The Chiefs took Cincinnati WR Cyrus Allen in the fifth round of the 2026 NFL Draft, and he has stood out in the first week of training camp. Pete Sweeney, from the Kansas City Star, tweeted that Allen has undoubtedly been QB Patrick Mahomes' favorite target, and it feels like Mahomes is looking his way each time he's out there.
Allen was a late bloomer in college, but in 2025, he had 51 catches or 674 yards and 13 touchdowns. Those 13 TDs ranked third in the country. His performance at the Senior Bowl made him stand out even more as he was praised for his quickness, seperation ability and route-running technique.
WR Rashee Rice isn't on the field as he continues to rehab his knee injury, which makes Allen's emergence even more important. The receiving corps is one of the biggest questions inside of Chiefs camp. Rice and Xavier Worthy are atop the food chain but have dealt with a slew of injuries in their young careers. After that, Allen has to supplant TyQuan Thornton and 2025 fourth-round pick Jalen Royals. There's a path to a starting role by midseason if Allen continues to ascend.
A Cornerback is Making the Most of Opportunity
The Chiefs made a splash by trading up to select CB Mansoor Delane in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft. He has been practicing, literally one-handed, as the team doesn't want him to aggravate a shoulder injury. In his place, 2025 third-round pick Nohl Williams has been the best corner in camp, according to beat writer Nate Taylor. Williams picked off a pass and has started on the outside in the first week of practices.
Wiliams played in all 17 games as a rookie and totaled 48 tackles, a sack and seven pass defenses. The path to a starting role is difficult behind L'Jarius Sneed and Delane, but Williams could have an expanded role in nickel packages.
