Chiefs Final Roster Projection: Who Will Make KC's Initial 53-Man?

With the preseason in the books and the cut deadline looming, who will make the Chiefs' initial 53 and who will slip through the cracks?

Because the NFL now has just one large roster cutdown day instead of multiple smaller ones, teams have to make a vastly increased number of decisions to make in a finite amount of time. The Kansas City Chiefs, the sport's reigning Super Bowl champions, sit dead last in waiver priority and also have a collection of talent that other clubs throughout the league will look to take from once cuts become official.

This year, teams have until 4:00 p.m. ET on Tuesday to make their final cuts. Kansas City didn't make any moves over the weekend following its preseason win over the Cleveland Browns, leaving general manager Brett Veach and his staff with a lot of work to do. After the game, head coach Andy Reid said that Sunday would be used as more of an evaluation day with actual decisions coming thereafter. 

With the preseason in the books and not much time left until cuts are finalized, Arrowhead Report is publishing its last Chiefs 53-man roster projection of 2023. Predictions are based on a number of factors including tenure with the team, current contract, training camp and preseason performance, injuries and more. Changes from the most recent roster projection will be noted. 

Quarterback (3)

Patrick Mahomes, Blaine Gabbert, Shane Buechele

CHANGES: NONE

Despite there being a bit of a backup quarterback battle of sorts during the preseason and Shane Buechele having a rough outing to close out his three-game slate, the Chiefs should keep three quarterbacks on the roster once again. Gabbert is an experienced veteran in the Chad Henne mold, and Buechele has been in good standing with the team for a few years running now. Patrick Mahomes gets two backups once again as the regular season approaches.

Running back (4)

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

CHANGES: Deneric Prince OUT, La'Mical Perine IN

The top three remains the same here, as expected entering training camp and the preseason. Just a month ago, however, the undrafted rookie signing was widely viewed as the clear favorite to assume the No. 4 role in Kansas City. With Prince struggling in the preseason both as a rusher and kick returner, combined with Perine's multiple reps with a blend of contact balance, aggressiveness and burst displayed, the latter makes it on the roster here. Prince remains a viable practice squad candidate. 

Wide receiver (7)

Kadarius Toney, Skyy Moore, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Rashee Rice, Justin Watson, Richie James, Justyn Ross

CHANGES: NONE

At the time of the last roster projection, Kadarius Toney's injury situation was a relative unknown. There was some optimism on the Chiefs' end that he could be available for Week 1, and that remains, but the possibility of a stint on the injured reserve list appears to be growing less and less likely. As a result, Kansas City keeps a whopping seven receivers on its initial 53-man roster. Second-year man Justyn Ross is perhaps the highlight name of the group after he dazzled during the preseason. Ihmir Smith-Marsette just misses the cut merely due to the crazy numbers game there already is here.

Tight end (3)

Travis Kelce, Noah Gray, Blake Bell

CHANGES: Jody Fortson OUT, Blake Bell IN

With Fortson now on the injured reserve list, effectively ending his 2023 season barring some sort of injury settlement situation, the Chiefs' tight end picture becomes a lot clearer. If the team needs some roster flexibility, it's possible that Bell is released and brought back via a mutual agreement (Bell is a vested veteran and wouldn't be subject to going on the waiver wire). Matt Bushman made a push to crack the opening 53 but with his up-and-down preseason, he remains on the practice squad in this scenario. 

Offensive line (9)

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

CHANGES: Lucas Niang OUT, Prince Tega Wanogho IN

The battle for the Chiefs' (presumed) last offensive tackle spot is an intriguing one. Wanogho had a better preseason than Niang, but Niang is a former top-100 draft pick who's entering the most pivotal season of his career. Because of consistency over time — as well as more serious availability concerns with Niang — the former makes the cut here. On the interior, Mike Caliendo was very solid this preseason but 2022 draft pick Darian Kinnard edges him out for a roster spot. Veteran Austin Reiter, viewed as a backup center, is a practice squad hopeful. 

Defensive line (9)

George Karlaftis, Mike Danna, Felix Anudike-Uzomah, Malik Herring, BJ Thompson, Tershawn Wharton, Derrick Nnadi, Danny Shelton, Keondre Coburn (Chris Jones, Charles Omenihu)

CHANGES: Chris Jones to RESERVE/DID NOT REPORT list, Danny Shelton IN,

With the Chiefs still not having sorted out a long-term contract situation with star defensive tackle Chris Jones, I'm opting to place him on the "did not report" list for the time being. That, combined with Charles Omenihu being suspended for the first six weeks of the 2023 regular season, leaves enough roster doors open for Shelton to capitalize on his impressive preseason showing(s). The veteran nose tackle showed up to camp in better shape and played solid snaps in August for Kansas City. Nothing else changes here, although subbing Joshua Kaindoh in for BJ Thompson did come to mind. 

Linebacker (5)

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

CHANGES: NONE

Nothing crazy to see here. The quartet of Nick Bolton, Willie Gay Jr., 2022 draft pick Leo Chenal and 2023 free agent pickup Drue Tranquill could form one of the more dangerous linebacker groups in the NFL. Jack Cochrane, now in his second season with the Chiefs, is expected to be a special teams standout and provide some organizational depth. 

Cornerback (5)

L'Jarius Sneed, Trent McDuffie, Jaylen Watson, Joshua Williams, Nic Jones

CHANGES: NONE

Much like the linebacker position, there isn't anything to change name-wise at the cornerback spot. With that said, L'Jarius Sneed's knee swelling/inflammation is a bigger deal now than it was at the time of the last roster projection considering it's still a factor. Similarly, Jones's fractured fingers may not have required surgery but it remains to be seen whether he completely avoids a stint on IR. We're dealing in good faith here, however, so the cornerback group remains unchanged. 

Safety (5)

Justin Reid, Bryan Cook, Mike Edwards, Chamarri Conner, Deon Bush

CHANGES: NONE

The duo of Justin Reid and Bryan Cook will lead the Chiefs' safety room this season, with free agent pickup Mike Edwards serving as a tertiary playmaker for the unit. Rookie Chamarri Conner spent plenty of time in a role similar to Sneed this preseason, although it remains to be seen exactly how much sub-package work he'll get if the veteran returns to the cornerback room for games. Deon Bush is a special teams piece with experience in the defense. 

Specialists (3)

Harrison Butker, Tommy Townsend, James Winchester

CHANGES: NONE

Same old story here. Harrison Butker, Tommy Townsend and James Winchester are as steady as ever and didn't have any competition for their roster spots this preseason.