Chiefs Rookie Forecast 2026
Solid Starter
Peter Woods, DT, Clemson – Round 1 
The Chiefs began planning for the long term with the selection of Woods at 29. Kansas City has enjoyed a great career from Chris Jones, and he has been one of the most dangerous interior pass rushers in the NFL over the last decade, but Jones is aging, and the Chiefs were wise to take Woods as an understudy.
Early in the 2026 NFL Draft process, scouts from around the league have remarked that the Clemson defense is loaded with NFL talent. Woods was one of those prospects who had jumped out to pro evaluators. At the point of attack, Woods is very quick, athletic, strong, and disruptive. Woods lined up at defensive end and tackle for the Tigers, but for the NFL, he is more of a three-technique tackle rather than an edge defender. His build profiles better as a gap-shooting interior defensive lineman rather than an edge rusher, as he does not have the speed or length to be an every-down end in the NFL.
For the NFL, Woods is a twitchy interior tackle who has speed to get upfield and impressive agility to dart past blockers. Woods is fast to fire his gap and can charge hard into the pocket to cause disruption. However, he has to finish better as Woods gets close, but lets some sacks and tackles escape from him. In the run game, Woods is a tough defender who can hold his ground at the point of attack. He also shows the ability to work off blocks and chase down backs to get in on tackles. Woods has three down starting potential on the inside as a tackle.
In the short-term, Woods can help cut down on Jones’ workload to help keep the veteran healthy and fresh for critical situations. In the long term, Woods has the upside to turn into a solid starter and a disruptive three-technique for the Chiefs.
2025: Omarr Norman-Lott, DT
2024: Kingsley Suamataia, OT
2023: Rashee Rice, WR
2022: George Karlaftis, DE
2021: Creed Humphrey, C
2020: Willie Gay Jr., LB
2019: Khalen Saunders, DT
2018: Derrick Nnadi, DT
2017: Kareem Hunt, RB
2016: Chris Jones, DT
2015: Mitch Morse, G
2014: Philip Gaines, CB
2013: Eric Fisher, OT
Most Likely To Bust
NONEThe Chiefs had three picks in the top 40, and I think all three of them will at least be solid pros. It would not surprise me if R. Mason Thomas quickly emerges as a dangerous pass rusher, Peter Woods becomes a disruptive defensive tackle, and Mansoor Delane is an effective starting cornerback.
2025:Ashton Gillotte, DE
2024: Jared Wiley, TE
2023: Wanya Morris, OT
2022: Skyy Moore, WR
2021: Joshua Kaindoh, DE
2020: Lucas Niang, OT
2019: Mecole Hardman, WR
2018: Dorian O’Daniel, LB
2017: Tanoh Kpassagnon, DE
2016: KeiVarae Russell, CB
2015: Chris Conley, WR
2014: Dee Ford, OLB
2013: Knile Davis, RB
Potential Boom Pick
Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU – Round 1 
The Chiefs traded former first-round pick Trent McDuffie to the Rams for a first-round pick, and they obviously had a plan to replace McDuffie when they traded up in the first round to take Delane. Delane has multiple years of good tape and looks like a very safe pick to be a quality starter in the NFL.
With his skill set, Delane definitely has the physical tools to play in the NFL. Delane has good size, strength, and length to match up against receivers. Along with having a pro frame, Delane can run with quality speed to stay with quick wideouts. Delane has a burst to close and is fast enough to carry verticals downfield. Between his speed, height, and length, Delane has nice recoverability to make up ground if he gives up some separation. With big cornerbacks, a natural issue is stiffness, and that can be seen with Delane. He has some stiffness in off-man and zone, but it is not a serious liability that will prevent him from being a good player.
Delane has good ball skills and shows a nice knack for timing his breakups. If the ball is not well located, Delane shows a nice ability to adjust, and that leads to him being dangerous for interceptions. He is a physical corner and competes hard. He is adept at winning 50-50 passes and matching up against bit outside receivers.
Delane could be a plug-and-play starter for Kansas City with the potential to turn into a very good player for the Chiefs.
2025: Josh Simmons, OT
2024: Xavier Worthy, WR
2023: Felix Anudike-Uzomah, DE
2022: Trent McDuffie, WR
2021: Nick Bolton, LB
2020: Clyde Edwards-Helaire, RB
2019: Juan Thornhill, S
2018: Breeland Speaks, DT
2017: Pat Mahomes, QB
2016: Demarcus Robinson, WR
2015: Marcus Peters, CB
2014: De’Anthony Thomas, RB
2013: Travis Kelce, TE
Future Depth Player
Garrett Nussmeier, QB, LSU – Round 1 With franchise quarterback Pat Mahomes coming off a torn ACL, the Chiefs traded for veteran backup Justin Fields to provide some depth in case Mahomes isn’t ready to start the season. It sounds like Mahomes is on track to be back in Week 1, and Fields is capable depth. However, long-term Fields may not be true No. 2 but Nussmeier could be a nice fit in that role. He is an intelligent quarterback with a quality arm and fits Andy Reid well.
There is no doubt that Nussmeier has a live arm and passing talent for the NFL. While his arm angle and throwing motion are a little unusual, he has a strong arm capable of making all the throws. Nussmeier has a quick release, and his throwing motion is a quick whip arm action. Arm strength is definitely not a concern as Nussmeier can fire the ball into tight windows and shows the ability to beat coverage with his arm strength, timing, and ball placement. Nussmeier has a gunslinger attitude and is a gritty, aggressive passer. With an aggressive attitude, Nussmeier gets the ball out pretty quickly and has some pocket presence. He will challenge defenses vertically and shows developed field vision to work through his progressions. While Nussmeier won’t be a running threat for the NFL, he is capable of executing bootlegs well and throws well on the run while rolling out.
There definitely are things for Nussmeier to work on for the NFL. He trusts his arm too much at times, and that can lead to him making some questionable decisions. His accuracy and ball placement are inconsistent and streaky. Nussmeier can get rattled, and that really hampers his decision-making, accuracy, and effectiveness. Team sources have said that Nussmeier needs to show improved resilience, and the 2025 season did not help him in that regard. “He can’t stop the nosebleed when crap goes downhill,” said one national scout at the end of the 2024 season, and that was verified during Nussmeier’s final year at LSU. l.
Nussmeier may not become a consistent starter as a pro, but he could be a good backup quarterback for the Chiefs and provide them with a solid No. 2 long-term behind Mahomes.
2025: Jeffrey Bassa, LB
2024: Jaden Hicks, S
2023: Chamarri Conner, CB
2022: Bryan Cook, S
2021: Cornell Powell, WR
2020: L’Jarius Snead, CB
2019: Darwin Thompson, RB
2018: Armani Watts, S
2017: Jehu Chesson, WR
2016: Eric Murray, CB
2015: Steven Nelson, CB
2014: Aaron Murray, QB
2013: Sanders Commings, CB
