The Kansas City Chiefs are casting a wide net this weekend, hosting a staggering 76 players at their 2026 rookie minicamp. While 20 of those are undrafted free agents already signed, the real story lies in the tryout players—and one recent success story proves why every single one of them has a shot.
Just last year, TCU linebacker Cooper McDonald walked into a tryout with no guarantees. He left with a spot on the 90-man roster, then defied the odds by making the 53-man roster. Now, he's the frontrunner to take over the SAM linebacker role vacated by Leo Chenal. That kind of rise from tryout to starter is exactly why these camps matter.
Let's break down the position groups and the opportunities waiting for these hopefuls.
Quarterbacks: LSU's Garrett Nussmeier (drafted 249th overall) will likely handle the bulk of the work, but the Chiefs need arms to run the show. Keep an eye on EJ Warner—yes, the son of Hall of Famer Kurt Warner. He's got the pedigree, and this is his chance to prove he's got the game.
Running Backs: This group is stacked. Joining signed UDFAs Emmett Johnson, Jaydn Ott, and EJ Smith, the tryout backs will have to fight for every carry. It's arguably the most competitive unit at camp.
Tight Ends: With the team investing little in the position this offseason, opportunity is knocking. These tryout players will line up alongside Wyoming's John Michael Gyllenborg, and a strong showing could open doors.
Wide Receivers: Cyrus Allen, Jeff Caldwell, Jacob De Jesus, and Omari Evans are all in the mix. Andrew Armstrong, a reserve/future signing, is also eligible to participate, raising the competition level.
Offensive Line: The Chiefs didn't add a single offensive lineman in the draft or free agency this year. That means there's a massive opening, especially at tackle. These tryout players will join UDFAs Josh Thompson (LSU) and Pete Nygra (Louisville), and a standout performance could earn a long look.
Defensive Line: Even with two draft picks (Peter Woods and R Mason Thomas) and five UDFAs, the Chiefs need depth here. This group is one to watch—a strong camp could reshape the roster.
For these 76 players, the dream is simple: be the next Cooper McDonald. And for Chiefs fans, it's a reminder that championships aren't just built in the draft—they're found in the tryout lines, too.