It’s never too early to start visualizing what the Kansas City Chiefs’ 2026 roster might look like.With that in mind, here’s a very early 53-man roster projection based on impressions from organized team activities and mandatory minicamp.Quarterbacks (3)In: Patrick Mahomes, Justin Fields, Garrett NussmeierMissed the cut: Chris OladokunBy taking Nussmeier in the seventh round of the NFL Draft, the Chiefs essentially locked themselves into keeping three quarterbacks on the 53. It might not be a bad idea this year anyway, with Mahomes’ health status less certain than in years past as he recovers from left knee surgery.Three storylines I'll be watching in Chiefs training campJesse NewellRunning backs (4)In: Kenneth Walker III, Emari Demercado, Emmett Johnson, Brashard SmithMissed the cut: Jaydn Ott, E.J. SmithI still think it’ll be an important training camp for Smith, a 2025 seventh-round pick, but so far, he looks to be a major part of the Chiefs’ return game. If he maintains that role, it’ll go a long way toward helping him keep his spot.Receivers (6)In: Rashee Rice, Xavier Worthy, Tyquan Thornton, Jalen Royals, Cyrus Allen, Andrew ArmstrongMissed the cut: Jimmy Holiday, Nikko Remigio, Jacob De Jesus, Jason Brownlee, Jeff Caldwell, Omari Evans, Xavier LoydThis list might include the biggest surprise in this projection. Armstrong seems to have gained early favor with coaches after signing a reserve contract in the offseason. His trajectory reminds me a bit of Thornton, who also performed well during late-spring practices in 2025 before later securing his spot. At this point, I’d put Holiday as next in the battle for that end-of-the-roster receiver spot. Remigio, meanwhile, remains a wild card to make it if the Chiefs can’t find a reliable punt catcher.Chiefs tight end Tre Watson is a player to watch this summer. (Denny Medley / Imagn Images)Tight ends (4)In: Travis Kelce, Noah Gray, Jared Wiley, Tre WatsonMissed the cut: Jake Briningstool, John Michael Gyllenborg, Mason PlineWe don’t talk enough about Watson, and based on his performance in recent drills, he should get a long look for the fourth tight end spot. Briningstool needs to show he can be healthy and available after a de facto redshirt season last year with a hamstring injury.Offensive line (9)In: Josh Simmons, Kingsley Suamataia, Creed Humphrey, Trey Smith, Jaylon Moore, Esa Pole, Mike Caliendo, Hunter Nourzad, Kahlil BensonMissed the cut: C.J. Hanson, Chu Godrick, Ethan Driskell, Josh Thompson, Matt Waletzko, Pete NygraBenson was one of the big stories of mandatory minicamp — enough so that it’d be a surprise at this point if he doesn’t make the Chiefs’ initial 53. Driskell is an interesting name to watch after he missed all of last season following an appendectomy. The Chiefs kept him on their active roster throughout 2024 as a developmental player, but we haven’t heard much about him since.Defensive line (8)In: George Karlaftis, Chris Jones, Khyiris Tonga, Ashton Gillotte, Peter Woods, R Mason Thomas, Omarr Norman-Lott, Felix Anudike-UzomahMissed the cut: Amari McNeill, Anthony Dunn, Cole Brevard, Damon Payne, Marcus Harris, Tyreke Smith, V.J. AnthonyThe Chiefs typically keep nine or 10 defensive linemen, but right now, it’s tough to figure out who the top candidate would be for No. 9. It might actually be Ethan Downs, who “officially” switched positions to linebacker this offseason but has played defensive end for the Chiefs in the past. Another question that looms: Will Norman-Lott start the season on the physically unable to perform list while still recovering from his torn ACL last October? It sure seems like there’s room here for an unexpected player to emerge and make the team.Linebackers (6)In: Drue Tranquill, Nick Bolton, Cooper McDonald, Jeffrey Bassa, Ethan Downs, Jack CochraneMissed the cut: Cole Christiansen, Kam Arnold, Wesley BissaintheSpecial teams coach Dave Toub typically gets a lot of say about the team’s final linebacker, meaning Cochrane should have the inside track thanks to his previous work there. Toub also spoke in recent weeks about being pleased with Downs as a special teams player; we’ll add him to the roster here as a defensive end/linebacker hybrid. Is McDonald ready to step in for free-agent departure Leo Chenal as the team’s strongside linebacker? He’ll be one worth watching closely once July practices start.Cornerback Chris Roland-Wallace could be in line for a bigger role this season. (Jay Biggerstaff / Imagn Images)Cornerbacks (6)In: Mansoor Delane, Nohl Williams, Kristian Fulton, Chris Roland-Wallace, Jadon Canady, L’Jarius SneedMissed the cut: Kader Kohou, Kaiir Elam, Kevin Knowles, Bryce Phillips, D’Arco Perkins-McAllister, Melvin Smith, Zelmar VedderI’ve seen some consider Kohou a lock for the roster, but I’m not so sure at this point. He didn’t flash much during recent workouts, and his contract (one year, $1.81 million) isn’t the kind that should prevent the Chiefs from cutting him if they feel that’s best. Roland-Wallace, meanwhile, has long been a favorite of defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo and should compete for regular snaps as a cross-trained slot corner/safety.Safeties (4)In: Alohi Gilman, Chamarri Conner, Jaden Hicks, Xavier NwankpaMissed the cut: DeShon Singleton, Tanner McCalisterToub has already cited Nwankpa (pronounced WAUM-puh) as a special teams standout. That’s a great start for an undrafted free agent trying to earn his way. It’ll also be a big year for Hicks to show he can be more reliable with assignments while trying to regain Spagnuolo’s trust.Specialists (3)In: K Harrison Butker, P Matt Araiza, LS James WinchesterMissed the cut: NoneThough the Chiefs have sporadically brought in competition for specialist roles in training camp, they didn’t this season. Something will have gone very wrong if these three aren’t the Week 1 starters.