The Kansas City Chiefs have been one of the most dominant teams in the NFL over the past few years, boasting a dynamic offense led by superstar quarterback Patrick Mahomes and a defense that has consistently been a force to be reckoned with.

As the 2024 NFL season approaches, anticipation is building around how the Chiefs will perform, especially given some significant changes in their roster.

With the season opener against the Baltimore Ravens just a week away, it’s time to delve into the depth chart for the Kansas City Chiefs, exploring the strengths and potential weaknesses of this team as they prepare for another Super Bowl run.

Quarterback Room

At the heart of the Kansas City Chiefs’ success over the past few years has been the stellar play of Patrick Mahomes. As the starting quarterback, Mahomes has established himself as one of the best players in the league, if not the best.

His ability to make plays with both his arm and legs, combined with his football IQ and leadership, makes him the linchpin of this Chiefs team. As the 2024 season approaches, Mahomes is once again expected to have a fantastic year.

He has more weapons at his disposal than he has had in recent seasons, which should only enhance his performance. Mahomes, who is aiming for a third consecutive Super Bowl victory, is undoubtedly motivated and eager to get back to MVP form.

Backing up Mahomes is Carson Wentz, a veteran quarterback who has experienced the highs and lows of the NFL. Wentz, who has had his share of injuries and inconsistent play, is now in a position where he can learn from one of the best in the game.

While he may not see much action this season if Mahomes stays healthy, Wentz is a more than capable backup. In the event that Mahomes is unable to play for any reason, Wentz’s experience and skills make him a reliable second option for the Chiefs.

Running Back Room

The Chiefs’ backfield has undergone some changes heading into the 2024 season, but it remains a group with plenty of potential. Isiah Pacheco retains his position as the team’s number one running back.

Pacheco has shown flashes of brilliance in the past, and there is a lot of excitement around what he can do as the lead back for a full season. His combination of speed, power, and vision makes him a versatile weapon for the Chiefs’ offense.

Behind Pacheco is Clyde Edwards-Helaire, who has had an up-and-down career since being drafted by the Chiefs. Edwards-Helaire has dealt with injuries and inconsistency, but when healthy, he has shown that he can be a dynamic playmaker. His ability to catch passes out of the backfield adds another dimension to the Chiefs’ offense, making him a valuable asset even if he is not the primary ball carrier.

A new addition to the backfield is Samaje Perine, who brings experience and toughness to the group. Perine, who had a memorable performance against the Kansas Jayhawks while playing for the University of Oklahoma, joins the Chiefs after a stint with the Cincinnati Bengals. Despite being in his late 20s, Perine still has plenty left in the tank and should provide solid depth for the Chiefs. His ability to contribute in short-yardage situations and pass protection makes him a valuable piece of the puzzle.

One of the most intriguing players in the backfield is Carson Steele, a breakout player during the preseason. Steele, who has the potential to play both running back and fullback, brings a unique skill set to the Chiefs.

His versatility and physicality make him a potential secret weapon for the Chiefs’ offense. There is even some buzz around Steele potentially scoring a touchdown in the season opener against the Ravens, with betting odds reflecting the excitement around his potential impact.

Wide Receiver Room

The wide receiver room for the Chiefs has seen significant changes, with the departure of key players and the addition of new faces. One of the most notable absences is Kadarius Toney, who was a key contributor in the past but is no longer with the team. In his place, the Chiefs have brought in Xavier Worthy, a rookie from the University of Texas. Worthy is expected to start at the left wide receiver position and brings speed and playmaking ability to the offense. On the right side is Hollywood Brown, another dynamic receiver who, when healthy, can be a game-changer.

The slot receiver position will be manned by Rashee Rice, who had a solid rookie season and is expected to take on an even bigger role in 2024. Rice has the potential to be a reliable target for Mahomes, especially in the middle of the field.

The depth at wide receiver is further bolstered by players like Skyy Moore, Justin Watson, JuJu Smith-Schuster, and Mecole Hardman. This group of receivers, while perhaps not as star-studded as some other teams, is deep and versatile. They provide Mahomes with a variety of options and different skill sets to exploit opposing defenses.

One of the narratives surrounding the Chiefs’ receiver room is the perceived need for an additional star receiver. However, given the success Mahomes has had with less heralded receiving corps in the past, there is confidence that this group is more than capable of getting the job done.

The combination of young talent and experienced veterans gives the Chiefs a well-rounded and potentially explosive receiving unit.

Tight End Room

Travis Kelce remains the undisputed leader of the tight end room and is arguably the best tight end in the NFL. Kelce’s ability to create mismatches and his connection with Mahomes make him an integral part of the Chiefs’ offense. Even as he ages, Kelce shows no signs of slowing down and is expected to be a key contributor once again in 2024.

Backing up Kelce is Noah Gray, who has steadily improved over the past few seasons. Gray’s versatility and ability to contribute both as a blocker and receiver make him a valuable asset in the Chiefs’ offense.

Behind Gray is Jared Wy, who has shown promise and could see an increased role if the Chiefs decide to utilize more two-tight end sets. The recent acquisition of Peyton Hendershot from the Dallas Cowboys adds further depth to the position. While Hendershot has yet to prove himself at the NFL level, he provides additional insurance in case of injury.

The tight end group, led by Kelce, gives the Chiefs the flexibility to employ different offensive looks, including two-tight end formations that could keep defenses off balance. This versatility, combined with the talent at the position, makes the tight end room one of the strengths of the Chiefs’ roster.

Offensive Line

The offensive line is always a critical component of any NFL team, and the Chiefs have made some significant changes heading into the 2024 season. The most notable change is the decision to start a rookie at left tackle, Kingsley.

