Chiefs release updated depth chart for divisional round
The Kansas City Chiefs have released their latest “unofficial” depth chart ahead of the divisional round playoff game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
There are a pair of changes to the depth chart this week, reflecting roster moves that happened ahead of Week 18’s game. Generally speaking, these are intended to give a rough idea of where a player is on the depth chart, but they’re not always entirely accurate. They’re considered “unofficial” because they’re assembled by the team’s PR staff and not the coaching staff and they might not always reflect what happens on game day as a result of that. It’s intended to be a fluid document that evolves as the roster changes throughout the season.
With all of that in mind, let’s take a look at the latest depth chart (dated Jan. 16) and see what we can learn about the Chiefs:
Offense
Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports
Pos. | First | Second | Third | Fourth |
QB | Patrick Mahomes | Chad Henne | Shane Buechele | |
RB | Isiah Pacheco | Jerick McKinnon | Ronald Jones | |
FB | Michael Burton | |||
TE | Travis Kelce | Noah Gray | Blake Bell | |
WR | JuJu Smith-Schuster | Skyy Moore | Mecole Hardman | |
WR | Marquez Valdes-Scantling | Kadarius Toney | Justin Watson | |
LT | Orlando Brown Jr. | Prince Tega-Wanogho | ||
LG | Joe Thuney | Nick Allegretti | ||
C | Creed Humphrey | Nick Allegretti | ||
RG | Trey Smith | Nick Allegretti | ||
RT | Andrew Wylie | Darian Kinnard | Lucas Niang |
Observations:
Mecole Hardman was activated to the 53-man roster ahead of Week 18, but he didn’t play in the game. He’s back on the depth chart this week, but not in the same spot where he started the 2022 NFL season. Expect the Chiefs to ease Hardman back into action should he play in the divisional round.
In a corresponding move to Hardman’s activation, the Chiefs released OT Geron Christian. He no longer appears on the depth chart with Prince Tega Wanogho taking his place.
Defense
Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports
Pos. | First | Second | Third | Fourth |
LDE | Mike Danna | George Karlaftis | Malik Herring | |
LDT | Derrick Nnadi | Khalen Saunders | ||
RDT | Chris Jones | Brandon Williams | ||
RDE | Frank Clark | Carlos Dunlap | Joshua Kaindoh | |
MLB | Nick Bolton | Darius Harris | ||
WLB | Willie Gay Jr. | Jack Cochrane | ||
SLB | Leo Chenal | Jack Cochrane | ||
LCB | L’Jarius Sneed | Joshua Williams | Chris Lammons | |
RCB | Trent McDuffie | Jaylen Watson | Nazeeh Johnson | |
FS | Juan Thornhill | Deon Bush | ||
SS | Justin Reid | Bryan Cook |
Observations:
No changes to the depth chart on the defensive side of the ball this week.
In Week 18, Joshua Williams played no snaps on defense. Meanwhile, Jaylen Watson played 67% of the defensive snaps for Kansas City.
Special teams
Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Pos. | First | Second | Third | Fourth |
P | Tommy Townsend | |||
K | Harrison Butker | |||
LS | James Winchester | |||
H | Tommy Townsend | |||
PR | Kadarius Toney | Justin Watson | Skyy Moore | |
KR | Isiah Pacheco | Skyy Moore |
Observations:
No changes to the special teams depth chart despite Mecole Hardman’s return. Dave Toub could still potentially use Hardman on punt returns as he did with Tyreek Hill in the past. If the Chiefs need a spark, Toub could put him out there.
