After the NFL Draft in April, the Kansas City Chiefs were widely seen as winners after going all in to build a new, young core following the team's worst season in over a decade. The Chiefs knew they couldn't squander any more prime years of Patrick Mahomes’ career, and the 2026 draft would be crucial to getting back on track.
Holding the ninth overall pick, Chiefs fans were conflicted over who they wanted, but landing a key player was the top priority for everyone from fans to coaches to the GM. As it turns out, Brett Veach would climb even higher in the draft order while making seven selections overall.
We are already halfway through the 2026 season, and we have already gotten a good look at most of the Chiefs' rookies this year. There is still a long way to go, and the hope is that most of the rookies on the Chiefs' roster will have at least three more years with the team after 2026. But let's look at how the Chiefs' rookies have played so far and grade them relative to their expectations coming into the season.
Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU (Round 1, No. 6): B+
My Draft-Day Grade - B
On draft day, Brett Veach and the Chiefs' front office got aggressive and traded up to pick six to get their guy. They gave up a third-round pick for LSU star cornerback Mansoor Delane. So far, Delane has played exceptionally well for the Chiefs, but health has been an issue, and a nagging shoulder problem has sidelined him several times. Delane struggled against Jaxon Smith-Njigba (who doesn’t?), but as a whole, he has played well. If he stays on the field and shows consistency, this will go down as a home run.
Peter Woods, DT, Clemson (Round 1, No. 29): B+
My Draft-Day Grade - A
I loved the Woods pick on draft day, as I had him graded in the top 10 on my pre-draft big board. In my opinion, when he has been on the field, Woods has been the best defensive tackle on the Chiefs' roster. He has flashed explosiveness and routinely fought through double teams. He has strong run fits and consistently plays his role at a high level. Woods is held back by a lower snap count and a neck stinger he suffered late last week. I think Woods will keep developing and become an NFL star.
R Mason Thomas, EDGE, Oklahoma (Round 2, No. 40): B
My Draft-Day Grade - C-
R Mason Thomas has been a pleasant surprise to me early on this year. When he was picked, I felt like it was a bit of a reach and a weird fit in the Chiefs' defense. RMT has looked good and flashed the tools that made him a top-75 prospect on my pre-draft board. Thomas sometimes feels like a weird fit, and a decreased snap count over the last couple of weeks has limited him. But as he develops his feel for the Kansas City defense, he could become a key contributor.
Jadon Canady, CB, Oregon (Round 4, No. 109): C+
My Draft-Day Grade - B-
Last week against the Broncos, Canady got his first real defensive snaps of the season, and he looked good. When Kansas City selected Canady in the draft, I had other nickel corners graded above him, but he seemed like a great fit in the defense. Canady is a great man-coverage corner, and if the Chiefs get him more involved in the secondary as the year goes on, his grade will skyrocket.
Emmett Johnson, RB, Nebraska (Round 5, No. 161): A+
My Draft-Day Grade - C+
My biggest miss on draft day, Johnson has looked like a star for the Chiefs at points this season. For a fifth-round pick, the Chiefs landed a starting-caliber running back who has been VERY reliable depth behind Kenneth Walker. Johnson even won Rookie of the Week after an incredible performance vs. Denver just a week ago. This was already a home-run pick by the Chiefs and incredible value in the fifth round.
Cyrus Allen, WR, Cincinnati (Round 5, No. 176): A-
My Draft-Day Grade - B-
This grade may be confusing to some people, but for a player drafted in the fifth round, especially in Andy Reid’s offense, getting on the field is a win. Allen was the headliner of Chiefs training camp, and Kansas City has slowly increased how often he is involved in the offense. Allen looks like he will be part of the Chiefs' WR rotation the rest of the year, and even if he doesn't dominate on the stat sheet, his contributions are incredibly valuable. This already should be chalked up as a win for the Chiefs' front office.
Garrett Nussmeier, QB, LSU (Round 7, No. 249): C+
My Draft-Day Grade - D+
I wasn't a fan of drafting a backup quarterback in the seventh round, and I still think there were better ways to use that pick. But in the offseason, Nussmeier caught my eye with his performance and gunslinger mentality. For a seventh-round pick, Nussmeier making the roster is a win, and the Chiefs have held him as the emergency QB for every game this year. If Nussmeier serves out his rookie deal as a backup QB for the Chiefs, it will be a win.
Kahlil Benson, OT, Colorado (UDFA): A+
The Chiefs invited Benson to camp in the offseason, and he quickly won over the coaching staff. They signed him to a contract, and Benson not only earned a roster spot but also became the team's starting left tackle. This season is Benson's first time playing left tackle at a high level, and he has been an elite run blocker and has been serviceable in the passing game. Kansas City has trusted him on the blind side all year, and his play has been incredible for someone picked up after the draft.
1. Xavier Nwankpa, S, Iowa (UDFA): A
A UDFA who makes the roster is a win from the jump. Very little capital investment in a player who can contribute, even just as depth, is incredibly valuable. Nwankpa has played only five defensive snaps (including an interception) but has been valuable on special teams. That depth is very helpful for Kansas City, and his service on special teams makes this addition a win for the Chiefs as well.
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