The final week of the NFL preseason is here and while the Kansas City Chiefs were one of the first teams to wrap up their final game, they still have the same amount of time to figure out their 53-man roster as every other team.
Tuesday, August 27th will be the deadline for the cutdowns which unfortunately means there will be hundreds of players let go. For the Chiefs, that could very well include these 12 players who are on the roster bubble.
12. Fabien Lovett, DT
Fabien Lovett began his collegiate career at Mississippi State where he was a redshirt in his freshman season. In 2019, he saw action for the first time, recording 19 tackles and a sack for the Bulldogs. That proved to be his final season with the SEC program as he headed to Florida State for the next four seasons.
With the Seminoles, he appeared in 39 games and had 74 tackles (12 for a loss) with five sacks. His stat line wasn't wildly impressive but he was a space-eater at 6-foot-4 and 314 pounds. That wasn't enough to get him drafted but the Chiefs liked him enough to sign him to an undrafted free-agent contract.
Unfortunately for Lovett, he didn't stand out much in the preseason. He had just two tackles and there are far too many other options ahead of him for the rookie to make the 53-man roster at this point. Perhaps he's retained on the practice squad but right now, that's likely his ceiling.
11. Ian Book, QB
The Kansas City Chiefs not only have arguably the best quarterback in the NFL in Patrick Mahomes (okay, it's not arguable, he's the best) but he's also one of the more durable. He rarely misses starts, unless the division is already wrapped up, and has even found ways to play through incredibly painful injuries - including when he toughed out a high ankle sprain during a Super Bowl run.
That's why it's not likely the Chiefs keep three quarterbacks on the 53-man roster. With Carson Wentz behind him, they have their two guys set. Sure, Wentz isn't the same player we saw nearly win the 2017 NFL MVP but he's a trusted backup who can keep the offense moving.
With those two securing their spots, that means Ian Book and Chris Oladokun are both likely to be cut. Book, a former Notre Dame star, was taken in the fourth round of the 2021 NFL Draft by Sean Payton of the New Orleans Saints. Payton believed he could be developed into a starter, even putting him in one game as a rookie.
New Orleans lost Book's lone start and he threw just 135 yards with no touchdowns and two picks. When Payton left, Book's tenure ended and he's bounced around the NFL. He could still find a way to the practice squad and his two-touchdown performance against Chicago could help. But Oladukon has been with Kansas City since 2022 meaning he has the edge there and Book could be looking for a new home once again.
10. Irv Smith, Jr., TE
After an impressive final season at Alabama, Irv Smith, Jr. was selected in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft (50th overall) by the Minnesota Vikings. His rookie season was spent as the No. 2 tight end and with Kevin Stefanski calling offensive plays, they were heavily reliant on two tight end sets with Smith on one side and veteran Kyle Rudolph on the other.
He impressed with 311 yards and two touchdowns on 36 receptions. Even when Stefanski left to take the head coaching job in Cleveland, Smith remained a featured piece of the offensive puzzle. In year two, he had 365 yards on 30 receptions with five touchdowns.
From there, injuries had an impact on Smith. He missed the entire 2021 season when he tore his meniscus and needed surgery to repair his knee. He then suffered an ankle injury in Week 8 of the 2022 campaign, limiting him to just eight games.
He signed with the Cincinnati Bengals in 2023 but was hardly a factor. Despite playing in a pass-first offense, he had just 115 yards and a touchdown on 18 catches. That was a career-low 6.4 yards per catch and for his career, he now has just 8.9 yards per reception.
Joining Kansas City this offseason seemed to be a solid move from Smith. Working with an offensive mind such as Andy Reid has worked wonders for athletic players in the past. Unfortunately, things haven't gone as planned and he finished a slow offseason with just three yards on one catch against the Bears. Smith has never been a lock to make the team but his low output in the preseason finale might have been enough to seal his fate.
