What should the Kansas City Chiefs expect from their rookies in year one?

Now that the 2024 NFL Draft is complete, the Kansas City Chiefs will begin to focus on the ultimate goal again: Becoming the only franchise in NFL history to win three consecutive championships.

The Chiefs have done a nice job in free agency by retaining some key pieces and adding some new pieces as well. However, the Chiefs are going to need contributions from their crop or rookies.

Overall, the Chiefs had an excellent draft. They did a tremendous job of adding players at key positions of need while still getting value at draft slot and never forfeiting their quantity of picks. The class as a whole has a chance to really propel the franchise forward long term.

Similar to the 2022 class, several players should turn into immediate contributors.

Round 1, Pick 28: Xavier Worthy, WR

Until Rashee Rice, there was a legitimate stigma about rookie receivers not contributing to an Andy Reid offense. It's worth noting that Rice is the exception, not the rule. At the beginning of the season most of his production was coming from screens and manufactured touches. As the year progressed, he was still fairly limited as to what he could do as a route runner.

Xavier Worthy will have to face many of the same challenges with a more experienced WR corps as well. However, Worthy's game-breaking speed and track record as a receiver make it easy to see a route for production. Early on, expect to see plenty of designed touches (screens, jet sweeps, and deep targets) for him as he grows into the offense as a receiver. As the year goes on he should be more viable as a rote runner and as a field stretcher.

It's worth noting that Worthy was highly productive even as a 19-year-old in the Big 12. He isn't a gadget player. He figures to be the most dynamic punt returner the Chiefs have had since Tyreek Hill.