The Chiefs wrapped up their second of three training camp practices Sunday morning in hot and muggy St. Joe. While this trio of activities featured just the quarterback and rookies, the entire team will be on the field this coming Wednesday, when things really ramp up.
It was another solid day of work for Andy Reid's team, with Patrick Mahomes once again showing off his recovery improvement from his ACL surgery. He reportedly looked spry in 3,5 and 7- step dropbacks from both shotgun and under center, zipping the ball through the air as usual.
Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes rolling to his left in a throwing drill pic.twitter.com/t5vF6lqyda
— Jesse Newell (@jessenewell) July 26, 2026
Up at the podium to speak with the media today were three more Chiefs rookies: cornerback Jadon Canady, wide receiver Cyrus Allen, and running back Emmett Johnson. They offered insights on what it's like to finally realize their dreams of playing in the NFL, as well as getting their feet wet in what is so far a typical, grueling Andy Reid-led training camp.
Mahomes continued setting the tone as the Chiefs' rookie class reflected on its early training camp experience
Both Johnson and Allen, being offensive players, had similar thoughts on returning offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy's hard-nosed coaching style. "He's gonna push you a lot," Johnson said. "He wants the best from me at the end of the day; I don't take nothing personal. I love that he's here pushing me to be better every single day."
Allen went on to say about both Reid and Bieniemy. "They don't play. Everything is intentional, everything is process-oriented. Coach EB is pounding us every day; everything is structured." This is the kind of stuff we Chiefs fans expect to hear from the rookies, who are getting quite the first taste of what NFL coaching is about at the highest level.
Reid and Bieniemy have won Super Bowls together, so their words carry weight, especially around guys who have never played a pro snap yet. For Cyrus Allen, he mentioned how the Chiefs were always his favorite squad to play as in Madden and that the prospect of playing with Patrick Mahomes remains a "surreal" moment.
"Everything is pretty much timing; this ain't college no more, this is big boy ball. I'm on his time, and everything is very precise in this league." For a fifth-round pick to be so in tune with what Mahomes wants from him on the field is a welcome sight for Chiefs fans.
The wide receiver room's depth is questionable to say the least, and if Allen can keep stacking days as he has been so far, the former Cincinnati Bearcat could find himself playing a large role this season.
Training camp tends to be a very pass-oriented structure because contact is not allowed as of yet. But Johnson, despite being a running back, puts an emphasis on his pass-game chops. "Being a receiving threat out of the backfield in the NFL is big," he said. "Showing that they can rely on me in the pass game is something I take pride in."
Johnson added that he always completes 200 catches a day before practice on the jugs machine, so that he never drops a ball in practice. He also offered a glowing report on free agent acquisition Kenneth Walker III and how the reigning Super Bowl MVP approaches his craft. "He's somebody who cares about the group; he pushes us every single day. He's very unselfish; that's what I love about him."
Fourth-round slot corner Jadon Canady was the lone defensive presence at the podium and said he felt pretty comfortable with where he's at in terms of learning Steve Spagnuolo's complicated scheme, but the nuances of learning other position roles are something he wants to grow in.
Canady also provided some insight on his relationship with No. 6 overall pick Mansoor Delane. "Definitely great. We had some guys leave last year, so this year is basically a whole new backend, so me and [Delane] talk a lot about the plays, hang out, eat lunch together. Still building that bond."
The 23-year-old Canady is not wrong that this is essentially a brand-new crop of secondary players, all looking to prove to themselves and the coaches that they are worthy of heavy snaps. If this rookie's mindset is worth any indication of where the unit sees itself, I think the Chiefs might be in pretty good shape on the backend.
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