53 Man Roster Projection After Week 3 of the Preseason - Offense

A look at how the final 53 players could look come Tuesday

The Chiefs held on to beat the Browns in week 3 of the preseason in what was a very strange game. Who would have thought that after two pick 6’s in the first half the Chiefs could come back and win with their third and fourth-string players?

Quarterback - 3

Patrick Mahomes - Already probably the greatest QB in Chiefs history.

Blaine Gabbert - Reid likes having a veteran as the backup and Gabbert has looked pretty good throughout the preseason.

Shane Buechele - His two picks likely cost him a chance at the 2nd QB spot but he is on the roster regardless.

Running Back - 4

Isiah Pacheco - With only one snap in the preseason he could be limited the first couple weeks but he’s still the starter.

Jerick McKinnon - Once Pacheco is fully back to starting CEH will drop back down the depth chart. McKinnon is their 3rd down and passing back in most situations.

Clyde Edwards-Helaire - He hasn’t looked good this preseason but cutting him saves them almost nothing.

La’Mical Perine - Perine looked fantastic against the Browns. A big run and a shaking three tackles on the way to a TD through the air. Won’t be surprised if he gets to play some especially early on.

Wide Receiver - 7

Kadarius Toney - Sounds like he could start to practice next week. Not sure they play him the first couple of weeks regardless.

Marquez Valdes-Scantling - Crazy the difference a year makes. MVS was held out of the third preseason game which means the Chiefs view him as a bigger part of their offense.

Skyy Moore - Didn’t show hardly anything in the preseason but he’s still a top-three wide receiver and he’ll be a bigger piece of the offense this year.

Justin Watson - Took a big hit coming across the middle and held on against the Browns. His value is his experience and his ability to play all three positions.

Richie James - He’s their returner but hasn’t done anything since the first week of the preseason. Will be interesting how the Chiefs use him this year.

Rashee Rice - Big game against the Cardinals but struggled a lot against the Browns. Three big drops including a play where he had no one within about 10 yards of him. Has to get it figured out.

Justyn Ross - Showed the ability to high point the ball on his TD grab. He’ll be on the roster but how much he plays will be determined on how many special teams units he can play on.

Tight End - 3

Travis Kelce - Best tight end in the history of the NFL.

Noah Gray - Didn’t show anything this last game against the Browns but easily Kelce’s backup.

Blake Bell - I don’t like this but based on usage it seems to be the case.

Tackles - 4

Donovan Smith and Jawaan Taylor - Starters and could likely be big upgrades from last year.

Prince Tega Wanagho - I think he is the Chiefs swing tackle this year. There has been a battle with Niang.

Wanye Morris - Thought he could challenge for the swing position this offseason but will likely need a year in the system.

Guards - 4

Joe Thuney & Trey Smith - Starters and part of I think the best interior 3 in the NFL.

Nick Allegretti - He’s missed time so it’s something to watch whether or not he’s a guy that has to IR a few weeks.

Darian Kinnard - His contract is likely the reason he sticks around. Cap space is hard to find on this roster and cutting him would make it worse.

Center - 1

Creed Humphrey - Could be the best center in the NFL.

Offense - 26 players

A couple of things to watch that could change numbers offensively. Bell could be cut to make room for someone else. He has no dead cap if cut and wouldn’t go through waivers. This could allow the team to IR a player on Wednesday. Ihmir Smith-Marsette has played well enough to be on the Chiefs roster any other season. Look for the Chiefs to trade him if possible because he isn’t getting through waivers.

The Chiefs have generally gone higher on offense than on defense in the past but it’s going to be interesting to see how it could change this year. Let me know what you think.