On Monday, the football analytics site Pro Football Focus published projected 2025 starting rosters for all 32 NFL teams — including the Kansas City Chiefs. Written by Dalton Wasserman and Max Chadwick, the article lists 12 players for each unit on every team.
Offense
QB Patrick Mahomes (83.9)
RB Isiah Pacheco (79.9**)
RB Kareem Hunt (74.4)
WR Rashee Rice (84.9**)
WR Xavier Worthy (71.8)
WR Marquise Brown (65.5)
TE Travis Kelce (71.7)
LT Josh Simmons (74.4*)
LG Kingsley Suamataia (37.9)
C Creed Humphrey (92.4)
RG Trey Smith (75.1)
RT Jawaan Taylor (60.1)
Defense
DI Chris Jones (90.2)
DI Mike Pennel (59.4)
Edge George Karlaftis (69.8)
Edge Mike Danna (59.2)
Edge Felix Anudike-Uzomah (61.2)
LB Nick Bolton (63.7)
LB Drue Tranquill (66.5)
CB Trent McDuffie (82.0)
CB Kristian Fulton (68.9)
CB Jaylen Watson (69.6)
S Chamarri Conner (68.2)
S Bryan Cook (59.6)
*2024 college grade**2023 NFL grade***2023 college grade
My take
On offense, it does appear that Suamataia is the player most likely to become the starting left guard. But at least for now, whether or not first-round rookie Simmons will start at left tackle is still an open question. In a vacuum, Hunt would indeed be the likely backup behind Pacheco — but whether he’d be the player getting change-of-pace snaps in Kansas City’s running-back-by-committee approach is also open to debate. Much will depend on what we see of veteran Elijah Moore and rookie Brashard Smith in training camp.
On the defensive side, I’d be surprised if Anudike-Uzomah gets snaps ahead of Charles Omenihu. On the other hand, I’d be happy to see the former first-round pick taking a step forward. I also think that this season, we’re more likely to see Jerry Tillery ahead of Mike Pennel on the inside — and Jaden Hicks ahead of Chamarri Conner as the second safety.
But otherwise, these look like solid picks for the Chiefs’ 2025 starters. What do you think?
