On Saturday, led by quarterback Patrick Mahomes, the Kansas City Chiefs opened their 2026 training camp for the rookie class. Over the last two days, the young players showed what they can do ahead of the veterans reporting this week. From all accounts, they appear to understand the task ahead.
It’s early, and two days without pads doesn’t mean a whole lot in terms of getting a pulse on training camp for the Kansas City Chiefs. However, based on the images we could get and the way the Chiefs’ young draft class spoke about expectations for playing with a Super Bowl contender, it should leave fans invigorated.
The Kansas City Chiefs have a plethora of questions heading into training camp. They are no longer the hunted in the NFL hierarchy; they are the hunters. Even with Patrick Mahomes cleared to practice and the veterans set to arrive in a couple of days, the 2026 season could hinge on the success of their draft class.
So what did we glean from the young kids as they took their first stroll down the hill in St. Joe?
CB Mansoor Delaney – The Chiefs’ first pick was limited in practice as he recovers from a shoulder injury he sustained at OTAs in May. Head Coach Andy Reid already indicated it would be a short stint in the yellow jersey for the sixth overall pick.
Delaney, in turn, said the same thing when he spoke to the media. Yet what was impressive about his comments on Saturday was that he fully grasped that the Chiefs chose him to do a job. He already has a mountain of expectations on his shoulders, and he has fully embraced them.
DT Peter Woods – I still can’t believe this multi-talented defensive player made it to the end of the first round. The Chiefs have one of the most versatile defenders in the 2026 draft class. I’ll be excited to see where he lines up on the defensive line.
He spoke about the honor of playing for the Chiefs and already has a clear impression of Defensive Coordinator Steve Spagnuolo and Defensive Line Coach Joe Cullen, which has put a bullseye on their expectations for his rookie season. To his credit, Woods has embraced all of it and appears ready for the challenge ahead.
Edge R Mason Thomas – The more film I watch of him regarding the Chiefs’ second-round pick, the better I feel about his potential. What we learned about him is how astute he is at this age about how the body needs to adjust when attacking the quarterback. It’s clear the Chiefs could have found an impact pass rusher who relishes the role he’s been given by the team.
He talked about modeling his game after Denver Broncos pass rusher Nic Bonitto, whom he will see in person in Week One when the Chiefs host their AFC West rivals. It’s also clear that Mason Thomas spent time in the gym after the end of mini-camp. Adding muscle to aid his power off the line of scrimmage was necessary, and it appears he’s done just that.
CB Jadon Canady – Though he bounced around in college, he found a home at Oregon, where he became a standout defender and was drafted by the Chiefs in the fourth round. He already made an impression with a nifty interception. He also spoke highly of secondary coach Dave Merritt. Though Delane and Canady were drafted on different days, they are embracing the same expectations.
RB Emmitt Johnson – I’m not going to say he was a steal in the fifth round, especially given his output last season at Nebraska, but he’s destined for NFL greatness. What stood out was his nonstop workouts between Mini-Camp and the start of camp. He looked chiseled and showed bursts of his talent in limited footage. He’s already embraced being the understudy to the Chiefs’ top free-agent signing, Kenneth Walker III, who has taken him under his wing.
WR Cyrus Allen – He might be the hardest draft pick to evaluate. He has so much talent and exudes confidence that you need to be excited about his potential. What stood out in his banter with the media was that he’s already grasped the theory that short answers are better, understands that playing with Patrick Mahomes represents the big leagues, and knows that every snap matters.