9. Louis Rees-Zammit, RB
Welsh rugby star Louis Rees-Zammit attempted to live out his NFL dream. Nicknamed 'Rees-Lightning', the athletic Rees-Zammit attended a pro day at South Florida in March of 2024. He garnered a lot of attention, which made sense considering he put up a 4.43 in the 40-yard dash and played a violent game such as rugby.
Following his workout, he explained why it meant so much to him to have this opportunity.
"It's always been on my mind," Rees-Zammit said after his tryout. "My dad has been a massive role model to me because he brought me up loving the sport. He played the sport when he was younger so it's quite easy to love the game because I've been watching it from such a young age. So, it's always been in the back of my head, but it's just amazing to finally do it now."
He had several teams interested but chose the Kansas City Chiefs, who decided to give him a shot at running back. He didn't do much in the first two preseason games but had a solid outing against Chicago. He ripped off a 10-yard run, the longest of his short career, and finished with 21 yards on four attempts.
It's not going to be enough to make the team with Isiah Pacheco, Deneric Prince, and Clyde Edwards-Helaire all ahead of him. But it should be enough for him to get a shot on the practice squad. That is, unless another team decides to take a chance with a waiver claim.
8. Kelvin Joseph, CB
A native of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Kelvin Joseph was originally a member of his hometown team, the LSU Tigers. He appeared in 11 games as a true freshman and appeared destined to be a solid defensive back Then, he was suspended ahead of the 2019 Fiesta Bowl for violating team rules, which ultimately led to his transfer.
Joseph joined the Kentucky Wildcats and after sitting out a year, he started nine games in 2020. He felt that was enough and went into the NFL where the Dallas Cowboys took him in Round 2.
Dallas believed they hit another home run after landing Trevon Diggs the prior year out of Alabama. Others saw it as a reach and questioned Joseph's character.
As a rookie, he was slowed by a groin injury but when healthy, showed flashes in his 10 appearances with 16 tackles and two pass defenses. He was expected to compete for a starting role in 2022 despite being the subject of some major controversy in the offseason. Joseph was a "person of interest" in a fatal shooting and it was learned later he was in the car where the shots were fired from.
He never won the starting job and in 2023 was traded to the Miami Dolphins for Noah Igbinoghene. He was released in November and finished the season with the Seattle Seahawks.
Kansas City added him as a reserves/futures signing in January of 2024. He's been a pleasant surprise in camp but didn't stand out in the preseason, earning a coverage grade of just 52.1 from Pro Football Focus. With others on the roster such as rookie Kamal Hadden and Ekow Boye-Doe, it might already be the end of the line for Joseph in Kansas City.
7. Kadarius Toney, WR
A first-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, the New York Giants hoped they could turn Kadarius Toney from a raw talent into a game-changing wide receiver.
Rumors had the Giants targeting DeVonta Smith with their first pick in the draft but the Dallas Cowboys traded from No. 10 to No. 12, allowing the Philadelphia Eagles to leap past the Giants and take the Alabama wideout. New York then traded down with the Chicago Bears, who took Justin Fields. Once back on the clock at No. 20, the Giants decided on Toney.
While incredibly athletic, Toney had just one season with true production at the receiver position. After never topping more than 260 yards receiving, and twice being held under 200 yards, he recorded 70 receptions for 984 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2020.
That gave New York confidence that he could develop into a star and wasn't bad as a rookie. Toney recorded 420 yards on 39 receptions. However, he didn't score a touchdown and was ejected in one game for throwing a punch at Damontae Kazee of the Dallas Cowboys.
Toney was eventually traded to the Chiefs who hoped to cash in on his potential. He did set a set a Super Bowl record when he ran back a 65-yard punt in their win over the Eagles but it hasn't been smooth sailing since then.
Kansas City could be ready to move on, especially after adding Xavier Worthy and Marquise Brown this offseason.
6. Nikko Remigio, WR
The 2023 undrafted fan-favorite has been locked in an intense battle at the end of the wide receiver room, and his limited snaps in the preseason finale seem to have sealed Remigio's fate.
