The seven selections in the 2026 NFL Draft that make up the Kansas City Chiefs’ draft class this year all have different paths to making an impact on the franchise that took a chance on them.
So let’s break down this year’s crop of rookies by superlatives! We’ll start with the player most likely to make an impact instantly:
Delane has the clearest path to early snaps and is the most likely rookie starter in Week 1. His scheme versatility should make the transition smooth, and he has a real chance to become Kansas City’s top corner quickly.
Peter Woods may have the higher ceiling, but Delane feels like the safest bet. He projects as a quality starter in multiple schemes, and outside of questions about his lean frame, his profile is clean and dependable.
On the positive end, Woods has the tools to be a high-end defensive tackle. His combination of balance, agility, and explosiveness is enticing. He can hold up as a run defender against all sorts of blocks because he can recover and strain against blocks. He’s a slippery pass rusher who can blow up plays. He has experience playing multiple techniques. There is plenty of upside with Woods if he can develop as a pass rusher.
On the negative side, Woods is not a good pass rusher right now. He struggles to use his hands to sequence pass-rush moves. His hands don’t bring much violence, and he struggles to control or get off blocks. If Woods doesn’t slip a block and cleanly get upfield, he makes little impact as a pass rusher.
If Woods can develop moves and add power to his hands, his upside is high. But if he can’t, his ceiling gets much lower. It all comes down to how well he can mitigate his lack of arm length as an NFL player. There is upside to be a star, but Woods also has real bust potential.
Nussmeier has a strong chance to outperform his draft slot. He’s an aggressive passer with solid arm talent, enough mobility to extend plays, and upside to become one of the league’s better backups. Even if he never starts in Kansas City, he could create future trade value or return a compensatory pick.
Thomas was highly productive in college, but his size could be an issue at the next level. NFL tackles will be stronger, longer, and more athletic. He has the pass-rush toolbox to adjust, but finding what consistently works in the pros may take time.
Unfortunately for the Chiefs, both defensive linemen could struggle early as rookies.
Woods still has a long developmental path as a pass rusher. He flashes the ability to slip blocks, but his hand usage is raw, and he doesn’t yet know how to consistently control or defeat blockers with moves. That lack of refinement will be tougher to overcome against NFL linemen, which could limit his early pressure production.
Thomas faces a different adjustment. It will be harder for him to win with speed-to-power or pure burst against bigger, more athletic NFL tackles. He has a variety of pass-rush moves, but he’ll need time to learn which ones translate best and how to sequence them effectively at the next level.
Both players have long-term upside, but neither feels likely to make an immediate impact as a pass rusher.
Johnson has the clearest path among the Day 3 picks. If he wins the RB2 job in camp, he could carve out a role quickly. His pass protection, receiving ability, and short-yardage skill set complement Kenneth Walker and could earn him early snaps.
Round 4, pick 109: CB Jadon CanadyRound 5, pick 176: WR Cyrus Allen
It’s possible that Canady takes over as the starting slot defender at some point this season.
The Chiefs currently have Kadar Kohou and Chamarri Conner as their slot options. Kohou is coming off a knee injury and may not be the same. Conner has always struggled to cover slot receivers. I trust Canady to be able to cover slot receivers more than Conner. Canady will have to prove he can hold up against the run, but he could boost the Chiefs’ coverage from the slot.
Allen is the only pass catcher the Chiefs added and could figure into the wide receiver rotation. His separation could immediately earn him trust and targets. Allen is a slot-only player, which can be tough with Rashee Rice and Xavier Worthy on the team. However, the Chiefs just need anyone who can create separation, and Allen can do that. In a thin receiver room, Allen could carve out a role.
The Chiefs had to get depth in the backfield behind Kenneth Walker. Walker is a great weapon, but he has gaps in his game. He’s not great in short yardage or pass protection. On top of that, he has a history of injuries, and you want to keep his explosiveness fresh for the playoffs. Getting someone who can handle some of the workload in the regular season will pay dividends later.
Johnson will provide that. Despite being undersized, he’s great in short yardage with his vision and contact balance. Johnson is also good at pass protection and can catch. He could immediately be the third-down back for the Chiefs. There’s strong synergy between Johnson’s and Walkers’ skill sets.