The last time we did a KC Chiefs 53-man roster projection DJ Alexander was still on the team. That and we’ve had now a couple of preseason games to determine who is for real and who isn’t. We’ll learn more on Friday night against the Seahawks but before that game let’s take another stab at the Chiefs 53-man roster prediction.
(25) Offense
QB (3): Alex Smith, Patrick Mahomes, Tyler Bray
Not much to say here. The only question is whether they keep Bray but they should.
Out: Joel Stave
RB (4): Spencer Ware, Kareem Hunt, Charcandrick West, CJ Spiller
I want to keep four here because it’s smart to have depth at that position. If I need another roster spot, this is the spot I’m coming to.
Out: Devine Redding
WR (6): Tyreek Hill, Chris Conley, Albert Wilson, Demarcus Robinson, Jehu Chesson, De’Anthony Thomas
There’s a chance we see Seantavius Jones or another one of these lesser known guys make it. I wouldn’t be surprised. Albert Wilson I think would probably be the first one off. De’Anthony Thomas offers special teams value.
Out: Seantavius Jones, Robert Wheelwright, Gehrig Dieter, Alonzo Moore, Tony Stevens, Marcus Kemp, Tevin Jones
TE (3): Travis Kelce, Demetrius Harris, Gavin Escobar
I’m only keeping three here. I have too many other positions where I need a player here or there.
Out: Orson Charles, Ross Travis
FB (1): Anthony Sherman
I’m assuming they will keep him again.
Out: Nobody
OL (8): Eric Fisher, Parker Ehinger, Mitch Morse, Laurent Duvernay-Tardif, Mitchell Schwartz, Zach Fulton, Bryan Witzmann, Jah Reid
The question here is that final spot. The Chiefs tackles haven’t been good enough. I don’t think they’re in position to drop Jah Reid. If they find an update among someone else’s cuts, however, this is a position I’m looking to upgrade.
Out: Andrew Tiller, Mike Person, Isaiah Battle, Josh James, Joseph Cheek, Jordan Devey, Damien Mama, Corin Brooks, Donald Hawkins
(25) Defense
NT (1): Bennie Logan
The Chiefs signed Roy Miller a few weeks ago but he has yet to play. This game will be big to see if he can make the team. If not, the Chiefs have played RNR and Jarvis Jenkins at nose this preseason.
Out: Cam Thomas, Maurice Swain, Roy Miller
DE (5): Chris Jones, Allen Bailey, Rakeem Nunez-Roches, Jarvis Jenkins, Tanoh Kpassagnon
Shoot, I would add David King here if I could. This position group is stacked.
Out: Ricky Ali’ifua, David King
OLB (5): Justin Houston, Tamba Hali, Dee Ford, Frank Zombo, Dadi Nicolas
The only one here I wonder about is Dadi Nicolas. He was a recent draft pick (2016) which makes me inclined to think he’s safe.
Out: Earl Okine, Marcus Rush
ILB (4): Ramik Wilson, Derrick Johnson, Ukeme Eligwe, Kevin Pierre-Louis
I don’t have Josh Mauga included here. Should I? This was a tough one for me but I had to make the numbers work. I could cut another back to make room for him if I needed it.
Out: Josh Mauga, Justin March, Terrance Smith
S (4): Ron Parker, Eric Murray, Eric Berry, Daniel Sorensen
I’m having trouble finding a spot for Leon McQuay, the Chiefs sixth round pick this year.
Out: Trevon Hartfield, Steven Terrell, Leon McQuay III
CB (6): Marcus Peters, Terrance Mitchell, Steven Nelson, DeVante Bausby, Phillip Gaines, DJ White
The top three are locks but Mitchell has been injured. Do they keep another for that reason? I don’t feel super confident in any of them beyond the first three.
Out: Kenneth Acker, Vernon Harris, Ashton Lampkin, JR Nelson, Keith Baxter, Jacoby Glenn
(3) Special Teams
Cairo Santos, Dustin Colquitt, James Winchester
So, there is a question here. What if Santos isn’t healthy enough by Week 1? Do the Chiefs then carry another kicker here?
Out: Sam Ficken