Chiefs 53-man roster projection after preseason debut includes surprise veteran cuts

The Kansas City Chiefs are now past the midway point of training camp, and their first preseason game is officially in the books. The Chiefs flashed some highs and lows and had some winners and losers in their 17-20 loss to the Arizona Cardinals. At this point, there is a lot more information to go on when it comes to who may be in the best position to make the 2025 Kansas City Chiefs.

This 53-man roster projection made before training camp had some good guesses, but there have been some changes at a few key spots. Let's take a look at where things stand as K.C. prepares for the second half of the preseason, before roster cutdowns begin and the regular season arrives.

Kansas City Chiefs 53-man Roster Projection (2.0)

Quarterback (2)

1. Patrick Mahomes
2. Gardner Minshew

I think this position is pretty much set in stone at this point. The Chiefs have the best player in the world as their starting quarterback and a proven NFL starter as their backup. Andy Reid is 100% comfortable with just two quarterbacks on the active roster. Bailey Zappe did not look very good versus the Cardinals, and Chris Oladokun not only looked better but also offers more versatility as a scout team/practice squad quarterback due to his mobility.

Running Back/Fullback (4)

1. Isiah Pacheco
2. Kareem Hunt
3. Brashard Smith
4. Carson Steele

Elijah Mitchell was the hardest cut of this roster projection. There are just too many skill -position guys fighting for roster spots. With all the wide receivers and tight ends up for consideration, there were only four roster spots for running backs. Carson Steele may not have the upside of Elijah Mitchell, but he offers more versatility as a fullback, and Brashard Smith has too much explosiveness and potential to risk on the practice squad.

Wide Receiver (7)

1. Rashee Rice (Jason Brownlee while he's suspended)
2. Xavier Worthy
3. Hollywood Brown
4. Jalen Royals
5. Juju Smith-Schuster
6. Tyquan Thornton
7. Nikko Remigio

The plan wasn't for there to be seven wide receivers making the 53-man roster, but the Chiefs have a good problem in that they have more wideouts proving worthy of a roster spot than they can likely keep. Jason Brownlee is making a great case to make the team, and he would squeeze in with Rashee Rice's suspension for now, but with Tyquan Thornton also flashing and Nikko Remigio as their most talented return man, things are getting crowded. There definitely doesn't appear to be a spot for former second-round pick Skyy Moore.

Tight End (4)

1. Travis Kelce
2. Noah Gray
3. Robert Tonyan
4. Jared Wiley

At this point, Robert Tonyan looks closer to competing with Noah Gray for TE2 reps than he does competing with Jared Wiley for TE3. In fact, if Wiley still looks less than 100% after recovering from an injury last season, it wouldn't be shocking to see Wiley end up as a surprise injury stash if they decide they want to just keep three tight ends to create a roster spot at another position.

Offensive Line (9)

1. Creed Humphrey
2. Trey Smith
3. Josh Simmons
4. Jawaan Taylor
5. Kingsley Suamataia
6. Jaylon Moore
7. Wanya Morris
8. Mike Caliendo
9. Hunter Nourzad

The Chiefs have better offensive line depth this season. It doesn't seem like they need to keep ten offensive linemen this season with the positional versatility of most of their reserve linemen. C.J. Hanson could potentially beat out Nourzad for that final interior backup spot, but I think the top eight are pretty set at this point. I think Esa Pole has impressed enough to stick around on the practice squad, but I don't think they'll have room for him on the 53-man roster.

Defensive Line (9)

1. Chris Jones
2. George Karlaftis
3. Mike Danna
4. Charles Omenihu
5. Mike Pennel
6. Jerry Tillery
7. Ashton Gillotte
8. Omarr Norman-Lott
9. Felix Anudike-Uzomah

There is still some question if the Chiefs have enough run-stuffing options on the interior, but these definitely look like KC's top nine defensive linemen to this point. It wouldn't be shocking to see someone like Fabien Lovett or Marlon Tuipulotu earn a roster spot as a 10th defensive lineman, but thus far it seems like KC feels pretty good with these nine as their rotational group for 2025.

Linebacker (5)

1. Nick Bolton
2. Drue Tranquill
3. Leo Chenal
4. Jeffrey Bassa
5. Jack Cochrane

The Chiefs may definitely consider a sixth linebacker, but the seventh wide receiver seemed more deserving and necessary than any of the options for a sixth linebacker like Cole Christianson, Cam Jones, or Cooper McDonald.

Cornerback (6)

1. Trent McDuffie
2. Kristian Fulton
3. Jaylon Watson
4. Nohl Williams
5. Chris Roland-Wallace
6. Nazeeh Johnson

Nazeeh Johnson isn't high on a lot of fans' lists of players who should make the roster, but it sure seems like the Chiefs are set on him making the team. Chris Roland-Wallace looks more like a safe bet to make the team after a good first preseason game and his slot/safety versatility. Rookie Nohl Williams also had a great first preseason game, but veteran Joshua Williams is looking like his time in KC could be coming to an end.

Safety (4)

1. Bryan Cook
2. Jaden Hicks
3. Chamarri Conner
4. Mike Edwards

This group is looking a little thin right now. Veteran Deon Bush is now out for the season. Chamarri Conner is playing a lot in the slot (despite fans not loving the results), and Mike Edwards hasn't looked as strong so far. Yes, Roland-Wallace has played some safety too, but if either Bryan Cook or Jaden Hicks were to miss time, this group could struggle.

Special Teams (3)

1. Harrison Butker
2. Matt Araiza
3. James Winchester

At this point, the Chiefs' three specialists look set. The only one with some question marks was Matt Araiza, but he had a very good first preseason game, showing his signature power but with improved accuracy compared to last season.

So what do you think, Chiefs fans? Do you agree with this 53-man projection? Is there anyone on this list that you don't think will make the team? Is there anyone who was left off that you believe will make the team? Feel free to post your thoughts in the comments below or share them on social media.