Chiefs 2022 53-Man Roster Prediction: Quarterbacks -

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Making an NFL team’s 53-man roster for the start of the season is incredibly challenging. Some spots are filled more for niche roles and experience, rather than just simply draft status or ability. Meanwhile, special teams can make certain position battles more intense, especially for the final depth pieces looking to make it. The Kansas City Chiefs are no different than other teams.

For instance, they find themselves having to make tough decisions in key spots. This team also underwent a massive amount of changes this offseason. As a result, the opportunities are there for the taking at many spots on the 53-man roster. Though, expectations may vary all across the depth chart, at the same time.

Over the next couple of weeks, we will be going position by position, giving our best predictions of who will make the Chiefs 2022 53-man roster. Practice squads will once again be maxed out at 16 players as well. In addition to the 53-man roster, we will also give our best bets at who may make it back to Kansas City as part of the practice squad. Without further ado, let’s kick things off. The quarterback position is up first for the Chiefs.

Current Quarterbacks On Chiefs Roster

Looking For Redemption?

By the standards of Mahomes, it was certainly a down year for him in 2021. Most of his struggles came in the early portion of the season. For the most part, passes were being forced into tight windows or tight spaces. Mahomes simply did not look comfortable here and there during the early games behind his new-look offensive line. Finally, his accuracy and ball placement, usually staples of his game when he is on, were all over the place.

Mahomes did finish the season stronger in the second half. Although, the team fell short of their ultimate goal, losing in the AFC Championship Game to the Cincinnati Bengals. It was also a blown lead against the Bengals that cost them the game. Mahomes and the offense appeared to lose focus and control. That was especially astonishing, given their terrific start in the first half. They were also coming off of an epic win over the Buffalo Bills, a game in which Mahomes was flawless.

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With the changes at wide receiver, Mahomes may have a more balanced group of pass catchers around him this season. Despite losing one of the league’s best in Tyreek Hill, Mahomes may be able to keep defenses guessing more often as to where he is looking to attack. For a guy that wants all the pressure and carries himself with a constant chip on his shoulder, that could bode tremendously for Mahomes and the Chiefs offense in 2022.

Sticking With Henne?

Ever since Mahomes became the Chiefs starting quarterback in 2018, Henne has been his backup. At least going into the season, anyways. Henne did suffer a season ending injury during the preseason in 2019. Matt Moore was signed afterwards, eventually making some notable appearances. The veteran presence and experience that he brings to the room has been essential in aiding the development of the Texas Tech product. Mahomes has touched on how Henne’s weekly routine and situational awareness have been learning points for him.

Moreover, Henne has been able to step in and be productive when necessary. When Mahomes suffered a freak head/neck injury in the playoffs two years ago, it was Henne who made the crucial completions and laid his body on the line to make vital plays for Kansas City. On the other hand, the Chiefs have been fortunate to have someone who can add an encouraging and leading type of voice to Mahomes and others on offense. It would be surprising not to see Henne serve as the backup in KC once again in 2022.

Sticking Around?

While possibly not set to be the backup quarterback just yet, there was a little excitement into the flashes that Buechele showed last season. He came in as an undrafted free agent signee in 2021 and appeared to catch the eye of Andy Reid. It may not be to the same ability as Mahomes and Henne. However, Buechele’s ability to hit on passes in all areas of the field could allow him to make the practice squad again this year.

Crum was an undrafted free agent signing this year out of Kent State. It is important to note that he appeared in 47 games for the Golden Flashes across five different seasons. While Crum likely has an uphill climb to make the practice squad, he provides a quick release, efficiency in the intermediate passing game and can occasionally add rushing ability. We are predicting that he will not make the Chiefs practice squad, nonetheless.

Prediction

Starter: Patrick Mahomes

Backup: Chad Henne

On The Practice Squad: Shane Buechele

Be on the lookout for more of our FPC Chiefs 53-man roster prediction articles and more Kansas City analysis in the coming days. For more great sports and NFL content, stay tuned to Full Press Coverage.

– Braden Holecek is the Kansas City Chiefs managing editor for Full Press Coverage. He covers the NFL. Like and follow on Follow @ebearcat9 //platform.twitter.com/widgets.js Follow @FPC_Chiefs //platform.twitter.com/widgets.js and Facebook.