The Kansas City Chiefs seemingly had a great 2026 NFL Draft, now that we're officially seeing many rookies who made the team's 53-man roster.
Kicking off this week's episode of the Kansas City Chiefs' Roundtable podcast, Golden J and Chico discuss the ups and downs of roster cuts, which took place over the weekend.
First, Golden J brings up wide receiver Andrew Armstrong, who was a standout in camp but ultimately ended up getting waived by the team. The good news, though, is that he signed with the practice squad after not getting picked up by another team.
Armstrong became a fan-favorite, and a name that both our hosts were hopeful he'd make the 53-man roster. Golden J still believes we'll see him in an NFL game this season.
Diving into a lengthy discussion breaking down the full 53-man roster, Chico first looks at the quarterback room. Rookie QB Garrett Nussmeier made the cut, which fired up our hosts. The 2026 draft pick is exactly where expected on the depth chart, behind Patrick Mahomes and Justin Fields, but he may see the field at some point this season.
Another rookie who impressed over the summer and into the preseason is running back Emmett Johnson, who made the roster and is poised to make a name for himself this season. His usage is still relatively unknown, but Chico is excited to see him make his mark this year.
Staying on the offense, our duo talk about the four tight ends that the Chiefs are carrying with them to start the regular season. Typically, Kansas City has three in the TE room, but with the amount of talent at their disposal this season, the team felt the need to carry the extra body.
The offensive line features many of the usual suspects, but our hosts are particularly excited for rookie offensive tackle Kahlil Benson, who impresses in the past few months.
On the defensive line, there's plenty to be excited about as well. Defensive end R Mason Thomas and defensive tackle Mason Woods are two rookies that Chico and Golden J are fired up to see this season, adding that they have the potential to be standouts on the front line.
The defensive backs are the group that Golden J is most concerned about, but there are a few studs who made the cut that could be difference-makers in a few matchups. The Chiefs' first pick in the 2026 draft, cornerback Mansoor Delane, will be a name to watch.
Kansas City has plenty of rookie talent rostered this year to be excited about, and is poised to get back to their winning ways.
Listen to the full episode for the entire breakdown of roster cuts and snubs, plus the in-depth review of the rookie class who made the 53-man.
Join Roundtable's Chiefs site to ensure you don't miss anything with the team as the regular season inches closer, when Kansas City hosts their division rival Denver Broncos on Sept. 14.
