The Kansas City Chiefs have released their first depth chart in 2025, and conventional wisdom will say two things apply: First, the depth chart is unofficial. Second, it’s the preseason. With these things in mind, Chiefs Kingdom should take it all with a grain of salt.

Except, even this unofficial, preseason depth chart still tells us some very interesting things about how the franchise is viewing positonal battles. At least that’s what we’re telling ourselves.

Let’s get into it. Here’s the first unofficial depth chart, position by position, with our thoughts on each.

Quarterback

No mysteries revealed here, nor will there be. The Chiefs know their QB1 and QB2 in Patrick Mahomes and Gardner Minshew. Bailey Zappe and Chris Oladokun are on the roster competing for QB3 spot on the practice squad—again, as expected.

Running Back

In a way, nothing at running back is a mystery, which itself could be a bit surprising for fans. Isiah Pacheco, Kareem Hunt, Elijah Mitchell, Brashard Smith, and Elijah Young are all marching in the same order all along, which points to the fact that the Chiefs seem okay with minor tinkering at a major position. The hope here is clearly that a healthy Pacheco makes all the difference.

Wide Receiver

We’ve found our first real brow-raising order here, which reminds us that we should read so little into these things (and yet here we are).

Having Jalen Royals on the same level as Nikko Remigio, and technically both listed after Skyy Moore and Tyquan Thornton, is a bit shocking since we’ve seen Royals look so impressive in the preseason. The team has also sung his praises time and again.

The rest of the wideouts are all looking as expected, except seeing Mac Delana, a rookie free agent returner, sitting higher than his peers (e.g. Elijhah Badger, Hal Presley, Jimmy Holiday) might show a bit of differentiation there on the part of how coaches view him.

Tight End

Whatever order fans have for the Chiefs at tight end is exactly what’s playing out in training camp so far. Robert Tonyan has been the clear TE3 with injuries and productivity in camp, and it’s cemented here. Jared Wiley, despite being out of practice, has a hold at TE4, which isn’t a surprise given that Jake Briningstool has also missed time.

Offensive Line

Josh Simmons has taken every rep at left tackle, and the Chiefs’ first depth chart reflects his entrenchment there. That’s furthering the good news on the team’s first-round pick.

The left guard position is also listed as expected. Kingsley Suamataia and Mike Caliendo top the position here, although it’s worth noting that Jaylon Moore has taken reps here in camp so far as well.

Speaking of Moore, he signed with the Chiefs to compete for a starting role, and perhaps he’s not officially relegated to RT2 status just yet, but he’s slotted as Jawaan Taylor’s substitute for now.

It’s also intriguing to see Ethan Driskell as a third-string right guard, an entirely new position for him, which shows that the Chiefs’ decision to give guys reps in new places might be paying off.

Defensive Ends

The Chiefs have Mike Danna and George Karlaftis on the outside, as expected, but rookie defensive end Ashton Gillotte is behind Danna across from Charles Omenihu. That reflects recent comments from Andy Reid in camp, who mentioned that Gillotte is trying his best to start for the team.

That also has consequences for Felix Anudike-Uzomah, who, at least according to this unofficial depth chart, has fallen even farther behind, despite his former first-round pick status. That’s bad news for such a heavy investment.

It’s also clear that veteran Janarius Robinson is the odd man out here. He’s even behind Malik Herring

Defensive Tackles

Nothing upsetting here at all. Chris Jones and Mike Pennel up front. Second-round pick Omarr Norman-Lott comes in with the second-team unit alongside free-agent pick-up Jerry Tillery.

Linebackers

It might be minuscule, but it’s not meaningless. Chiefs brass was buzzing about this year’s fifth-round pick, Jeffrey Bassa, but he’s listed alongside undrafted rookies like Brandon George and Cooper McDonald at this stage. He has been sidelined with an ankle injury some days in camp, but it’s interesting to see a whole second-team unit of Cam Jones, Jack Cochrane, and Cole Christensen.

Cornerbacks

One of the most notable developments found in this first depth chart (again, it’s unofficial) is where third-round cornerback Nohl Williams is ranked. The Cal product was the nation’s leading ballhawk last year, and he’s slotted behind Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson as CB3.

To add to the intrigue, Nazeeh Johnson is opposite Williams, which means Joshua Williams’ stock has really taken a hit this summer. There aren’t any injuries to blame here, either. He’s just being outperformed.

Chris Roland-Wallace has his fans, but he’s found further down the depth chart than anyone could have expected, across from UDFA Kevin Knowles and behind fellow rookie free agent Melvin Smith.

Safeties

Bryan Cook, Jaden Hicks, and Chamarri Conner are all the primary safeties on the Chiefs’ first depth chart. That’s not startling to anyone, although the youthful nature of things at the position when viewing the overall roster can be for those wondering how the team might fare without Justin Reid.

Returner

Nikko Remigio has to be feeling pretty good about his chances of making the Chiefs’ roster out of camp. Even if his offensive touches are limited, he’s clearly Dave Toub’s top returner, and the Chiefs special teams coordinator even stated as much in his recent press remarks. Brashard Smith is behind him.