Football is officially back. The Kansas City Chiefs kicked off training camp this week, and we're getting our first glimpse of the 2025 revenge tour after falling to the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl 59.
With a couple of practices in the books, it's a good time to make an early prediction on how the 53-man roster might shake out once preseason wraps.
Quarterbacks (2): Patrick Mahomes, Gardner Minshew
Mahomes is locked in as QB1, and Minshew is firmly entrenched as his backup. Bailey Zappe has starting experience but is a strong candidate for the practice squad.
Running Backs (4): Isiah Pacheco, Kareem Hunt, Elijah Mitchell, Brashard Smith
Pacheco is the clear lead back. After that, it’s a toss-up. Hunt brings experience, Mitchell adds depth, and Smith offers some versatility. Carson Steele is the odd man out in this projection.
Wide Receivers (6): Xavier Worthy, Rashee Rice, Marquise Brown, Jalen Royals, JuJu Smith-Schuster, Nikko Remigio,
The top trio of Worthy, Rice, and Brown gives Mahomes plenty to work with. Royals turned heads in minicamp and looks like a potential breakout. Moore is on the outside looking in as WR7—for now—but Tyquan Thornton could easily take his spot depending on how camp plays out.
Tight Ends (3): Travis Kelce, Noah Gray, Jared Wiley
Wiley will be in a tight battle with Jake Briningstool for the TE3 job. There's a chance both stick around if Kansas City goes light on the offensive line.
Offensive Line (10): Josh Simmons, Kingsley Suamataia, Creed Humphrey, Trey Smith, Jawaan Taylor, Jaylon Moore, Hunter Nourzad, Mike Caliendo, Wanya Morris, Ethan Driskell
The Chiefs are throwing bodies at the tackle position. Moore joins via free agency, Simmons was a first-round pick, and Taylor returns despite a shaky 2024. They’ll need at least one of those bets to pay off.
Defensive Line (9): George Karlaftis, Chris Jones, Charles Omenihu, Omarr Norman-Lott, Mike Pennel, Jerry Tillery, Mike Danna, Ashton Gillotte, Felix Anudike-Uzomah
Tillery is hanging onto a spot for now, but Norman-Lott could push him off the roster. Keep an eye on Fabien Lovett as a potential replacement if things shake up.
Linebackers (6): Nick Bolton, Leo Chenal, Drue Tranquill, Jack Cochrane, Jeff Bassa, Brandon George
This is a deep and flexible linebacker group. The Chiefs have to feel good about this unit heading into camp.
Cornerbacks (6): Trent McDuffie, Kristian Fulton, Jaylen Watson, Nazeeh Johnson, Nohl Williams, Christian Roland-Wallace
One of the bolder calls here is leaving Joshua Williams off the roster. It’s not out of the question with how stacked the corner room is becoming.
Safeties (4): Bryan Cook, Jaden Hicks, Chamarri Conner, Mike Edwards
No surprises here. This is a solid, well-rounded group heading into the season.
Specialists (3): Harrison Butker, Matt Araiza, James Winchester
Keep an eye on the punter battle between Araiza and undrafted free agent Eddie Czaplicki. That’s one of the few real competitions on special teams.
Chiefs head coach Andy Reid and general manager Brett Veach have consistently proven that they know how to construct a winning roster. Only time will tell if this version of the Chiefs will continue that trend come September.