As a second-round pick, Kingsley has shown enough in training camp and the preseason to earn the starting job. While starting a rookie at such a crucial position is a bold move, Kingsley has impressed with his play and has the potential to be a long-term solution at left tackle.

The interior of the offensive line remains one of the best in the league, anchored by center Creed Humphrey. Humphrey, who recently signed a new contract, is widely regarded as one of the top centers in the NFL.

His ability to control the line of scrimmage and make adjustments in pass protection is invaluable. Guard Joe Thuney returns at left guard, providing veteran leadership and stability. On the right side, Trey Smith continues to develop into one of the league’s top guards, though he is still waiting for a contract extension.

The right tackle position is manned by Jawaan Taylor, who, along with Smith, gives the Chiefs a formidable right side of the line. The depth behind the starters is solid, with Wan Morris and others ready to step in if needed.

While there may be some question marks, particularly with starting a rookie at left tackle, the overall strength of the offensive line, particularly the interior, should provide Mahomes with the protection he needs to excel.

Defensive Line

The Chiefs’ defensive line is headlined by Chris Jones, one of the most dominant interior defenders in the NFL. Jones’ ability to disrupt the opposing offense, whether it’s by pressuring the quarterback or stuffing the run, makes him the centerpiece of the Chiefs’ defense. Alongside Jones are players like Derrick Nnadi and Mike Danna, who provide additional muscle in the trenches.

One of the more intriguing players on the defensive line is rookie King Felix, who was a standout in training camp but struggled a bit during the preseason. The Chiefs are hoping that King Felix can develop into a consistent pass-rushing threat, which would significantly bolster the defensive line.

With Charles Omenihu on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list to start the season, the pressure is on King Felix to step up and make an impact.

The depth on the defensive line is solid, with players like George Karlaftis and Tershawn Wharton ready to contribute. The success of the defensive line will be critical in determining how effective the Chiefs’ defense can be overall. If the line can consistently generate pressure, it will make life much easier for the secondary and help the Chiefs’ defense reach its full potential.

Linebacker Room

The linebacker room is led by Nick Bolton, who has emerged as one of the top young linebackers in the NFL. Bolton’s ability to make plays all over the field, combined with his leadership and football IQ, makes him a key figure in the Chiefs’ defense. There is a lot of optimism around Bolton taking another step forward in 2024, with the potential to become a Pro Bowl-caliber player.

Joining Bolton in the linebacker corps are Willie Gay Jr., Leo Chenal, and Drue Tranquill. Each of these players brings something different to the table, whether it’s Gay’s athleticism, Chenal’s physicality, or Tranquill’s versatility. The

depth at linebacker is solid, and the Chiefs have the flexibility to deploy different combinations depending on the situation.

One of the storylines to watch in the linebacker room is the development of the younger players, particularly Chenal, who showed flashes of potential as a rookie. If Chenal can continue to develop and become a more consistent contributor, it will give the Chiefs even more options at the position.

Overall, the linebacker room is a strength of the Chiefs’ defense, with a good mix of experience and young talent.

Secondary

The secondary is one of the more intriguing aspects of the Chiefs’ defense, with a blend of experience and youth. At cornerback, L’Jarius Sneed returns as the top corner, bringing his physicality and playmaking ability to the position. Sneed is joined by Trent McDuffie, a first-round pick in 2023, who had a solid rookie season and is expected to take on an even bigger role in 2024.

The safety position is anchored by Justin Reid, who has become a leader in the secondary. Reid’s ability to play both safety positions, as well as contribute in coverage, makes him a valuable asset. Bryan Cook, who showed promise as a rookie, is expected to start alongside Reid at safety. Cook’s physicality and ability to play in the box make him a good complement to Reid’s skill set.

One of the players to watch in the secondary is Joshua Williams, who has been working his way into the rotation at cornerback. Williams, along with Sneed and McDuffie, gives the Chiefs a solid trio of corners who can match up with a variety of receivers.

The depth in the secondary is further bolstered by players like Jaylen Watson and Nic Jones, who provide additional options for defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo.

The success of the secondary will largely depend on how well the younger players, particularly McDuffie and Cook, develop. If they can take the next step in their development, the secondary could become a strength of the Chiefs’ defense. The combination of experience and youth gives the Chiefs the flexibility to adapt to different offensive schemes, making the secondary one of the more interesting areas to watch in 2024.

Special Teams

Special teams are often an overlooked aspect of football, but they can play a crucial role in the outcome of games. The Chiefs have one of the most reliable kickers in the league in Harrison Butker, who has consistently delivered in clutch situations. Butker’s ability to hit long field goals and his accuracy make him a valuable weapon for the Chiefs.

The punter position is manned by Tommy Townsend, who has developed into one of the better punters in the NFL. Townsend’s ability to flip field position with his strong leg is a key asset for the Chiefs. The return game is expected to be handled by Mecole Hardman, who has the speed and elusiveness to create big plays on special teams.

One of the storylines to watch in the special teams unit is the development of the coverage teams. Special teams coordinator Dave Toub has always emphasized the importance of coverage units, and the Chiefs have consistently had strong special teams play under his guidance. The 2024 season should be no different, with the Chiefs expecting to have one of the top special teams units in the league.

Conclusion

The Kansas City Chiefs enter the 2024 season with high expectations, as they look to continue their dominance in the NFL. While there are some question marks, particularly with the changes on the offensive line and in the receiver room, the overall talent and depth of the roster make the Chiefs one of the favorites to win the Super Bowl.

The key to their success will be staying healthy, particularly with key players like Mahomes, Kelce, and Jones. If the Chiefs can avoid major injuries and get contributions from their younger players, there is no reason why they can’t make another deep playoff run and add to their already impressive legacy.