Building a 20-0 all-time Chiefs team

The Kansas City Chiefs are currently facing a unique kind of pressure. An ESPN analyst has already predicted that they could miss the playoffs for a second consecutive year, citing concerns about their roster, a thin secondary, and Patrick Mahomes’ recovery from a significant knee injury. However, Mahomes is reportedly ahead of schedule in his rehab, although the Chiefs plan to exercise caution when training camp begins.

Yes, the current Chiefs have questions to answer. But if we consider an all-time version of the team? That squad would be formidable.

Quarterback Patrick Mahomes

Choosing Mahomes as the quarterback is an easy decision in the context of an all-time team. Len Dawson is a franchise legend and a Super Bowl champion who deserves immense respect. However, Mahomes is already considered the greatest player in Chiefs history, and he still has many years left to enhance that legacy.

Mahomes brings magic, incredible arm talent, improvisation, leadership, and a knack for postseason excellence.

Running Back Priest Holmes

While Jamaal Charles was more explosive, and Christian Okoye was more intimidating, Priest Holmes earns the starting running back position. His peak in Kansas City was extraordinary, as he was a touchdown machine, a patient runner, a receiving threat, and the perfect fit for an offense that overwhelmed opponents with spacing and timing. From 2001 to 2003, he was one of the most productive offensive players in the league.

Wide Receiver Tyreek Hill

Tyreek Hill is the first receiver chosen because his speed is game-changing, as he instilled fear in defenses. Safeties had to drop deeper, and cornerbacks had to respect his ability on every vertical route. A single mistake could lead to a touchdown from anywhere on the field.

Wide Receiver Otis Taylor

Otis Taylor adds size, strength, and an old-school physicality to the offense. He was one of the great receivers of his time, a big target able to stretch the field and punish defenders after the catch.

Wide Receiver Stephone Paige

Stephone Paige claims the third receiver spot due to his production and longevity during his time in Kansas City. He was a reliable and explosive target in the 1980s and holds one of the best individual receiving games in NFL history. Paige could stretch the field and produce big plays, making him another legitimate downfield option.

Tight End Travis Kelce

The choice for tight end is not a mystery. While Tony Gonzalez is regarded as one of the greatest tight ends of all time and would be the obvious selection for many franchises, Travis Kelce earns this spot because of his postseason dominance, his chemistry with Mahomes, and his unparalleled role in the Chiefs’ dynasty.

Kelce is just more than a simple tight end.

Left Tackle Willie Roaf

Willie Roaf is regarded as one of the greatest left tackles in NFL history. During his time with the Kansas City Chiefs, he was dominant, showcasing a formidable combination of size, power, and athletic ability that made him a perfect anchor on the offensive line. Roaf could effectively handle elite pass rushers while also excelling in run blocking.

Left Guard Brian Waters

Brian Waters was an essential member of some of the best offensive lines in Chiefs history. He was powerful, intelligent, consistent, and well-respected. Waters had the ability to manage tough interior defenders while playing a vital role in establishing a run game that made Kansas City a threat during the Priest Holmes era.

Center Creed Humphrey

Creed Humphrey has quickly established himself as one of the NFL’s best centers. He entered the league and made an immediate impact with his strength, intelligence, balance, and consistency. Humphrey is a perfect fit for an all-time Chiefs offense that revolves around Mahomes. After the Chiefs revamped their offensive line following a Super Bowl setback, Humphrey emerged as the centerpiece, being a critical factor for the team’s success.

Right Guard Will Shields

Will Shields is a perennial choice for any all-time offensive line. He is regarded as one of the best guards in NFL history, having made 12 Pro Bowls and exhibiting exceptional durability and consistency. Shields was technically proficient, powerful, and reliable for over a decade.

Right Tackle Mitchell Schwartz

Mitchell Schwartz earns the right tackle position based on his peak performance during his time in Kansas City, which perfectly suited the team’s needs. He was calm, technically sound, and outstanding in pass protection. Schwartz played a crucial role in stabilizing the Chiefs’ offensive line during the early Mahomes era and was instrumental in the franchise’s first Super Bowl victory with him. This offensive line would give Mahomes ample time to operate, which is a daunting prospect for any defense.

