Rating each position on Chiefs’ roster heading into 2026 NFL training camp

The Kansas City Chiefs are in the midst of a dynasty. They’ve won three Super Bowls and appeared in five over the last seven years. However, they had a down season last year that has some wondering if the dynasty is coming to an end. The team led by Patrick Mahomes missed the playoffs altogether, and they’ve lost a lot of key contributors over the years. The 2026 season will be somewhat of a make-or-break year for the Chiefs. So, how does each position group rate out in Kansas City?

Quarterback

Players: Patrick Mahomes, Justin Fields

Rating: 10

Patrick Mahomes is recovering from a torn ACL. The injury puts his future more into question than ever before. Even so, Mahomes still has a case as the best player in the entire NFL, and he seems likely to be ready for Week 1. The two-time MVP has 35,939 passing yards and 267 passing touchdowns throughout his career. Even if he isn’t ready to go at the start of the season, Justin Fields has plenty of starting experience and is one of the best rushing quarterbacks in NFL history.

Running back

Players: Kenneth Walker, Emari Demercado, Emmett Johnson, Brashard Smith

Rating: 7

During the Chiefs’ recent three Super Bowl victories, the team was much more known for their aerial attack than their running game. While Mahomes’ presence on the roster means that shouldn’t come as much of a surprise, the Chiefs should have more offensive balance this season. They were able to pluck Kenneth Walker away from the Seattle Seahawks, fresh off the ball carrier winning Super Bowl MVP. Players leaving their team after winning that award is a rarity, so Chiefs fans should be super excited. The backfield as a whole will look different this year, as Emari Demercado was added in free agency, too, and Emmett Johnson was selected in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Receiver

Players: Rashee Rice, Xavier Worthy, Tyquan Thornton, Cyrus Allen

Rating: 6

While Rashee Rice has had his fair share of off-the-field issues, he has all of the potential in the world on the gridiron. Rice will be Mahomes’ top target this year, but he also has a great speed threat/gadget weapon in Xavier Worthy. The team’s depth at receiver is suspect, but that hasn’t mattered much in Kansas City in the past because Mahomes can make so much happen regardless of who he is throwing to.

Tight end

Players: Travis Kelce, Noah Grey

Rating: 8

Travis Kelce contemplated retirement before returning to the Chiefs for what may be his last dance. In the twilight of his career, Kelce isn’t quite the athlete he once was. He is arguably the best tight end ever and still finds a way to always get open, though. The team has had some tight end replacement plans in place for a while now, too.

Offensive line

Players: Trey Smith, Creed Humphrey, Kingsley Suamataia, Josh Simmons, Jaylen Moore

Rating: 8

When the Chiefs have fallen short in the Super Bowl, it has typically been because of poor offensive line play that has forced Mahomes to scramble like a madman. While the quarterback has the ability to make magic happen, he still needs solid protection. Luckily, the Chiefs have some talented players in the trenches right now. Creed Humphrys and Trey Smith, for example, are two of the best interior offensive linemen in the NFL.

Defensive line

Players: Chris Jones, George Karlaftis, Khyiris Tonga, Felix Anudike-Uzomah, Ahston Gillotte, Peter Woods, R Mason Thomas

Rating: 7

Any conversations about the Chiefs’ defense start with Chris Jones. The defensive tackle is a run-stopping machine and a pass-rushing expert. The rest of Kansas City’s defensive line is filled with role players, such as the high-motor George Karlaftis and the recently drafted R Mason Thomas.

Linebackers

Players: Drue Tranquill, Nick Bolton, Jeffrey Bassa, Cole Christiansen, Jack Cochrane

Rating: 5

The Chiefs’ linebacker corps has a bunch of solid players, but no truly great ones. The team’s depth at the position is still prevalent, even after Leo Chenel’s departure, but there isn’t much special about the group led by Drue Tranquill and Nick Bolton.

Secondary

Players: L’Jarius Sneed, Nohl Williams, Chamrri Conner, Mansoor Delane, Alohi Gilma, Kader Kohou

Rating: 3

The Chiefs lost both Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson to the Los Angeles Rams in the offseason, so the team’s secondary is likely going to take a few steps back. Kansas City was able to bring L’Jarius Sneed back after he spent a couple of years with the Tennessee Titans. If he can rediscover the magic he had during his first stint in Kansas City, then the Chiefs’ secondary won’t be in too bad of a place. The team has high hopes for first-round rookie Mansoor Delane, but he was a reach in the 2026 NFL Draft. Kader Kohou is one of the best slot corners in football.

Special teams

Players: Harrison Butker, Matt Araiza

Rating: 9

While a controversial group, there is no denying the talent the Chiefs have on special teams. Harrison Butker and Matt Araiza are one of the best kicker/punter duos in the NFL.

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