" because they're not assembled by the […]

Charles Goldman NFL Managing Editor
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Jan 13, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Tershawn Wharton (98) celebrates toward fans against the Miami Dolphins in a 2024 AFC wild card game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Jan 13, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Tershawn Wharton (98) celebrates toward fans against the Miami Dolphins in a 2024 AFC wild card game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

The Kansas City Chiefs have released their first "unofficial" depth chart ahead of the Week 1 2024 NFL season opener against the Baltimore Ravens. 

We'll caution all season long to take these with a grain of salt. The depth chart is released by the team, but it's considered "unofficial" because they're not assembled by the coaching staff and they don't always reflect what the coaches have in mind. Certain personnel groupings and packages are hard to predict based on the depth chart alone. 

That said, generally speaking, these give you a good idea of where a player stands in the pecking order heading into a given week. With that in mind, here's a look at the first depth chart and some notes below:

Check out the Chiefs' Week 1 depth chart:

New roster moves reflected on the depth chart

The Kansas City Chiefs made several roster moves during the 53-man roster cuts, including trades, waiver claims, and free agent signings. All of those moves are reflected on the first depth chart for the most part. 

  • Cameron Thomas is DE5
  • Peyton Hendershot is TE4
  • Samaje Perine is RB3 (Carson Steele is listed as a fullback)

CB Eric Scott Jr. was waived to make room for Perine, so he's not reflected on the depth chart. He could return to the practice squad. 

A few interesting decisions made by the Chiefs in their first depth chart

Most of the interesting decisions, in my eyes, come on the defensive side of the ball. 

First, Drue Tranquill, not Nick Bolton, is listed as the team's MLB1 here. That'd be a bit of a departure from what we've seen in the past. It could signal that the team eventually moves on from Bolton, who is in his contract year.

Mike Pennel was often on the field opposite Chris Jones, however, it's Tershawn Wharton who is listed as the team's DT2. 

Jaylen Watson played a ton in the preseason Week 3 finale against the Chicago Bears, yet he's listed as CB2 on the depth chart. Nazeeh Johnson is listed as CB3. 

Chris Roland-Wallace was listed as a cornerback during the preseason, but he's now correctly listed as a safety (even though he can play nickel corner). 

On the offensive side of the ball, rookie Hunter Nourzad, and not Mike Caliendo, is listed as the team's second-string center.

Skyy Moore falls ahead of both JuJu Smith-Schuster and Mecole Hardman on the depth chart as WR5. 

While Xavier Worthy is listed as the team's top punt returner, expect for Mecole Hardman and Skyy Moore to handle the return specialist duties.