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The Kansas City Chiefs entered the 2025 season with plenty of questions about depth, especially after losing key veterans in the offseason.
Yet, four games into the season, Andy Reid’s rookie class is proving its worth. Despite picking near the bottom of each round in the 2025 NFL Draft, the Chiefs have unearthed contributors across multiple positions, showing that even late-round picks can thrive when given opportunity and trust.
Impact of Josh Simmons on the Offensive Line
First-round pick Josh Simmons has quickly integrated into the offensive line. Reid praised the unit’s resilience against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 4, particularly the “young left side” anchored by Simmons.
The rookie’s ability to protect quarterback Patrick Mahomes and help open rushing lanes has solidified his role as a cornerstone for Kansas City’s offense.
“I thought they did a good job there,” Reid told reporters. “The young left side stayed strong and the right side worked well together.”
Simmons’ steady growth reflects Reid’s commitment to developing young talent, a strategy that allows Kansas City to stay competitive year after year.
Nohl Williams Strengthening the Secondary
The secondary faced concerns after Kristian Fulton’s ankle injury left the cornerback group thinner than expected. However, third-round pick Nohl Williams stepped in with confidence.
In Week 4, Williams logged 36% of defensive snaps, making several physical plays against top Ravens receivers.
Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo has steadily increased Williams’ responsibilities, trusting him in man coverage and situational packages. His development provides the Chiefs with much-needed flexibility and depth in the secondary.
Brashard Smith Bringing Spark to the Backfield
Perhaps the most surprising impact has come from seventh-round pick Brashard Smith. Kansas City’s run game lacked explosiveness in the first three weeks, but Smith has added a fresh dimension.
He saw 19 snaps against Baltimore, showing flashes of burst and vision that caught the coaching staff’s attention.
Offensive coordinator Matt Nagy is actively increasing Smith’s workload:
“We’re just trying to increase Smith’s reps every week and put him in positions where he can do some things. He seems to be handling it good.”
For a late Day 3 pick, Smith’s early contributions are a bonus, hinting that he could become a rotational weapon moving forward.
Depth Stepping Up Across the Roster
In addition to Simmons, Williams, and Smith, other rookies have already made their mark:
- Ashton Gillotte has logged meaningful snaps on the defensive line with Mike Danna sidelined by injury.
- Omarr Norman-Lott has flashed as a rotational defensive tackle, proving disruptive in limited action.
These performances highlight the Chiefs’ ability to build depth from within, a necessity for a franchise that consistently drafts late in each round.
Chiefs Rookies’ Early Impact (2025 Season – First 4 Games)
| Player | Position | Draft Round | Week 4 Snaps vs. Ravens | Key Contribution |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Josh Simmons | Offensive Line | 1st Round | Full starter reps | Anchored left side protection |
| Nohl Williams | Cornerback | 3rd Round | 36% defensive snaps | Physical coverage plays |
| Brashard Smith | Running Back | 7th Round | 19 offensive snaps | Added burst to backfield |
| Ashton Gillotte | Edge Rusher | 4th Round | Rotational | Filled gap for injured Danna |
| Omarr Norman-Lott | Defensive Tackle | Late Round | Rotational | Early flashes in pass rush |
Why Andy Reid’s Trust Matters
One of Andy Reid’s greatest strengths as a coach is his willingness to trust young players early. By putting rookies in real game situations rather than holding them back, he accelerates their development while rewarding their preparation.
This approach keeps Kansas City competitive, even as roster turnover and injuries occur.
The Chiefs’ 2-2 record after their 37-20 victory over the Ravens shows a team finding balance. More importantly, it highlights a rookie class that is already making meaningful contributions
The 2025 Kansas City Chiefs rookie class is proving to be one of Andy Reid’s most promising in recent years. With Simmons holding the line, Williams reinforcing the secondary, and Smith injecting energy into the run game, the Chiefs are seeing immediate returns from their investment.
Add in depth contributions from Gillotte and Norman-Lott, and the future looks bright in Kansas City.
Reid’s trust in his rookies is paying dividends—not just for the present season, but for the long-term health of the franchise.