Chiefs rookies
Chiefs rookies
It is completely understandable to say it is early, but after seeing how often these Kansas City Chiefs rookies are showing up in camp reports and clips, Chiefs fans being excited makes sense.
Peter Woods is making plays against veteran offensive linemen. R Mason Thomas has shown the speed and hand moves that made him an intriguing second-round pick, and Cyrus Allen has developed a connection with Patrick Mahomes that has people talking. Even seventh-round quarterback Garrett Nussmeier has gotten some attention during camp.
Mansoor Delane, Jadon Canady and Emmett Johnson are three other rookies who are trying to find their place on a roster with plenty of competition.
The excitement reminds fans of Kansas City’s 2022 draft class. A young group with a wide range of personalities but talented players who loved the game. A group of young players that eventually became important pieces of a Super Bowl team.
Obviously, nobody knows if this year’s class will have the same impact. But what makes this group interesting is how many different rookies have already given fans something to watch.
Chiefs Rookies Are Generating Plenty of Hype Ahead of the Preseason
Peter Woods Keeps Turning Heads
Woods has consistently been one of the names coming out of camp, especially after his reps against All-Pro center Creed Humphrey. If a young player can beat an All-Pro, it will turn heads.
Watching Woods, he looks leaner and plays with technique more than raw power. It’s impressive to watch.
Feels like every time I see peter woods reps he wins them he might be a demon usually its js practice and it might not mean much but with the people he's going against it does https://t.co/6nbYmhDXxE
— PATRICK_MOWX (@PATRICK_KCWX) August 4, 2026
That quickness is a big reason why Woods has generated so much attention. He is not simply trying to overpower offensive linemen. He is using his hands, footwork and ability to get off the ball to create problems.
Andy Reid has already compared Woods’ build and interior quickness to former Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald. That’s a huge compliment for a rookie, but Reid also made clear that Woods has plenty to prove. Spagnuolo echoed that idea, pointing to Woods’ footwork and pad level as areas that still need work.
Steve Spagnuolo on DT Peter Woods:
“I think he's got a ways to go… but when he does get his feet right, he does keep his pad level low, he's a pretty good football player.”
Adds: “Pete’s one of them thick, good-looking D-[lineman]” pic.twitter.com/kO4cIiBsYk
— KC Sports Network (@KCSportsNetwork) August 6, 2026
That is an important part of evaluating Woods’ game. The physical tools are clear. Now the Chiefs need to see how consistently he can use them against NFL competition.
If Woods can become a reliable interior pass rusher, Kansas City could have another young defensive lineman capable of making an impact early in his career.
R Mason Thomas Could Find a Role Early
Thomas is another rookie who has caught people’s attention during camp. Thomas has been quick when he gets into a blocker. On one rep against Kahlil Benson, he wins with his hands before using his speed to get around the edge.
Blocked by the play clock: but Mahomes finds Gray here. R Mason won against Benson. pic.twitter.com/flrcfFaj5F
— Farzin Vousoughian (@Farzin21) August 5, 2026
Against Josh Simmons, Thomas was able to drive him back in one-on-ones a few times.
R Mason Thomas lands the inside hands against Simmons and drives him back in 1v1. pic.twitter.com/RHQzRQTsGp
— Caleb James (@CJScoobs) August 5, 2026
These reps show why his speed is interesting, but his hands are just as important. Offensive linemen have to account for that speed. However, the faster Thomas runs around offensive tackles and uses his hands, the better for this team.
He is showing an ability to get into the blocker, create movement, and then use his quickness. If you are a fan, it is worth watching because the Chiefs don’t necessarily need Thomas to become a 10-sack player immediately.
If Chris Jones and Woods are creating pressure inside, Thomas may get opportunities to clean up plays on the edge.
Ideally, Thomas can become a situational rusher or quality depth player. He doesn’t have to be thrown into the fire as a rookie. The Chiefs can put him in situations where he can use the skills he excels at while continuing to develop the rest of his game.
The preseason should give us a better idea of how Kansas City plans to use him.