Defensive Tackle Buck Buchanan

Buck Buchanan is a standout name on the defensive front. He was a massive presence for his era, characterized by his dominance and athleticism, and is considered one of the greatest defensive tackles in history. Buchanan played a pivotal role in defining the Chiefs’ early defensive identity and was a key player in the franchise’s success both in the AFL and NFL. His size, historical significance, and Hall of Fame caliber make him indispensable in the middle of the line.

Defensive Tackle Chris Jones

Pairing Chris Jones next to Buchanan creates a formidable duo. Jones is one of the all-time great defensive players in Chiefs history and ranks among the best interior pass rushers of his generation. He can disrupt protections, take over playoff games, and force offenses to adapt their game plans. With two dominant forces like Buchanan and Jones applying interior pressure, they can wreak havoc on opposing quarterbacks.

Edge Rusher Derrick Thomas

Derrick Thomas is undoubtedly the most prominent defensive pick for this roster. He was explosive, tenacious, and one of the best pass rushers in football. His quick first step and ability to change the momentum of a game with a single rush made him a constant threat to quarterbacks. Imagining Thomas pursuing the quarterback while Buchanan and Jones collapse the pocket is a terrifying scenario for any offense.

Edge Rusher Neil Smith

Neil Smith is an ideal fit on the opposite side. He was long, productive, athletic, and a key part of the Chiefs’ defensive identity in the 1990s. Smith and Thomas previously formed a terrifying duo, and this version would be even more dangerous with Jones and Buchanan in the interior.

Linebacker Willie Lanier

Willie Lanier is the leader in the middle. A Hall of Famer and one of the greatest linebackers of his era, Lanier was smart, physical, and commanding. He brought toughness and control to the Chiefs’ defense during their championship years. Every great team needs someone to set the defensive tone, and Lanier is that guy.

Linebacker Bobby Bell

Bobby Bell may be the most versatile defender on the entire roster. He could rush, cover, tackle, and make plays all over the field. Bell was an exceptional athlete for his time and remains one of the most important players in Chiefs history. Modern football would utilize him in various roles, making this defense even more dynamic.

Linebacker Derrick Johnson

Derrick Johnson completes the linebacker group. He was fast, instinctive, and one of the best defensive players of the Chiefs during the 2000s and 2010s. Johnson could run sideline to sideline, cover well, and make big plays. With Lanier’s command and Bell’s versatility, Johnson adds a modern range to the defense.

Cornerback Emmitt Thomas

Emmitt Thomas is the first cornerback on the field. He was a ballhawk, a franchise legend, and a major component of the Chiefs’ Super Bowl IV defense. Thomas finished his career with 58 interceptions and had the instincts that every great secondary needs. He brings true playmaking ability to the outside.

Cornerback Albert Lewis

Albert Lewis claims the other cornerback spot. He had great length, athleticism, and significant value on special teams. Lewis was an excellent cover corner and one of the most complete defensive backs in franchise. Together, Thomas and Lewis provide the Chiefs with size, instincts, and the ability to create turnovers.

Safety Johnny Robinson

Johnny Robinson is an obvious choice at safety. He was one of the greatest defensive backs of his time and a crucial part of Kansas City’s championship defense. Robinson possessed elite ball skills and the range to punish quarterbacks who dared to test him. On this roster, he would have plenty of opportunities to capitalize on throws forced by the pass rush.

Safety Deron Cherry

Deron Cherry joins Robinson in the backfield. He was a six-time Pro Bowler and one of the best safeties of the 1980s. Cherry had instincts, toughness, and a knack for creating turnovers.

Kick Returner Dante Hall

Dante Hall must be the returner. Nicknamed “The Human Joystick,” he was electrifying, unpredictable, and capable of changing a game with a single touch. On a team that could go 20-0, the special teams should still instill fear in opponents, and Hall certainly does that.

Place-Kicker Harrison Butker

Harrison Butker earns the call as kicker. He has successfully made crucial postseason kicks, performed well under pressure, and contributed to the Chiefs’ championship run. While accuracy is important, trust in big moments is even more crucial, and Butker has earned that trust.

Head Coach Andy Reid

While Hank Stram is a legend who helped build the Chiefs into champions, Andy Reid is the coach of this team. Reid transformed the modern Chiefs, unlocked the potential of Mahomes, built a dynasty, and established himself as one of the greatest offensive minds in sports history. With Mahomes, Kelce, Hill, Holmes, and this offensive line, defensive coordinators would certainly have sleepless nights. This is Reid’s team.