The Kansas City Chiefs are preparing for a season of promise and potential breakout performances in 2026, and a lot of that optimism is centered on their second-year players. After a decade of success largely built through the draft, General Manager Brett Veach and his scouting department have once again unearthed promising talent. Meanwhile, Head Coach Andy Reid believes this year’s class of rising stars can make the leap and become key contributors for a team aiming to reclaim its championship glory.
During a recent appearance on 96.5 The Fan with host Carrington Harrison, Reid discussed two players who he feels could define Kansas City’s offensive identity this season: first-round left tackle Josh Simmons and fourth-round wide receiver Jalen Royals.
Josh Simmons: The Blindside Protector
Josh Simmons, the 2025 first-round pick, came into the NFL with high expectations after a standout collegiate career at Ohio State. Known for his size, athleticism, and football IQ, Simmons was pegged as a potential franchise left tackle—one who could protect Patrick Mahomes’ blindside for years to come. But Simmons’ rookie campaign was hampered by injuries and personal issues, leaving fans and analysts wondering if he could fulfill his promise.
“The main thing with Simmons was just staying healthy and staying on the field,” Reid explained. “I’d say he had a pretty good rookie year. He did a nice job at that left tackle spot, and he’ll take another step up from there. He hasn’t been there and done it yet. I think he has the confidence that he can compete against most guys in this league, and he definitely has that skillset, for sure. He’s a talented kid.”
Simmons’ rookie season was a rollercoaster. He played just eight games before missing four due to a personal family matter, the specifics of which remain private. He then suffered a fractured wrist late in the season, landing him on injured reserve. His injury history also includes a torn patellar tendon in his left knee during his senior year at Ohio State. For the Chiefs, the hope is that Simmons can finally put these setbacks behind him. With Mahomes leading the offense, Simmons’ ability to stay healthy and dominate on the line will be crucial to Kansas City’s hopes of a deep playoff run.
Reid is optimistic about Simmons’ growth and readiness. “When he was on the field, he did a great job against some tough pass rushers,” Reid said. “The talent is there, and if he can stay healthy, he’s going to be a key piece of our offense this year.”
Jalen Royals: Wide Receiver Ready to Make Noise
The other young player Reid highlighted was wide receiver Jalen Royals, a fourth-round pick in 2025. Royals came into the league with raw talent, speed, and strong hands, but injuries limited his impact in his rookie campaign. He played just seven games, recording two receptions before a knee injury sidelined him.
Reid believes Royals is poised for a strong sophomore season. “Royals is strong,” Reid said. “He’s out here doing our offseason program. He’s making good, strong catches. His hands are strong. His core strength is strong—a lot like Rashee Rice that way. He’s put together with a great core strength area. He’s a smart kid. Those are all things that I think will benefit him in his second year.”
Unlike Simmons, Royals’ challenge isn’t protecting Mahomes—it’s earning his place in a wide receiver corps that has seen limited offseason investment. The Chiefs’ lack of big-name additions at receiver could be a blessing in disguise, allowing Royals the opportunity to step into a larger role. If he stays healthy and continues to develop under Reid’s tutelage, Royals could become a reliable target for Mahomes, adding a new dynamic to the Chiefs’ high-octane offense.
Health and Opportunity: The Keys to Success
For both Simmons and Royals, health will be the defining factor. Simmons needs to overcome his wrist and knee issues to consistently protect the quarterback, while Royals must stay on the field to translate his athletic gifts into production. Reid’s confidence, however, is clear: these two are the players to watch in Kansas City this season.
“It was basically a redshirt season for Royals, but mentally, he’s on track,” Reid said. “If he can stay healthy, he’ll have a chance for success in our offense. Same goes for Simmons. They both have the talent and mindset to make a big impact in 2026.”
This isn’t the first time Reid has relied on young players to step up. The Chiefs’ success over the past decade has been built on identifying talent in the draft and developing it into NFL-ready stars. Simmons and Royals are the latest in a long line of players who have been groomed to fill key roles and provide depth to a team that is always balancing veteran leadership with emerging talent.
Building Through the Draft: A Kansas City Tradition
Kansas City’s philosophy of drafting and developing players has allowed the team to remain competitive year after year. Veach’s scouting acumen, combined with Reid’s developmental expertise, creates a culture where young players can thrive. From Patrick Mahomes to Rashee Rice, the Chiefs’ recent history is filled with examples of young stars exceeding expectations. Simmons and Royals have the opportunity to join that lineage if they can seize their moment in 2026.
Reid also noted the importance of having strong leadership around these young players. Veterans like Mahomes, Travis Kelce, and Chris Jones provide stability, guidance, and the type of mentorship that helps second-year players transition from raw talent to consistent contributors. For Simmons, that means learning to handle the pressure of protecting one of the league’s premier quarterbacks. For Royals, it’s about refining route running, reading defenses, and developing chemistry with Mahomes.
The Big Picture: 2026 and Beyond
As the Chiefs gear up for 2026, the development of their second-year players could have significant implications for the season. With key matchups on the horizon—including a challenging six-game stretch in Weeks 12-17 against playoff-caliber teams—the contributions of Simmons and Royals could be the difference between contention and disappointment.
Reid’s assessment suggests he expects both players to rise to the occasion. “They’re ready to make a difference,” Reid said. “It’s all about opportunity and preparation. Both Josh and Jalen have shown the work ethic, mindset, and skill to break out this year. I’m excited to see what they do.”
Chiefs fans will be watching closely, hoping these young players can live up to the hype and provide Mahomes with the protection and weapons he needs to carry the team deep into the postseason. In a league where the margin for error is slim, the emergence of Simmons and Royals could be the key to Kansas City reclaiming its spot atop the AFC.
Key Takeaways
- Josh Simmons, 2025 first-round pick, has the talent to be a franchise left tackle if he stays healthy. Injuries hampered his rookie season, but Reid believes his potential is undeniable.
- Jalen Royals, 2025 fourth-round pick, had a limited rookie season due to injury but possesses strong hands, speed, and football IQ. His development could add a critical spark to the Chiefs’ passing game.
- Health and consistency are the main hurdles for both players, but the coaching staff and veteran leadership provide the support necessary to succeed.
- Kansas City’s draft-first philosophy continues to pay dividends, with Veach and Reid nurturing a culture where second-year players can thrive.
- Fans should keep an eye on these two during the 2026 season—they have the chance to become breakout stars.
With the stage set, the NFL world will be watching Kansas City closely in 2026. The combination of Mahomes’ return, veteran leadership, and the potential breakout of second-year players Josh Simmons and Jalen Royals could make this season a defining one for the Chiefs. Reid’s faith in his young stars is evident, and if health and opportunity align, Chiefs Kingdom could be in for a thrilling ride.
