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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JANUARY 04: Head coach Andy Reid of the Kansas City Chiefs looks on during the second quarter of the game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium on January 04, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Candice Ward/Getty Images)

The Kansas City Chiefs will be banking on a lot of rookies and second-year players in 2026.

Part of the reason why they have been so successful over the past decade has been their ability to build mostly through the draft. General manager Brett Veach and his scouts have done a masterful job of evaluating talent, and the Chiefs’ coaching staff as done equally as well in developing players.

Kansas City Chiefs HC Andy Reid Confident in OT Josh Simmons

Reid joined Carrington Harrison on 96.5 The Fan on Thursday to discuss a variety of topics. Among them was 2025 first-round draft pick Josh Simmons, who the Chiefs are counting on to be their franchise left tackle. Reid believes Simmons will do just that if he can stay healthy.

“The main thing with Simmons was just staying healthy and staying on the field,” Reid said. “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 just hasn’t been there and done it. 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.”

When available, Simmons did do a great job last season against some pretty tough pass rushers. Unfortunately, he only played in eight games. Simmons missed four games due to a personal family matter, which we really don’t know the specifics of. There hasn’t been any indication that there is more to the issue that could impact his status moving forward.

Simmons also missed the final five game of the 2025 season after fracturing his wrist, landing him on injured reserve. During his senior year at Ohio State, he tore his patellar tendon in his left knee. The Chiefs badly need him to put his injury woes behind him and protect quarterback Patrick Mahomes’ blindside for the long haul.

Andy Reid says WR Jalen Royals is working hard to step up

While on the subject of second-year players, Reid talked what Royals could potentially bring to the table in 2026.

“Royals is strong,” Reid said. “He’s out here doing our offseason program. He’s [made] 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.”

Royals was a fourth-round draft pick for Kansas City last year. He impressed during training camp and preseason, but a knee injury halted his momentum. Royals appeared in just seven games as a rookie, recording two receptions.

It was basically a redshirt season for him, but he should be on track mentally. Like Simmons, if Royals can remain healthy, he’ll have a chance for success within Reid’s offense. The Chiefs didn’t invest much in the wide receiver position during the offseason, which could signal they believe Royals will take a step forward.