Kansas City Chiefs Roster Predictions: 2023 Season 🔮
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — While the Chiefs faced a setback in their bid for a historic Super Bowl three-peat, the spirit of this iconic team continues to thrive. For head coach Andy Reid and his squad, anything less than a championship isn't typically satisfactory. In each of Patrick Mahomes' first seven seasons as a starter, the team has emerged victorious in the AFC West and reached overtime in the AFC Championship Game.
As we gear up for the 2023 season, it's time to dive into the projected roster for the Chiefs. This year, I'm estimating a roster that leans slightly more towards offense once the initial 53-man lineup is officially unveiled. Keep in mind the deadline for teams to trim their preseason rosters is set for 3 p.m. Central Time on August 26, and the Chiefs are sure to evaluate the waiver wire and explore potential trades, particularly in the running back and defensive line positions.
Quarterbacks (2) 🏈
Projected Roster:
- Patrick Mahomes
- Gardner Minshew
Practice Squad Candidate:
- Chris Oladokun
Released:
- Bailey Zappe
Analysis: Over the past four years, the Chiefs have maintained two quarterbacks on their initial roster. Given the need for depth in other areas, sticking with this structure seems sensible once more. Oladokun has shown promise over Zappe and remains the emergency option.
Running Backs (4) 🏃♂️💨
Projected Roster:
- Isiah Pacheco
- Kareem Hunt
- Brashard Smith
- Carson Steele
Practice Squad Candidate:
- Elijah Mitchell
Released:
- Michael Wiley
Analysis: Predicting the running back position is complex, as the organization may look to enhance their lineup. Pacheco stands out as the primary back but has faced injury challenges in the past two seasons. Hunt isn’t carrying the load like he once did, and injuries have plagued him during the preseason.
Brashard Smith, a seventh-round pick, aims to bolster this position and could have an edge over Mitchell due to potential long-term benefits. Carson Steele adds to the mix, especially with significant special teams involvement last year, but may find himself on the outside looking in if new talent is acquired.
Wide Receivers (7) 📡
Projected Roster:
- Rashee Rice
- Xavier Worthy
- Hollywood Brown
- JuJu Smith-Schuster
- Jalen Royals
- Tyquan Thornton
- Nikko Remigio
Practice Squad Candidates:
- Jason Brownlee
- Jimmy Holiday
- Key’Shawn Smith
Released:
- Mac Delana
- Elijah Badger
- Hal Pressley
Analysis: Keeping seven receivers has been a trend for the Chiefs in the past two seasons, and with a possible suspension looming for Rice, this appears likely again. The trade involving Skyy Moore has simplified decision-making towards the end of the roster, placing a spotlight on Remigio or Brownlee.
Remigio’s value as a special teams player could provide him an advantage. With his ability to make plays, the coaching staff is hopeful that Brownlee can clear waivers and join the practice squad.
Tight Ends (4) 🎭
Projected Roster:
- Travis Kelce
- Noah Gray
- Robert Tonyan
- Jared Wiley
Practice Squad Candidate:
- Jake Briningstool
Released:
- Geor’Quarius Spivey
- Tre Watson
Analysis: Kelce, Gray, and Tonyan seem destined to lock in their roster spots. Wiley, although a trade candidate due to a surplus at the position, could also find a place on the practice squad if the team opts to keep four tight ends.
Offensive Line (9) 🛡️
Projected Roster:
- Mike Caliendo
- Creed Humphrey
- Jaylon Moore
- Wanya Morris
- Hunter Nourzad
- Josh Simmons
- Trey Smith
- Kingsley Suamataia
- Jawaan Taylor
Reserve/Non-Football Injury:
- Ethan Driskell
Practice Squad Candidates:
- CJ Hanson
- Chukwuebuka Godrick
- Esa Pole
Released:
- Dalton Cooper
- Joey Lombard
Analysis: Anchoring the offensive line, Simmons, Suamataia, Humphrey, Smith, and Taylor will likely be starters. Nourzad acts as a backup to Humphrey and is safe, while Caliendo adds depth at guard. Moore and Morris provide versatile options across the board.
If the team opts to keep an additional offensive lineman, Hanson likely claims that spot. Driskell has experienced health setbacks, which could lead the team to place him on the Reserve/Non-Football Injury list without using a roster spot.
Defensive Tackles (4) ⚔️
Projected Roster:
- Chris Jones
- Mike Pennel
- Omarr Norman-Lott
- Jerry Tillery
Practice Squad Candidates:
- Marlon Tuipulotu
- Fabien Lovett Sr.
Released:
- Coziah Izzard
Analysis: The depth behind Jones, an elite pass rusher, and Pennel, the only reliable run stuffer, appears thin. With Norman-Lott still finding his footing and Tillery serving as rotational support, upgrades might be sought through waiver considerations.
Defensive Ends (5) 🔥
Projected Roster:
- George Karlaftis
- Mike Danna
- Charles Omenihu
- Ashton Gillotte
- Malik Herring
Injured Reserve:
- Felix Anudike-Uzomah
Reserve/Non-Football Injury:
- BJ Thompson
Practice Squad Candidate:
- Nate Matlack
Released:
- Owen Carney Jr.
Analysis: With experience and youthful vigor from Karlaftis, Danna, and Omenihu, the group appears promising. Gillotte brings potential to the table, while Herring earns his spot for being the next logical choice. However, the team will weigh all options carefully leading into the season opener.
Linebackers (5) 📏
Projected Roster:
- Drue Tranquill
- Nick Bolton
- Leo Chenal
- Cam Jones
- Jeffrey Bassa
Injured Reserve:
- Jack Cochrane
Practice Squad Candidates:
- Cole Christiansen
- Cooper McDonald
Released:
- Brandon George
Analysis: A potential surprise could emerge with McDonald being considered. Cochrane's injury may slot him into injured reserve with a return option, creating flexibility. Bolton, Tranquill, Chenal, Jones, and Bassa all seem secure in their positions.
Cornerbacks (6) 🛡️
Projected Roster:
- Trent McDuffie
- Kristian Fulton
- Jaylen Watson
- Nazeeh Johnson
- Nohl Williams
- Christian Roland-Wallace
Practice Squad Candidates:
- Melvin Smith Jr.
- Joshua Williams
Released:
- Kevin Knowles
- Ajani Carter
Analysis: Fulton’s experience against Chicago was invaluable, shaking off the rust from injury. Alongside McDuffie and Watson, the cornerback unit is solid, with additional depth from Williams, Roland-Wallace, and Johnson providing security.
Safeties (4) 🚨
Projected Roster:
- Chamarri Conner
- Bryan Cook
- Jaden Hicks
- Mike Edwards
Injured Reserve:
- Deon Bush
Practice Squad Candidates:
- Major Williams
- Glendon Miller
Released:
- Jacobe Covington
Analysis: With Bush facing a season-ending injury, this position becomes more straightforward. The coaching staff values Edwards’ experience for backend support.
Specialists (3) 🥇
Projected Roster:
- Harrison Butker
- Matt Araiza
- James Winchester
Analysis: The specialist positions appear to be set with no competition arising from preseason signings.
As the Chiefs finalize their roster before heading into a new season, the anticipation builds for fans and players alike. Will their quest for another title lead them back to glory? Only time will tell! 🎉