Cyrus Allen Is Becoming the Rookie Everyone Is Talking About
On offense, wide receiver Cyrus Allen has become one of the biggest stories of Chiefs training camp.
The fifth-round pick from Cincinnati has looked fast and has run his routes really well. The comparisons being thrown around include Stefon Diggs, a player the Chiefs were interested in and now have to pivot.
There is plenty of reason to slow down with comparisons like that, but Allen’s camp performance has given people something to talk about.
Cyrus Allen might honestly be the most talented wide receiver we’ve drafted since Tyreek Hill, and we got them both in the fifth round.
I hope it translates to the NFL, and to this offense, but the talent has been undeniable.
— Daily Chiefs (@Daily_Chiefs_) August 8, 2026
The biggest thing people have noticed is how often Allen is creating separation. He has shown that he can beat defensive backs with his releases and route running rather than relying on straight-line speed. Allen has also shown good ball skills, including a few contested catches and a one-handed grab that needed him to maintain possession through contact.
It’s really good to see special plays from young players.
Allen isn’t getting open against second-team and third-team guys and catching easy passes. He has had opportunities against some of Kansas City’s better defensive backs and has kept plays.
Mahomes’ trust is another important part of the story.
“The quarterback trusts him,” Chiefs head coach Andy Reid told reporters. Allen’s opportunities with the first-team offense have increased during camp. Mahomes has found him during his progressions and has been rewarded with passes thrown his way.
For a fifth-round receiver, that’s huge.
Allen is also showing that he understands the game beyond catching the football. He has been working to learn the entire playbook, including pass protections, while the coaching staff has challenged him to recognize coverage and make quicker decisions on option routes.
That shows up on film, too. In the red zone, Allen was used on a rub route that helped create space for Kenneth Walker III. It is a small detail, but it shows Allen can help the offense even when he isn’t catching the ball.
Reid is known for being careful with young players in his offense, so Allen earning opportunities with the first team is worth watching. The Baltimore Ravens game will provide the next test and show whether his route running, quickness and understanding of the offense carry over against another team.
Not Every Rookie Is Flying Up the Depth Chart
The excitement surrounding the rookie class doesn’t mean every player is having a perfect camp.
Emmett Johnson has had a quieter start. The fifth-round running back had an excellent final season at Nebraska and a good rookie camp. But he is currently behind Kenneth Walker III, Brashard Smith and Emari Demercado. Reid has also pointed out that Johnson needs to keep his pad level lower when he runs.
That’s something worth watching when the preseason games start.
Jadon Canady is also fighting for his role in a crowded secondary unit. He may have to make his biggest impact on special teams before earning a larger defensive role.
Mansoor Delane has a different challenge. The sixth overall pick has missed time with a shoulder injury, and defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo has talked about the importance of building continuity in the defense. The best ability is availability, and sadly, Delane needs to show that first.
For a player drafted that high, getting healthy and back into the defense is important. Kansas City needs to see Delane get meaningful repetitions and become comfortable within Spagnuolo’s system.
These players still have time to change the conversation.
Three Things to Watch Against Baltimore
When the Chiefs face the Ravens next Saturday in the preseason, there are three things worth watching from this rookie class.
First, can Woods create the same kind of disruption against an offensive line he has not been practicing against all week? His work against Humphrey has created plenty of attention during camp, but the preseason will provide the first opportunity to see whether that quickness and technique can translate against another team.
Second, can Allen’s chemistry with Patrick Mahomes or any of the Chiefs quarterbacks carry over into a game? Allen has consistently created separation and made plays throughout camp. How he handles physical coverage, contested catches and the speed of a preseason game should give another clue of how quickly he can earn a role.
Finally, which rookie who has not received as much attention during camp gives Chiefs fans another name to remember? Who can be Kansas City’s Haynes King? Training camp has already put Woods, Thomas and Allen in the spotlight, but preseason games have a way of introducing players who were not part of the conversation a week earlier.
There are enough positive reports from Chiefs training camp to understand why this rookie class has created so much excitement. The Ravens game will provide the first chance to see which of those camp flashes can turn into something tangible.
Main Photo Courtesy of Denny Medley – Imagn Images