In our “Let’s Argue” series, Mark Gunnels considers the hot takes, wacky predictions and unpopular opinions of Kansas City Chiefs fans from all over the world.
Despite the good draft we had… this team is a year away from Super Bowl and division title contention
I’m not seeing it.
The Chiefs upgraded arguably the biggest weakness on the roster by adding running back Kenneth Walker — easily
the best backfield mate quarterback Patrick Mahomes has had since the first stretch of Kareem Hunt’s career in 2017 and 2018.
The defense was also retooled through the draft and free agency.
The AFC West isn’t some untouchable gauntlet. Denver had a great year, and we will see them in Week 1 on “Monday Night Football,” but quarterback Bo Nix is coming off a serious injury. As long as Mahomes and head coach Andy Reid are together, expecting last season to be a repeat rather than the exception feels like the hot take.
Cyrus Allen’s going to surprise people. Love his ability to separate.
For a fifth-round pick, this feels like tremendous value for Kansas City. As talented as wide receivers Rashee Rice and Xavier Worthy are, neither has consistently proven they can beat physical press-man coverage yet. Cyrus Allen brings real separation ability both outside and in the slot.
The only question is opportunity. Reid has a history of easing rookie receivers along, including barely any snaps for a fourth-round pick in Jalen Royals last year, but from a pure talent standpoint, Allen has the tools to carve out a role sooner than people think.
I wasn’t thrilled with the R Mason Thomas pick over taking Zion Young, what am I missing?
At the time, I was convinced the Chiefs were taking Zion Young. His frame fits exactly what defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo typically looks for off the edge, and the local ties to the University of Missouri made it feel even more likely.
That said, I actually respect Kansas City going a different direction with R Mason Thomas at pick 40 in the second round. For years, fans have begged for more speed and explosiveness off the edge — and that’s exactly what Thomas brings. If he hits, the production and pass-rush juice he provides could turn this draft from good to great.
Three will make the Hall.
I’m assuming you mean three players from the Chiefs’ 2026 draft class will eventually make the Pro Football Hall of Fame. If so, that’s an incredibly bold prediction.
The gold jacket is arguably the hardest honor to obtain compared to those in other major professional sports’ halls of fame. If Kansas City gets even one future Hall of Famer out of this class, that alone would make the draft a massive success.
