Ranking the Kansas City Chiefs’ 2023 Roster by Tiers
Last week, I broke down the Kansas City Chiefs roster by position group. This edition looks at players being broken directly into different tiers, giving a feel of how the roster is constructed and the value of each player heading into the season. Players are listed alphabetically within the tiers, so it’s not a ranking, but strictly a tier system to rate the quality of the Chiefs’ roster.
Every player is ranked based on what they have produced up to this point in their career. For example, wide receivers Kadarius Toney and Skyy Moore may leap up the board at some point during the season, but they currently can’t be placed any higher based on their on-field production.
Jan 29, 2023; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones (95) celebrates after a sack against the Cincinnati Bengals during the first quarter of the AFC Championship game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Best Of The Best
- Chris Jones
- Patrick Mahomes
- Travis Kelce
These three players are universally regarded as the three best players in Kansas City, as well as being the near-consensus best players in the league at their respective positions. Mahomes and Kelce have been dubbed at the top of the league for years, but it’s a new spot for Jones. With Aaron Donald having a down year last year, Jones took the throne as the best defensive tackle in the league, racking up 15.5 sacks during the regular season and finally getting the monkey off his back in the postseason.
Fourth-Best Player?
- Creed Humphrey
- Joe Thuney
- L’Jarius Sneed
- Trent McDuffie
All four of these guys have a legit argument for being the fourth-best player on the Chiefs' roster. Humphrey and Thuney have been elite at protecting Mahomes, while Sneed and McDuffie are the anchors of the back half of the defense. McDuffie may be the surprising addition to the group, but how the defense performed with him on the field versus when the defense was without him was a testament to his ability. Also, looking at the film of his rookie season shows flashes of McDuffie’s All-Pro potential.
Jan 14, 2023; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars offensive tackle Jawaan Taylor (75) reacts against the Los Angeles Chargers during a wild card playoff game at TIAA Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Key Starters
- Harrison Butker
- Jawaan Taylor
- Justin Reid
- Nick Bolton
- Trey Smith
While these players may not be the cream of the crop on the Kansas City roster, they are foundational pieces vital to their own units. Chiefs fans have become accustomed to the value that Butker, Reid, Bolton and Smith provide weekly. The name that people should be paying more attention to is Taylor. He was brought over from the Jaguars in the offseason and was one of the best right tackles in the league last year. After the Chiefs struggled at tackle last year, Taylor should help solve that on one side of the line.
Starting Caliber
- Charles Omenihu
- Drue Tranquill
- George Karlaftis
- Isiah Pacheco
- Jaylen Watson
- Marquez Valdes-Scantling
The phrase “starting caliber” may seem like a knock on the players in this tier and the ones below. On the contrary, it just means that they would be a starter on most teams around the NFL. Watson and Pacheco being this high on the tiers after only one season in the league is a testament to their ability and Brett Veach’s eye for finding them in the seventh round. Both players played pivotal roles during their rookie seasons and will look to expand on that as their careers continue.
Dec 3, 2022; Arlington, TX, USA; Kansas State Wildcats defensive end Felix Anudike-Uzomah (91) in action during the game between the TCU Horned Frogs and the Kansas State Wildcats at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Unknown Upside
- Bryan Cook
- Felix Anudike-Uzomah
- Jerick McKinnon
- Joshua Williams
- Kadarius Toney
- Skyy Moore
- Willie Gay
Many players in this tier are young and are believed to have another level to their games, including a couple of former first and second-round picks. The two most intriguing names are McKinnon and Gay. McKinnon is here because of the injury concerns and the scarce amount the Chiefs use him during the early portion of the season. On the other hand, Gay is entering a contract season but has yet to find a consistent role on the team. However, the athletic upside is there for him to shine.
Role Player
- Derrick Nnadi
- Donovan Smith
- Justin Watson
- Mike Danna
- Mike Edwards
- Nick Allegretti
- Noah Gray
- Tershawn Wharton
Role players, on any sports team, are essential. They help round out the roster and provide a helpful skill set when on the field. Most of these guys don’t have a starting position in Kansas City but will rotate in and make plays throughout the season. The name that will stick out is Donovan Smith. Smith is currently slated to be the starting left tackle for the Chiefs, but when you look at last season, he presents more questions than answers and may be better served in a swing tackle role.
May 26, 2022; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Justyn Ross (8) runs drills during organized team activities at The University of Kansas Health System Training Complex. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Developmental Piece
- BJ Thompson
- Chamarri Conner
- Justyn Ross
- Keondre Coburn
- Leo Chenal
- Nazeeh Johnson
- Nic Jones
- Rashee Rice
- Wanya Morris
The final tier is pretty straightforward. It is made up of young players either entering their first or second season in the NFL. Each player hasn’t seen the field or has seen minimal time and has to prove themselves. However, the upside exists for each individual to develop into a more significant piece of the Chiefs’ roster. Guys like Danna and Smith would have been in this tier at some point in their careers. They since have become better players and were important to a Super Bowl-winning roster.
