The Kansas City Chiefs have released their first unofficial depth chart ahead of Week 1, when they’ll host the Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football. While these depth charts are prepared by the team’s PR staff and not the coaching staff, they provide insight into how the roster might align for the opener. History shows that these charts can be fluid and are not definitive, but they still help identify where competition is shaping up and which players are penciled in for prominent roles.
Wide Receiver
– WR1: Rashee Rice
– WR2: Jalen Royals
– Other considered options: Xavier Worthy, Nikko Remigio, Tyquan Thornton, Cyrus Allen
Observations: The top two receivers appear stable, with Rice expected to be a focal point. Remigio’s role is less clear beyond potential special-teams duties, while Royals remains a strong candidate for significant offensive involvement.
Offensive Line
Left Tackle
– LT1: Josh Simmons
– LT2: Kahlil Benson
Notes: Benson is positioned as the backup left tackle, aligning with recent updates. Benson has most of his college experience on the right side of the line, which may influence how quickly he adapts if called upon.
Left Guard
– LG1: Kingsley Suamataia
– LG2: Joshua Ezeudu
Center
– C1: Creed Humphrey
– C2: Hunter Nourzad
Notes: Nourzad has served as the primary backup at center throughout the offseason. Caliendo could also fill this role if needed.
Right Guard
– RG1: Trey Smith
– RG2: Mike Caliendo
Right Tackle
– RT1: Jaylon Moore
– RT2: Diego Pounds
Notes: Pounds previously played left tackle in college and preseason but is listed here on the right side, highlighting position versatility.
Tight End
– TE1: Travis Kelce
– TE2: Noah Gray
– TE3: Jared Wiley
– TE4: Jake Briningstool
Observations: The depth at tight end appears strong, with Kelce and Gray as established contributors and the younger tight ends in reserve or developmental roles. There’s potential for the team to utilize multiple tight ends regularly.
Quarterback
– QB1: Patrick Mahomes
– QB2: Justin Fields
– QB3: Garrett Nussmeier
Notes: No surprises at the top of the depth chart. Nussmeier showed potential earlier in the offseason and remains in the QB3 position, with room to develop behind Fields.
Running Back
– RB1: Kenneth Walker
– RB2: Emmett Johnson
– RB3: Brashard Smith
Notes: Johnson is listed as RB2, reflecting progress noted in recent evaluations. The backfield features a mix of experience and youth, with Johnson in a prominent backup role.
Defensive End
– DE1: George Karlaftis
– DE2: Mason Thomas
– DE3: Ashton Gillotte
Notes: Gillotte’s availability for Week 1 depends on injury recovery. If he cannot play, Felix Anudike-Uzomah would likely step in, with a broader rotation expected regardless of Week 1 status.
Defensive Tackle
– DT1: Khyiris Tonga
– DT2: Bryson Eason
– DT3: Chris Jones
– DT4: Peter Woods
Notes: Eason is a new addition serving as a run-stuffing nose tackle, with Woods providing depth at the three-technique spot.
Linebacker
– WILL (Weakside): Drue Tranquill, Jeffrey Bassa
– MIKE (Middle): Nick Bolton, Jack Cochrane
– SAM (Strongside): Cooper McDonald, Jeffrey Bassa
Notes: Bassa serves as a versatile backup at multiple outside linebacker spots, potentially earning more opportunities in sub-packages during the season.
Cornerback
– CB1: L’Jarius Sneed
– CB2: Kristian Fulton
– CB3: (Open)
– Nickel/Dime roles: Mansoor Delane, Nohl Williams, Jadon Canady
Notes: In nickel formations, Delane and Williams frequently join Sneed in the secondary, with flexibility for other players to step into corner roles as needed.
Safety
– S1: Alohi Gilman
– S2: Chris Roland-Wallace
– S3: Chamarri Conner, Jaden Hicks, Xavier Nwankpa
Notes: Conner’s Week 1 status could affect the starting safety combination, with Hicks likely taking on a key role alongside Gilman. Roland-Wallace may contribute in slot scenarios.
Specialists
– Kicker: Harrison Butker
– Punter: Matt Araiza
– Holder: Matt Araiza
– Long Snapper: James Winchester
– Return Specialists: Nikko Remigio (RS1), Brashard Smith (RS2)
Observations: Remigio continues to be the lead option for both kickoff and punt returns, with Smith serving as the primary backup.
Overall, the unofficial depth chart provides a snapshot of how Kansas City might start their Week 1 contest, while acknowledging that in-game decisions, injury status, and coaching adjustments can alter the final lineup. The Chiefs will aim to leverage a talented cast across offense and defense, with strong leadership from proven stars and opportunities for younger players to contribute early in the season.
