Whether you’re a student enjoying a break or a young player trying to make an NFL team, summers go by quickly,
All of sudden, your Kansas City Chiefs are taking the field for their first preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium in suburban Phoenix. For the team’s young players, the window for making a training camp impression is starting to close.
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While Saturday night’s final score won’t mean anything, the vibes might be very important. We’ve been hearing about the extra motivation for quarterback Patrick Mahomes, tight end Travis Kelce and other Kansas City stars who want to get that taste of February’s Super Bowl loss out of their collective mouths. We’ve also been getting plenty of nuggets from training camp at Missouri Western State University in St. Joseph (thanks, Pete Sweeney!), giving us glimpses of exciting rookies, roster battles and reclamation projects.
That’s what the preseason is all about. It’s competition, hope and optimism — along with opportunities seized and squandered.
Here are a few of the Chiefs who are trending before Saturday night’s matchup.
Bulls
Wide receiver Tyquan Thornton: If you like, you can call me a late adopter, hater or skeptic. But I’m finally starting to get on board with the idea that Thornton might make an NFL comeback in Kansas City. At 6 feet 2, he’s got the size and speed that recent Chiefs teams have desired. Thornton might even have more talent than some of those guys — and he’s still only 24 years old! In camp, he’s done everything possible to impress observers, while building chemistry and timing with Mahomes. In the preseason, Thornton will have to prove that he is more than just this season’s camp sensation.
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Left tackle Josh Simmons: The momentum we’ve seen to this point has been incredible. It felt like everyone agreed that Simmons was the Chiefs’ most likely first-round pick — and he was. Then it seemed like he was on track to be healthy for the season — and he is. Now he’s locked in as the starting left tackle spot — and expectations are high. During his first NFL action on Saturday, a great many eyes will be on Kansas City’s offensive line — not to mention the man who seems destined to anchor it for the foreseeable future. Simmons is certain to leave an impression. It’s hard to imagine it won’t be positive.
Defensive back Chamarri Conner: The secondary’s youth movement could be both exciting and frustrating in 2025. Following the departure of Justin Reid, second-year safety Jaden Hicks is the room’s most likely leader. But it may be Conner who has the most to gain this season. While Conner has been useful during his first two seasons, he’s certainly had his struggles, too. Most would agree that he needs to find a role that suits him — one in which he can attack the football, rather than trail in coverage. Still only 24 years old, Conner could see action as a slot corner or play either safety position. The latter might be his best spot, but we’ll see how defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo mixes and matches in the preseason.
Others trending in the right direction: left guard Kingsley Suamataia, running back Isiah Pacheco, wide receiver Xavier Worthy, tight ends Noah Gray and Robert Tonyan, quarterback Patrick Mahomes, cornerback Trent McDuffie, safety Jeffrey Bassa and defensive tackle Omarr Norman-Lott.
Bears
Wide receiver Hollywood Brown: After signing a second-straight prove-it deal, Brown was surely hoping that he wouldn’t be dealing with injuries during camp. But he’s once again missing time with an ankle injury, which could jeopardize his opportunity to restore his timing and chemistry with Mahomes. We’re likely to see a lot of Xavier Worthy and Jalen Royals, who could have huge roles this season. We’ll also be watching Tyquan Thornton, Skyy Moore, Nikko Remigio and other young players competing for a roster spot. Nobody is arguing that Hollywood Brown won’t make the roster, but it sure would be nice to finally see how he can help the offense.
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Running back Elijah Mitchell: In St. Joseph, we haven’t seen or heard too much from Mitchell. But this isn’t about any struggles he’s had. It’s more about his opportunity shrinking. Isiah Pacheco appears to be back to himself, Kareem Hunt is still plugging along and rookie Brashard Smith might be the passing game weapon this team needs. That doesn’t leave much room for Mitchell, who might need an impactful preseason to secure his roster spot — or to make his case for an active role.
Defensive end Felix Anudike-Uzomah: The former first-round pick will probably continue to get every opportunity to develop. Still, the buzz around him has been almost nonexistent as third-round rookie Ashton Gillotte has impressed with his energy and athleticism. With Charles Omenihu healthy (and poised for a big season), Mike Danna returning and George Karlaftis getting paid, the former K-Stater may still be relegated to a depth role. Is it getting too late for him to make a positive impression?
Others trending in the wrong direction: tight end Jake Briningstool (injured), wide receiver Rashee Rice (injured and likely suspended), linebacker Brandon George, defensive tackles Jerry Tillery and Fabien Lovett, defensive end Malik Herring and tackle Jaylon Moore.
Value (Sleeper) Pick: Running back Brashard Smith
Given his speed and pass-catching ability, the seventh-round pick is starting to get some hype — but to be honest, it’s still a long shot for Smith to be a rookie contributor. Possessing blazing speed and explosive big-play ability, he’s got the profile of an exciting preseason player. He’ll get reps on offense and as a kick returner — and if he stands out, we shouldn’t be surprised. I can’t think of many developments that would make the Kansas City offense scarier than adding a big-play running back who could threaten defenses on multiple levels. Smith could be on the way to becoming that guy — or, like so many other late-round picks, fading into the background. He’ll be one to watch.