The Kansas City Chiefs wrapped up their three-day Rookie Minicamp this weekend, with over 100 rookies on the field showcasing their skills after the 2026 NFL Draft. A total of 104 players participated, including all seven of the Chiefs’ draft picks, 20 undrafted rookie free agents, one camp-eligible veteran, and 76 rookie tryout players aiming to make a name for themselves.
Coach Reid’s Impressions and the Importance of Rookie Minicamp
Head Coach Andy Reid was pleased with the effort and learning displayed by the rookies, saying, “It’s great to get these rookies [out] here, to meet them and to get to know them a little bit. We have a whole lot of them. It’s a good group, and my hat goes off to them for learning the way they’re learning and putting everything together where we can go out and have some good practices.”
Reid also emphasized the significance of the rookie tryouts, noting the importance of casting a wide net in order to find hidden gems. “You always find two or three guys in that mix,” he said. “The more guys you bring in, the better chance of finding a [player we might sign].”
Notable Performances from Rookie Minicamp
Several rookies stood out during the camp’s practices, providing a glimpse into the potential talent on the roster:
Cyrus Allen (WR, 5th Round): Allen impressed from the start with several key catches, including a strong reception over the middle during 7-on-7 drills. He continued to show out on Day 2, including an exceptional toe-tap catch near the sideline.
Garrett Nussmeier (QB, 7th Round): The young quarterback showed consistency, completing 9-of-14 passes during the 11-on-11 period on Day 1 and 8-of-10 during 7-on-7 drills, proving his accuracy and poise.
Omari Evans (WR, Undrafted): Evans, known for his blazing speed (4.28-second 40-yard dash), impressed with a deep, over-the-shoulder catch down the sideline during 11-on-11 drills on Day 1.
Jaydn Ott (RB, Undrafted): Ott kept busy with several carries and receptions on Day 1, showcasing versatility and endurance.
Jeff Caldwell (WR, Undrafted): Caldwell’s 4.31 speed was evident as he made a full-extension catch deep down the sideline during a 7-on-7 portion of practice.- Dub Washington (CB, Tryout): Washington had an excellent Day 1, recording multiple pass breakups and establishing himself as a potential player to watch.
Johnny Pascuzzi (TE, Tryout): Pascuzzi, a Kansas City native and Rockhurst High School alumnus, made several key receptions on Day 1, proving himself as a local talent worth keeping an eye on.
Xavier Loyd (WR, Tryout): Loyd made an immediate impact with several impressive catches, including a diving reception over the middle and a grab deep down the sideline despite tight coverage. He was signed to the Chiefs roster on Monday after another strong performance on Day 2.- Cam Smith (S, Tryout): Smith recorded a pass breakup over the middle during a 7-on-7 drill on Day 1, showing off his defensive awareness.
Mansoor Delane (CB, 1st Round, No. 6 overall): Delane continued to impress on Day 2 with a solid pass breakup on a deep throw during a 7-on-7 session.
Gavin Gibson (DB, Tryout): Gibson made a splash on Day 2 by intercepting a pass and running it back for a touchdown during 11-on-11 drills.
Emmett Johnson (RB, 5th Round): Johnson was active on Day 2, logging multiple touches and continuing to showcase his playmaking ability.- Justin Holmes (TE, Tryout): Holmes was active on Day 2, hauling in several receptions and further solidifying his place as a promising tight end.
- Rico Hallman (CB, Tryout): Hallman made a key play on Day 2, recording a pass breakup during an 11-on-11 session, continuing to push for a spot on the roster.
Updates and Signings
Looking Ahead
With the completion of Rookie Minicamp, the Chiefs are gearing up for more intense preparation as the season approaches. The mix of promising rookies, including draft picks and undrafted free agents, has the potential to add valuable depth to the team. As the off-season continues, it will be exciting to see how these players develop and potentially earn a spot on the Chiefs’ roster for the 2026 season.
