The Kansas City Chiefs kicked off their mandatory minicamp on Tuesday, significantly later than most teams in the NFL. The three-day event will last until Thursday, and it will be the last time the team is together until they reconvene again for training camp in late July. The minicamp allows the coaching staff to evaluate the roster, including the rookies, newcomers, and veterans, and make a few decisions regarding the roster before training camp.
It also gives Chiefs fans an insight into which players are on the verge of breaking out and who may have an expanded role next season. Chiefs insider Pete Sweeney reported on Tuesday that there was one pass-catcher who surprisingly saw more targets than anyone else.
In the 11-on-11 part of the practice, Patrick Mahomes reportedly threw four passes to JuJu Smith-Schuster, more than any other playmaker, raising eyebrows about his potential role in the Chiefs offense next season.
JuJu Smith-Schuster Emerges as Surprise Top Target for Patrick Mahomes
Mahomes' 11-on-11 targets: Smith-Schuster (4), Brownlee, TE Noah Gray (3), Rice (3), Kelce (2), Moore (2), Pacheco (2), Ross, Smith, WR Tyquan Thornton, WR Xavier Worthy
— Pete Sweeney (@pgsween) June 17, 2025
It's important to note that this was just day one of the minicamp, and we shouldn't read too much into anything that transpires. There will be plenty of water under the bridge, especially with training camp looming, but Smith-Schuster playing this large of a role early on could mean that his spot on the 53-man roster is guaranteed, at the bare minimum.
The Chiefs will likely start Rashee Rice, Hollywood Brown, and Xavier Worthy as the wideouts to begin the roster. Rookie Jalen Royals is also a lock to have a role in his first year in the league. Nikko Remigio and Skyy Moore are still on the roster, and Tyquan Thornton has been a surprise standout during OTAs.
While there have been rumors about Thornton and Remigio potentially cracking the WR rotation next season, Smith-Schuster's workload on Day 1 of minicamp likely suggests that he still has the inside track to be WR4/5 with Royals.