Chiefs bold predictions for 2026 NFL Draft class during rookie season

The Kansas City Chiefs added some great players during the 2026 NFL Draft. Kansas City made the most of having two first-round picks, adding multiple players to upgrade their defense. Now the Chiefs are ready to fight their way back into the playoffs during the 2026 season.

NFL fans often want their rookies, especially first-round picks, to contribute right away during their first season. That is not always the case and is hardly the best way to judge whether a team made the right pick or not.

Thankfully, Chiefs fans should get some solid production out of multiple rookies this fall. But which players will have the biggest impact?

Here are three bold predictions about how the Chiefs’ rookie class will perform during the 2026 season.

Mansoor Delane makes Chiefs fans forget about Trent McDuffie

The Chiefs faced a tough task after losing Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson during NFL free agency. But the addition of Mansoor Delane is a huge step in the right direction.

How could Delane go about making Chiefs fans forget about the loss of McDuffie?

First, Delane will break out as Kansas City’s unquestioned starting boundary cornerback during his rookie season. Winning that job should not be hard as Nohl Williams and Kristian Fulton as his main competition. However, it would still be impressive if he convincingly won the starting job during training camp.

Delane could also make some big plays during his rookie season, adding a new element to Kansas City’s defense. Remember, the Chiefs only forced 14 turnovers during the 2025 season, which ranked 28th in the NFL. They were primarily a “bend but don’t break” unit, which can certainly get the job done for Mahomes and the offense.

If Delane can bring his playmaking skills with him to the NFL (he logged six interceptions and two forced fumbles during his final two collegiate seasons) then he could be a legitimate upgrade over McDuffie.

Expectations will be high for the sixth overall pick. But he has the talent to live up to the hype.

Peter Woods has monster season playing next to Chris Jones

Kansas City made a somewhat surprising selection at the bottom of the first round, adding defensive tackle Peter Woods. He was widely regarded as the best interior defender in the class, but he was drafted about as high as he could have possibly gone.

But that does not mean he’ll have a poor rookie season in Kansas City.

Woods does not possess many of the abilities needed to generate quick pressures on his own. That explains why his sack production in college is so mediocre. However, scouts praise Woods for operating as part of a pass rushing unit and his ability to win multiple seconds into a rep.

That could be a winning combination next to veteran Chris Jones.

Jones is getting older but he is still an incredible pass rusher who can create chaos almost immediately off the line of scrimmage. It is easy to imagine Jones drawing a bunch of attention, creating opportunities for Woods and others to get after the quarterback.

If any defensive coordinator can get the most out of Woods, it would be Steve Spagnuolo.

Woods could put up some monster sack and pressure production if he quickly adapts to Spagnuolo’s defensive scheme.

Emmett Johnson becomes Kansas City’s new third down back

All of the attention in Kansas City will go to Kenneth Walker III in 2026, and rightfully so.

The former Super Bowl MVP will bring a new element to Kansas City’s offense that they’ve lacked for the past few seasons. And he is not the only new face in their backfield.

The Chiefs drafted Nebraska running back Emmett Johnson on Day 3 of the draft. He only possesses average top-end speed, but Johnson gets from zero to 60 as fast as almost anyone in the NFL. That makes him dangerous as a receiving back on short and intermediate routes.

Johnson proved it at Nebraska, hauling in 46 receptions for 370 yards and three touchdowns during his final season.

Kareem Hunt is gone, which leaves second-year back Brashard Smith as Johnson’s only competition for the team’s starting job on third downs.

Johnson will put up at least 40 receptions during his rookie season for the Chiefs.

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