The Kansas City Chiefs will play their first exhibition game Saturday against the Arizona Cardinals. With a day off today to recharge their batteries, several players have stood out in training camp and will play a significant role this weekend.
The buzz around training camp continues to focus on left tackle Josh Simmons. Praised by coaches, players, fans, and NFL analysts who have observed him so far, everyone agrees that he’s something special.
The fact that he’s taken every snap at left tackle since camp opened indicates there’s little doubt he’ll be the opening day starter. Additionally, the fact that he doesn’t wear any brace or sleeve on his surgically repaired knee is quite remarkable.
Head Coach Andy Reid says his work ethic is unmatched, and he has met every challenge so far. If this trend continues into the regular season, you can expect at least an extra five to seven points per game from this offense in 2025.
However, he’s not the only rookie attracting attention. Wide Receiver Jalen Royals has stood out among this talented group. Although Hollywood Brown remains injured, a big concern for this franchise, and is expected to see limited action in the three preseason games. With the Rashee Rice suspension looming, Royals is taking full advantage of the opportunity to be the insurance policy for Brown and Rice.
Watching Royals at camp, I was impressed by how strong his route running is at this stage. Usually, rookie receivers enter the NFL with some poor habits learned in college, but he’s breaking that trend. I’ll go further: he seems to know exactly where to be on the field when Mahomes leaves the pocket.
Another rookie starting to stand out is edge rusher Ashston Gillette. After being schooled by Simmons for much of camp, the young player from Louisville has turned the tables on the young tackle several times over the weekend.
That’s a good sign because you can never have enough pass rushers. However, what makes Gillette so impressive is his ability to spin between the tackle and the guard to reach the quarterback. If he keeps that up, something every defensive end should add to their moves, he might earn significant playing time.
On the veteran front, I marvel at tight end Travis Kelce. He looks ten years younger and may be in the best shape of his career. Of course, he’s living a fantastic life with his girlfriend, Taylor Swift, which undoubtedly helps, but he looks faster than he did a year ago.
In 2024, we all agreed age caught up to Kelce, but he’s erased that doubt that 2025 won’t be a turn-back-the-clock season. Furthermore, I believe if he has a stellar year, he’ll be back in 2026.
Much of the camp focus has been on the battle at right tackle between Jawaan Taylor and Jaylon Moore. Taylor admitted that what we reported all offseason is true — he played with a bum knee from October through the Super Bowl.
He had a knee scope in March, which placed him on the PUP list at the start of camp. When he spoke to the media, he was honest about the pain he experienced, but I also feel he understands this could be his last season in Kansas City.
If it is, he plans to make the most of it and prevent Moore from taking his job. Reid has said the top five offensive linemen will start, and right now, the Chiefs have six.
The boys will be back at practice Tuesday morning, and they’ll set up the game prep for Saturday’s preseason debut. For some players, this will be a chance to compete for the last five spots on the roster.
Let the games start!
