The Kansas City Chiefs were among the most intriguing teams to watch during the 2026 NFL Draft.
They made the first trade of the event, moving up in the first round to select cornerback Mansoor Delane. The Chiefs made three picks in top 40, and seven overall.
Now multiple days removed from the draft, experts are evaluating which rookies will make the biggest impact, and which ones could be busts. Kansas City’s selections have been mostly well received.
WR Cyrus Allen Labeled Kansas City Chiefs’ Worst 2026 Draft Pick, but Receives Solid B- Grade
The staff over at CBS Sports recently named their best, worst, and most interesting draft picks for every team. Unfortunately for Allen, he got hit with the “worst” label, but was still graded at B-. Furthermore, analyst Josh Edwards didn’t even have anything critical to say about the Chiefs’ selection of Allen.
“Kansas City will be Allen’s fourth team in as many years. The transition to a new environment will not be daunting for him. Being with Patrick Mahomes is a good spot if you want to outperform your draft spot.”
Allen has been praised for already possessing savvy route running abilities, as well as his speed and ability to create separation from defenders. He should have a legitimate shot at making the 53-man roster in 2026, and even carve out a supporting role in the passing game. In 2025 with Cincinnati Allen caught 51 passes for 674 yards and 13 touchdowns.
DT Peter Woods Named Chiefs’ Best Pick, DE R Mason Thomas Named Most Interesting
GettyDE R Mason Thomas sacks QB Jackson
Woods was given an A+ grade from analyst Mike Renner, noting that Woods is going to an ideal situation with the Chiefs.
“With Chris Jones turning 32 this offseason, the Chiefs nab his successor in Peter Woods. He’s a quintessential 3-technique with an incredible blend of explosiveness and play strength. He falls to this point in the draft because of lackluster tape this past fall compared to 2024, but now he gets to learn from the best in the business on how to rush the passer.”
Jones, defensive line coach Joe Cullen, and defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo should maximize Woods’ skillset. Woods and Jones should make for a dynamic duo, and the traits that they share will make Woods a natural replacement for Jones down the line. During his last two years at Clemson, Woods recorded 58 total tackles and five sacks.
As for Thomas, he was given an A grade from Renner, mostly because he believes Thomas’ pass rushing ability alone will be worth Kansas City picking him.
“Thomas represents a distinct departure from the bigger bodied edges that Steve Spagnuolo has coveted in the past and I like it. He’s a speed rusher who already has one of the more refined toolboxes in this class. He may not be much of a run defender, but the Chiefs won’t have to use him on run downs to get their money’s worth.”
Thomas earned back-to-back All-SEC selections in 2024 and 2025, recording 49 total tackles, 15.5 sacks, and four forced fumbles during that span. Despite being smaller than what Spagnuolo usually covets in a defensive end, the Chiefs surely would not have drafted Thomas without Spagnuolo signing off on it.
Chiefs’ ‘Worst’ Draft Pick Still Receives High Grade