*Italicized names are roster locks*
Quarterbacks (2): Patrick Mahomes, Gardner Minshew
The Chiefs have the best quarterback to ever play the game, so the question only becomes – who will be his backup? The competition will be between Gardner Minshew, Bailey Zappe, or any of the UDFA additions the Chiefs made this weekend. Andy Reid has typically gone for experienced veteran backup quarterbacks, and Minshew fits the mold.
Barring anything crazy, I can all but guarantee this is what we will be looking at day one of the 2025 season.
Running Backs/Fullbacks (4): Isiah Pacheco, Kareem Hunt, Brashard Smith, Carson Steele
The Chiefs’ running back room is deeper than it is talented, and the only guy I have as a roster lock (barring trades) is Isiah Pacheco. The only debate I can see on cut day would be how many guys in total they want to keep. It is almost guaranteed they will carry a fullback, which could be Carson Steele or UDFA Jared Casey, but they could elect to carry a fourth running back as well.
In this scenario, Elijah Mitchell misses the cut as the Chiefs go forward with three running backs and a fullback for 2025.
Wide Receiver (7): Xavier Worthy, Rashee Rice, Hollywood Brown, JuJu Smith-Schuster, Jalen Royals, Skyy Moore, Nikko Remigio
I am prepared for the backlash from this one, but just hear me out. Xavier Worthy and Rashee Rice are guaranteed to make the roster, and unless they flop entirely in camp, Brown, JuJu, and Royals will make the team as well. Kansas City elects to carry seven receivers again this year as Skyy Moore’s offseason improvements force the team to give him a final shot in Kansas City. Nikko makes the roster to start the year as a returner after Dave Toub pounds the table for him again in 2025.
Tight Ends (3): Travis Kelce, Noah Gray, Jake Briningstool
Jared Wiley goes on PUP
The Chiefs’ TE room feels pretty set in stone, with the greatest TE of all time leading the group. Noah Gray is also a lock to make the roster, and Jared Wiley’s job feels safe going into next season, but he will likely start on the PUP list. In this scenario, the Chiefs UDFA pickup Jake Briningstool wins a roster spot out of training camp as a TE/WR hybrid.
Offensive Line (9): Josh Simmons, Jawaan Taylor, Jaylon Moore, Trey Smith, Creed Humphrey, Kingsley Suamatia, Wanya Morris, Esa Pole, Mike Caliendo
The offensive line will have several spots up for grabs, but the starters are set. Wanya Morris may be a trade candidate, and with Mike Caliendo having played center in college, the Chiefs feel comfortable having him in the Nick Allegretti role from years prior. Esa Pole makes the roster as a UDFA who can either play tackle or guard and provides great depth. This should be a much-improved unit compared to last season.
Defensive Tackles (5): Chris Jones, Omarr Norman-Lott, Jerry Tillery, Mike Pennel Jr, Fabien Lovett
The interior of the defensive line is the weakest position group for the Chiefs going into 2025, and several jobs are up for grabs. Chris Jones is the star, and second-round pick Omarr Norman-Lott will have a significant role.
Jerry Tillery will rotate in and get 40-50% of the snaps. Mike Pennel is a pure run stuffer, and his endorsement of Fabien Lovett earns him a spot as well. Siaki Ika could fight for a spot, and the Chiefs could add someone if a quality player is cut late in the offseason.
Defensive End (5): George Karlaftis, Mike Danna, Ashton Gillotte, Charles Omenihu, Felix Anudike-Uzomah
BJ Thompson starts on PUP or NFI due to his seizure from last season
The Chiefs’ defensive end room was really tough for me, as there are several guys who will compete for a roster spot, but I elected to just go with the five guys I think are locks. Malik Herring will make a push for a roster spot, and BJ Thompson is coming off a tragic event last season, but if he’s healthy, he could also make a play for a roster spot.
Linebackers (5): Nick Bolton, Leo Chenal, Drue Tranquill, Jeffery Bassa, Cam Jones
Jack Cochrane starts on PUP
Four linebackers for the Chiefs are locked into their jobs after they selected Jeffery Bassa in the fifth round this year. The team typically carries five linebackers, leaving the last spot up for grabs, and with Jack Cochrane starting the year injured, Cam Jones earns his way onto the roster again this year.
Cornerbacks (5): Trent McDuffie, Kristan Fulton, Jaylen Watson, Nohl Williams, Joshua Williams
Similar to the linebackers, Kansas City has four corners that will be locked into their jobs after they added Nohl Williams in the third round this weekend. Joshua Williams has been an athletic project for the Chiefs and has proven to be a somewhat reliable outside corner when he’s been asked to play in the past.
Nazeeh Johnson will also compete for a spot because of his special-teams prowess.
Safties (5): Jaden Hicks, Bryan Cook, Chamarri Conner, Mike Edwards, Glendon Miller
The Chiefs elect to keep five safeties, as I firmly believe that Glendon Miller will impress the staff with his size and versatility in camp. He can also contribute on special teams, which will help him earn a day one roster spot. Mike Edwards also earns his way on as a veteran depth safety because of his experience in Steve Spagnuolo’s scheme.
Specialists (3): Harrison Butker, Eddie Czaplicki, James Winchester
Butker is a lock to make the roster as the kicker, and unless the Chiefs elect to add another long snapper, Winchester will be a lock as well, as he is the longest tenured Chief on the team. The competition comes at punter, and the Chiefs UDFA addition and former Ray Guy award winner Eddie Czaplicki wins the spot. Matt Araiza has a big leg, but his lack of accuracy to pin teams deep was frustrating, and if Czaplicki has a good camp, he will make the team.
