Over the weekend, the Kansas City Chiefs coaching staff got its first look at the rookie draft class. That included all their 2026 draft picks, along with a plethora of undrafted free agents and camp invites. So, what did we learn?
The Kansas City Chiefs have received high marks for their 2026 NFL Draft selections. In fact, most have given them ‘A’ marks. Though we won’t know their true impact until the pads come on and the games matter, there was a gleam to this group of rookies that has the coaching staff excited.
New Wide Receiver Coach Chad O’Shea might be something special. In limited viewing, you could tell his command of the position would be a huge asset in reshaping the Chiefs’ receivers into the image he is projecting.
Known for his tactical style on the practice field, a pair of rookies stood out. Fifth-round draft pick Cyrus Allen and his college teammate, undrafted from Cincinnati, Jeff Caldwell, were impressive in their debuts.
With a crowded wide receiver room that includes Rashee Rice, Xavier Worthy, Tyquan Thornton, Jalen Royals, and the expected return of Tyreek Hill in June, O’Shea could have the AFC West’s best receivers.
Now, he must cure some bad habits, but Patrick Mahomes should be the beneficiary once he’s on the practice field later this summer. Still, the kids from Cincinnati were the highlights of the position groups.
On defense, secondary coach Dave Merritt spent a lot of time with fourth-round pick John Canady from Oregon. In watching clips, he has fluid hips and already reminds me of Trent McDuffie.
However, what made Canady so special at Oregon and why the Chiefs are excited to get him in the defensive backfield is his ability to keep his eyes on the football. If there was a weakness in the Chiefs’ last season, it was that their defensive backs struggled to turn their heads in coverage to find the ball.
That will change with Canady.
Another player who flashed potential was a second-round pick, R. Mason Thomas from Oklahoma. Yes, he reminds some of Derrick Thomas, but I think it’s more like Von Miller because he can rush the passer standing up or in a three-technique.
Further, what makes him so versatile as a pass rusher is his ability to split the tackle and guard – something we’ve not seen in Kansas City in decades from an edge rusher.
Yes, it’s too early to see what the Chiefs have with their picks, but one thing for certain is that first-round picks Mansoor Delane and Peter Woods turned quite a few heads over the weekend.
Woods is now listed as a defensive end on the Chiefs’ depth chart and could play more outside than inside, where he can be a dominating force. The fact that he’s as versatile as a rookie defender as the wily veteran Chris Jones has to make defensive line coach Joe Cullen giddy.
Mansoor is already locked in as a starter, and I can’t find any reason the NFL’s speed will hinder his rise to playmaker for the Chiefs. He’s so smooth in pass coverage, and his ability to support the run and alter passing angles against opposing quarterbacks should make him an instant star in a Chiefs uniform.
In all, Head Coach Andy Reid had praise for the new kids in town, and it’s clear competition is going to rule the 53-man roster. Though it’s early, this young class is hellbent on making an impact, and that’s a good thing for the Chiefs’ comeback season.
