Discover which rookies surprised, who disappointed, and where the Chiefs' young talent stands amid team uncertainty.
The Kansas City Chiefs watched the playoffs from home, something that is unusual ever since Patrick Mahomes became the team's starting quarterback.
Yet, there is plenty of hope for the Chiefs next season, even with Mahomes recovering from a torn ACL and questions swirling about the future of star tight end Travis Kelce.
As the season is officially over after the Super Bowl, it is time to reflect on the rookie class.
Gennaro Filice of NFL.com ranked each team's rookie class, and the Chiefs were at No. 20 with a B- grade.
Here's a look at the rookie class with the number of games they played in.
- Round 1 (No. 32): OT Josh Simmons | 8 games
- Round 2 (No. 63): DT Omarr Norman-Lott | 5 games
- Round 3 (No. 66): Edge Ashton Gillotte | 17 games
- Round 3 (No. 85): CB Nohl Williams | 17 games
- Round 4 (No. 133): WR Jalen Royals | 7 games
- Round 5 (No. 156): LB Jeffrey Bassa | 17 games
- Round 7 (No. 228): RB Brashard Smith | 17 games
Simmons was in and out this season, and although he played just eight games, there is a strong argument to be made that he was one of the most important players on the team when he suited up.
Perhaps one of the biggest surprises across the entire NFL among the rookies was seventh-round running back Brashard Smith.
With Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt on the roster, Smith somehow played in all 17 games. He had 44 carries for 151 yards and also caught 25 passes for 172 yards and a touchdown, and he should be a player who sees more usage with new offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy in Kansas City (again).
Jalen Royals, who played at Utah State, was a sleeper pick and was one player many expected to see a decent-sized role in his first year.
However, that was far from the case. Royals played in seven games and had just two catches on three targets for four yards.
Nohl Williams, along with Simmons, didn't play more than 50 percent of the snaps, but Williams did manage to play in all 17 games, which is a positive sign for Kansas City.
It is also refreshing to see Ashton Gillotte and Jeffrey Bassa playing in every game this year, so seeing the rookies at least play meaningful snaps is a positive development in Kansas City.
Looking way ahead to this year's NFL Draft, the Chiefs are selecting at No. 9 overall, and while there are many needs, Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love has been a common pick for the team.
Some have them selecting Oregon tight end Kenyon Sediq, although that will be more likely if Kelce does retire this offseason.
Only time will tell, but the Chiefs' rookie class from 2025 should once again see plenty of playing time in 2026 and beyond.