Roster Projection - Offense
Here is my best guess about where the roster stands after week 1 in the preseason
This is by far one of my favorite times of the year before actual football arrives. The team is on the field practicing and we are getting an idea of who may or may not be on the roster.
Let’s jump into my first roster projection of the season.
Quarterbacks
Patrick Mahomes - No brainer. Superstar QB and face of the franchise.
Chad Henne - Another no brainer. He’s extremely valuable to this team if something happens to QB 1 before the season kicks off.
Cuts
Shane Buechele - I just don’t see it with him after the first week of the preseason. Maybe he can change my mind going forward but considering the Chiefs generally have kept only two QB’s I don’t think it’s likely he’s on the roster.
Dustin Crum - Maybe he can get better with more playing time but I don’t see the need to use a roster spot on him right now.
Running Backs
Clyde Edwards-Hellaire - RB1 and it may end up being closer as the season goes on but for now it’s his job to lose.
Jerrick McKinnon - They like what he brings to the table and he is a guy that can help in different ways including special teams.
Ronald Jones - After Gore’s drops and fumble it looks more likely that Jones is safe on the roster. He didn’t show much on Saturday and got no looks with the ones.
Isiah Pacheco - He’s firmly on the roster. He could be the main kick returner as well as the main back up to Clyde based on usage so far.
Michael Burton - Listing him here even though he’s a full back. He’s also easily on the roster if you paid attention to the formations the first team offense ran against the Bears.
Cuts
Derrick Gore - His drops and his fumble could mean the doesn’t make the roster this year which is a little surprising with how well he played in 2021. He needs to have a good couple of games 2 and 3 to have a chance.
Tayon Fleet-Davis - Tough position to make this roster and while eligible for the practice squad I’m guessing that goes to Gore.
Tight End
Travis Kelce - See QB1 comments. No brainer.
Jody Fortson - I do think he’s become the primary backup to Kelce but something to watch in game 2 since he couldn’t play this past week.
Blake Bell - Likely on the roster if healthy. But his injury looked scary as there was no contact.
Noah Gray - He will also be on the roster. Showed well on Saturday but needs to be more consistent.
Cuts
Matt Bushman another hard position to crack on this team. His chance may come if Bell is out for a long period of time and he shows something more.
Jordan Franks - Camp body and likely not a guy they return to the practice squad.
Wide Receiver
Juju Smith-Schuster - Looks to be settled into his role.
Marquez Valdes-Scantling - Interchangeable with Juju but they are your two starters at WR.
Mecole Hardman - This is a contract year for Hardman so he is going to be someone to watch this season.
Skyy Moore - Obviously on the roster and showed abilities beyond his years with his toe tap catch towards the end of the first half on Saturday.
Daurice Fountain - Right now he’s here for special teams. He hasn’t stood out on the field but he’s got a spot pretty much locked down if he stays healthy.
Justin Watson - Could probably be interchangeable with Fountain for 5 and 6. Made a great case to sew up the #6 WR position on Saturday.
Cuts
Josh Gordon - Just couldn’t regain form and he doesn’t play special teams
Cornell Powell - His drop in the third quarter really hurt his chances in my opinion. Can’t have balls hit your hands like that.
Aaron Parker, Devin Gray, Corey Coleman - Long shots from the start.
Jerrion Ealy - His lack of playing time was interesting to me. I’m wondering if they are trying to get him on the practice squad.
Offensive Line
Starting Line - Orlando Brown, Joe Thuney, Creed Humphrey, Trey Smith, Andrew Wylie - This line looks set to start week one.
Nick Allegretti - I think he’s on the roster based on his time in prior years.
Geron Christian - Right now maybe the best option at swing tackle. Wouldn’t be shocked to see them keep both but numbers will be tight.
Roderick Johnson - This could be a battle between him and Christian for one spot.
Darian Kinnard - Was not impressed week 1. He played too high. He could be a guy that doesn’t make it if it continues.
Mike Caliendo - Looks to be the backup at guard and center. The more you can do.
Cuts
Prince Tega Wanogho, Austin Reiter, Vitaliy Gurman - I know Reiter has been here but they are going to have to make some tough decision on the roster. Prince and Vitaliy could be PS guys as could Reiter technically.
Lucas Niang - For right now I’m expecting he’s still on the PUP list to start the season.
In the next couple of days I’ll release the defensive side of the ball. Let me know what you think in the comments.
I'll be surprised if they keep RoJo at this point. What's up with Niang? Is he ever going o get healthy? Powell and Gore to the practice squad? Kinnard stays, he needs more time to determine if he can play in the NFL. He seems to be more raw than the fans expected.