Kansas City Chiefs Rookie Minicamp: First Impressions and Highlights 🏈
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — First-round draft pick Josh Simmons was uncertain about his level of participation during the Chiefs' rookie minicamp opener on Saturday. Though it wasn't much, his involvement exceeded expectations for a player who is just over six months post-surgery for a torn patellar tendon.
Getting Started with Rehab
“I’ll be getting my toes wet, but right now, everything's focused on rehab,” Simmons shared about an hour before stepping onto the field for his inaugural NFL practice. “Whatever the trainers have lined up for me is what I will tackle.”
During the stretching phase, Simmons took on multiple roles, contributing as a defensive lineman while his teammates practiced their setups. He also positioned himself as a left tackle during group activities. Though he skipped team drills, it marked a positive stride for a player with modest goals for the offseason. The extent of his participation during the minicamp and upcoming organized team practices (OTAs) remains a topic of discussion among the team's athletic trainers.
A Glimpse into Practice
Simmons found himself in the midst of a walkthrough session on Saturday morning, preparing for his first NFL practice. He wasn't alone; four other rookies joined him, including defensive tackle Omarr Norman-Lott, defensive end Ashton Gillotte, cornerback Nohl Williams, and wide receiver Jalen Royals.
The full team hit the field for practice at 1:20 PM, following a standard training camp structure. A stretching and conditioning session led to the special teams' punt period. USC punter Eddie Czaplicki showcased his skills, delivering impressive kicks from the end zone with a steady breeze at his back, consistently sending the ball past the 50-yard line. Czaplicki took extra time practicing holds with Missouri long snapper Trey Flint and Kansas State kicker Chris Tennant, all under the keen eye of special teams coordinator Dave Toub.
Smooth Moves During Drills
Around 30 minutes into practice, players split into position drills. Former Chiefs receiver Gehrig Dieter returned as a coach for the rookie minicamp, guiding the young pass catchers. After approximately 15 minutes focused on installing plays—where the offense and defense worked separately—the first team period commenced at 2:25 PM.
Traditionally, rookie minicamp practices have been marked by fumbling snaps, false starts, and uncertainties in play calling—yet Saturday's session was refreshingly fluid. Quarterback Chris Oladokun, now in his fourth season with the Chiefs, efficiently led the offense, establishing a strong tone for the rookie quarterbacks present.
Unsurprisingly, Oladokun's opening pass was aimed at Royals on a fade pattern down the left sideline, guarded by cornerback Melvin Smith Jr., an undrafted free agent who joined the roster from Southern Arkansas. The initial offensive plays were a bit shaky, but Central Missouri quarterback Zach Zebrowski quickly found his rhythm, completing a pass to Graham Walker—a noteworthy connection, as Walker is the half-brother of Patrick Mahomes and son of Kansas offensive coordinator Jim Zebrowski.
Highlights and Standout Performances 🌟
Smith struck again during the team period, catching a tipped pass from Oladokun, resulting in an interception. Columbus quarterback Zebrowski continued to shine, especially when targeting Key'Shawn Smith, a tryout player from SMU who had begun his career at Miami. Their collaboration led to several impressive plays, including a well-executed throw down the right sideline.
A 7-on-7 period kicked off at 2:58 PM, where Oladokun connected with Brashard Smith coming out of the backfield. Although the rookie minicamp leaned heavily towards passing, the young running backs like Smith and Elijah Young, who recently completed his college career at Western Kentucky after transferring from Missouri, made themselves known with impressive catches.
Corey Flagg Jr., a rookie linebacker from Missouri, also made waves, breaking up a pass from Oladokun intended for tryout receiver Jimmy Holiday from Louisiana Tech.
Wrapping Up Practice
Most of the day's standout plays occurred during the concluding team pass period, which started at 3:13 PM. On the very first play, Oladokun found Elijhah Badger, another undrafted free agent from Florida, who had a particularly strong day, catching multiple balls during team drills. His ability to perform didn't go unnoticed, as he celebrated heartily with fellow rookies.
As practice reached its conclusion at 3:28 PM, the players wrapped up a productive 2-hour and 8-minute session with a cooldown period.
Players of the Day 🎖️
The spotlight shone brightly on pass catchers during the day, with Badger and Key'Shawn Smith delivering notable performances. Jaaron Hayek, who previously earned a training camp spot via a minicamp invite, also impressed with his skills. Fresno State receiver Mac Dalena made an exceptional catch on a deep ball that challenged the wind but was executed flawlessly. Defensively, Nohl Williams and Melvin Smith stood out for their stellar play.
Roster Rundown
This weekend's rookie minicamp boasts a total of 77 players, featuring seven draft picks, 16 signed college free agents, 50 rookie tryout participants, two veterans, and two players currently on the roster. Here's a quick overview:
Current Roster:
- QB Chris Oladokun
- OT Chukwuebuka Godrick
Draft Picks:
- OT Josh Simmons
- DT Omarr Norman-Lott
- DE Ashton Gillotte
- CB Nohl Williams
- WR Jalen Royals
- LB Jeff Bassa
- RB Brashard Smith
Signed College Free Agents:
- RB Elijah Young (Western Kentucky)
- WR Elijah Badger (Florida)
- WR Mac Dalena (Fresno State)
- TE Jake Briningstool (Clemson)
Tryout Participants: The roster includes numerous other tryout players, highlighting a diverse talent pool eager to make their mark.
What's Next? 🔄
As the rookie minicamp continues, the players return for Day Two on Sunday, engaging in another afternoon practice that’s closed to the public. Scheduled for the press conference podium are head coach Andy Reid, linebacker Jeff Bassa, tight ends Jake Briningstool and Jared Casey, and wide receiver Elijah Badger.
The minicamp concludes on Monday with a final practice session, which won’t be open to the media. Excitement continues to build as new talents vie for inclusion on the roster!