Cyrus Allen did not enter Kansas City with the same attention as some of the other wide receivers selected in the 2026 NFL Draft. The Chiefs took him in the fifth round with the 176th overall pick, bringing in a 23-year-old receiver who had already taken a long road to the NFL.
Allen has also joined a position group that has been looking for consistency since Tyreek Hill's departure, giving him an opportunity to carve out a role early. Allen is not known for elite size or blazing speed, but his route running, timing and ability to find space in traffic have helped him stand out.
The New Orleans native has primarily played in the slot, where those traits could make him a useful option for Patrick Mahomes. That is already happening at Chiefs training camp.
With Rashee Rice not taking part in team drills early on, Mahomes has consistently looked Allen's way, according to Chiefs beat writer Pete Sweeney. The rookie has emerged as the quarterback's most frequent target during the early sessions.
“Early in camp here with Rashee Rice not working team,” Sweeney wrote. “Cyrus Allen has undoubtedly been Patrick Mahomes’ favorite target. It feels like he’s looking Allen’s way every time he’s out there.”
Who is Cyrus Allen?
Allen has taken a long path to Kansas City. He attended Landry–Walker High School in New Orleans before signing with Louisiana Tech as a three-star recruit. After redshirting in 2021, he broke out the following season with 22 catches for 500 yards and four touchdowns, averaging 22.7 yards per reception.
He followed that with 46 receptions for 778 yards in 2023 before transferring to Texas A&M. Allen's time there was cut short after he recorded 18 catches for 269 yards and one touchdown before an arm injury ended his season.
He entered the transfer portal after the year and initially committed to Tulane before ultimately choosing Cincinnati. The move worked out well for Allen. He led the Bearcats with 51 receptions, 674 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns in 2025.
Rob Gray-Imagn Images via Reuters Connect
His 13 touchdowns led the Big 12 and tied Cincinnati's single-season record, while his performance earned him Second-Team All-Big 12 honors.
Allen also showed he could create separation against man and zone coverage while working primarily from the slot. His route running, body control and improved hands were among the traits scouts liked heading into the draft.
He continued to build his case during the pre-draft process with a Senior Bowl invitation and a strong pro day. Allen measured 5-foot-11 and 183 pounds, ran a 4.51-second 40-yard dash, posted a 36-inch vertical and recorded an 11-foot broad jump.