Special teams coordinator Dave Toub said he'd be "pounding the table" for Remigio to make the final roster. Even still, he appears to be firmly behind Mecole Hardman, Justyn Ross, and Skyy Moore on the depth chart. The organization will certainly try to keep him on the practice squad, though he could be a popular waiver wire add around the league.
WR: The Chiefs mostly went with some combination of Ross (27), Toney (17) and Hardman (24). Moore didn’t play on offense but returned a couple of kicks. Remigio played just one snap, an ominous sign for him. Powell also got a snap.
— Adam Teicher (@adamteicher) August 23, 2024
TE: Wiley 25, Smith 12, Cupp 3
It's still possible that Remigio beats out Moore or Ross for the final spot in the receiver room but it looks less likely by the day. He had just two catches for five yards in the loss to the Bears, seemingly falling out of favor following a tough Week 1 performance in which he muffed a punt and had a ball ripped out of his hands for a defensive TD that was overturned by a botched call from the referees.
Nonetheless, it's obvious the coaching staff likes what Remigio brings to the table. He's an adept route-runner and strong on special teams, qualities the organization covets.
The former Fresno State star admitted that it's out of his hands but hopes he's done enough to show the team's brass that he belongs. If Remigio is indeed cut, it'll be one of the most difficult choices that Andy Reid and Brett Veach have to make.
With such a crowded group at the position, it's becoming harder to imagine his place on the team unless someone like Moore winds up as a surprise cut.
5. Deneric Prince, RB
Just like Remigio, Deneric Prince still has a chance to make the team. Unless Reid surprisingly chooses to keep fewer offensive linemen though, Prince's opportunity looks slim at best. He spent most of the summer as the No. 2 running back while Clyde Edwards-Helaire dealt with his off-field health concerns, yet budding Kansas City sensation Carson Steele has overtaken Prince.
The undrafted rookie out of Ball State and UCLA has been the Chiefs' preseason MVP, adding 50 yards and a TD on four carries while showcasing return chops as well. For all of the promise that Prince showed, Steele is cleary a better fit for this roster and should be viewed as a virtual lock to make the 53-man group.
Prince, meanwhile, had three carries for -1 yards and one catch for two, ending with four touches for one single yard. Compared to Steele's outing, it's obvious who is ahead on the depth chart.
Based on what we've seen, there's no reason to protect Deneric Prince. Can claim him back for practice squad without having to clog up roster spot for key waiver claims or further moves in next week. Chiefs should be eyeing any RBs of interest.
— Matt Conner (@MattConnerAA) August 22, 2024
Reid and offensive coordinator Matt Nagy do like what Prince brings to the table. He'll be a priority practice squad add assuming he's cut.
Not even a month ago, Prince looked like a lock to make the roster. Suddenly, he's on the outside looking in. That's the nature of the NFL, especially when an undrafted rookie captures the city's attention like Steele has.
The former Tulsa standout finished his 2024 preseason with 14 carries for 62 yards.
4. Chukwuebuka "Chu" Godrick, OT
"Chu" Godrick is a promising tackle prospect out of the NFL's International Player Pathway program, the same that landed Louis Rees-Zammit in Kansas City. The six-foot-five, 293-pound offensive lineman originally joined the practice squad in 2023 and showed a lot of promise throughout the summer, so he'll likely be someone who sticks on the practice squad after initial cuts go through.
Godrick has a legitimate argument to make the roster, though Lucas Niang is clearly ahead of him on the depth chart, as are versatile linemen like Wanya Morris and Mike Caliendo.
Given the level of competition at a variety of other positions on the roster, Godrick is a logical cut candidate to get down to 53 by Tuesday.
If the injury Morris sustained on Thursday keeps him out for a significant period of time or even lands him on the Injured Reserve list, Godrick has a path to a roster spot. However, Andy Reid said after the contest that Morris' injury didn't seem severe, reducing the likelihood that Godrick sticks around.
Reid typically likes to keep extra offensive linemen, but similar to seventh-round pick C.J. Hanson, Godrick's most likely outcome remains on the practice squad.
3. Cornell Powell, WR
2021 fifth-round pick Cornell Powell had a fantastic preseason, catching six passes for 104 yards and two TDs during three games. He had two catches for 16 yards and score against the Bears, but he's an easy cut candidate given the number of receivers head of him on the depth chart.
The former Clemson star has failed to stick around at the NFL level, appearing in just three games in the regular season since being drafted. This preseason has been perhaps his best showcase, so there's optimism Powell could be poached by another squad in need of receiver help.
That being said, his most likely outcome is still landing on someone's practice squad, whether that's in Kansas City or elsewhere.
Cornell Powell took this one all the way to the crib 🏡
— NFL (@NFL) August 17, 2024
📺: #DETvsKC on @NFLNetwork
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/UPHsiZ5XiP
With how many injuries come at the position across the league every year, this could finally be the season that Powell hears his number called and contributes in the regular season. It's hard to imagine how that impact could come for the Chiefs, but he was impressive enough to earn a look regardless.
Kansas City has tough decisions to make on Kadarius Toney, Skyy Moore, Nikko Remigio, and Justyn Ross, to say nothing of special teams maestro Montrell Washington. Powell is firmly on the outside looking in despite his strong few weeks of play.
2. Emani Bailey, RB
Emani Bailey entered training camp with a legitimate chance to earn the third running back role. Similar to Deneric Prince though, Carson Steele's steady rise has left Bailey without a place on the roster.
A dynamic workhorse running back from TCU, Bailey had 1,393 yards from scrimmage with nine TDs during his final collegiate season. Despite his small five-foot-eight stature, he's a solid pass blocker who displays impressive agility and keen vision.
If Prince is indeed cut, he'll be ahead of Bailey on the Chiefs' practice squad priority list. Kansas City kept multiple backs on the practice squad in 2023, so Bailey still has the opportunity to stick around if he's impressed the coaching staff enough.
It seems more likely that Louis Rees-Zammit would earn a practice squad spot ahead of Bailey given the former's sky-high potential. Bailey had six carries for 23 yards, including an 11-yard scamper, against the Bears in what was his best preseason game.
Perhaps another organization will place Bailey on their practice squad, though it seems his days with the Chiefs will be limited to this summer.
1. Ethan Driskell, OT
Andy Reid and offensive line coach Andy Heck almost certainly want to find roster space for Ethan Driskell, the undrafted six-foot-eight behemoth with terrific agility, though it's hard to imagine how they can make room for him.
The former Marshall star helped spearhead one of the nation's best rushing attacks in 2023, and his skillset was apparent throughout the preseason. He routinely reached the second level on his blocks, utilizing his size and speed to punish defensive linemen with regularity.
He was a basketball star growing up before transitioning to football full-time. Driskell should be a priority practice squad player, and it wouldn't be surprising to see him start games at tackle for Kansas City within a year or two should injuries arise.
Checkout Chiefs rookie LT Ethan Driskell get downfield here. Guys who are 6-foot-8 usually don't move like this. And if they do, they're usually high picks. Still trying to figure out how Driskell went undrafted last April.
— Jim Nagy (@JimNagy_SB) August 18, 2024
Another scouting W for KC.pic.twitter.com/NK7InFpsyX
The Chiefs' somewhat supernatural scouting ability to find excellent players late in drafts, or even undrafted altogether, is a sort of a blessing and a curse. It's helped them find diamonds in the rough like Driskell but unfortunately, the team still only gets 53 roster spots.
Fighting for a three-peat with a loaded roster means Driskell will need to wait a year, yet he's got a bright future in the NFL either way.
Here's hoping the rest of the league didn't notice his potential and Kansas City can sneak Driskell onto the practice squad.
