​As the NFL offseason winds down, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler takes the temperature of the league by releasing top-10 positional rankings that are built from a survey of more than 70 voters, including executives, coaches, and scouts. This year’s results come with significant insights for the Kansas City Chiefs, who have multiple players highlighted so far in the rankings, though none are occupying what many would call a “premium” position.
Among the Chiefs named in Fowler’s list is Trey Smith, who holds the No. 7 spot as an interior offensive lineman. This designation underscores Smith’s importance along Kansas City’s offensive line, where he and his interior counterpart form a duo that the Chiefs rely on to anchor the protection and open running lanes. The Arrowhead Pride staff plans to dive deeper into the interior duo’s ranking, offering more detailed analysis in the near future. Yet there is a recurring theme in the current Chiefs representation: the players mentioned do not occupy conventional “premium” positions.
Evaluating the broader context, the Chiefs’ challenge appears to be in the areas many teams view as high-impact or game-changing. Jones is recognized for his versatility and talent that transcends a simplistic “defensive tackle” label, with some evaluators considering him a premium pass rusher. Nonetheless, Kansas City has not landed players in several high-visibility positions within Fowler’s ranking framework. Specifically, cornerbacks—where 24 players were cited in the ESPN article—edge rushers (19 players mentioned), and offensive tackles (22 players mentioned) are the categories where Chiefs fans would likely hope to see more representation.
Notably, Trent McDuffie, formerly of Kansas City and now with the Los Angeles Rams, appears prominently in the cornerback rankings, sitting at fifth and reaching as high as third in the eyes of some voters. This tie-back to a former Chief demonstrates the level of talent that exists in the league and the kind of high-level corners the Chiefs will be contending with in 2026. Kansas City clearly has its eyes on a quick infusion of talent at the cornerback position, with rookie Mansoor Delane considered a potential breakout candidate who could join the discussion in the coming year. The team also has high hopes for last year’s first-round pick, left tackle Josh Simmons, who is still seen as a player with top-tier potential.
Simmons appeared in only eight games during the 2025 season, reflecting a step back that prevented him from earning a spot in these rankings for that year. Chiefs Kingdom, however, remains optimistic about his trajectory. He possesses the tools and talent to compete at a high level; what he needs is more consistent, repeated performances to solidify his place among the league’s top tackles. If Simmons can stay healthy and demonstrate sustained excellence, he could elevate the Chiefs’ offensive line toward the front ranks in future evaluations.
On the edge, Kansas City continues to prioritize depth and collective strength over a single, overwhelming star. George Karlaftis, as the presumed cornerstone of the Chiefs’ pass rush, is not singled out in this year’s edition as strongly as some expected. Instead, Ashton Gillotte and rookie Mason Thomas are positioned as key contributors who could complement Karlaftis and help the unit maintain a dynamic, rotational approach. Peter Woods, a young defender, adds additional edge versatility, creating a multi-layered group that can pressure quarterbacks from multiple angles.
This approach—favoring quantity and versatility at the edge rather than banking on a single premier pass rusher—reflects a broader strategy that the Chiefs seem to be adopting. The combination of Jones’s edge versatility and the rising potential of Woods introduces a flexible front that can adapt to different formations and game plans. Yet the absence of more recognized premium players at both cornerback and edge-rushing positions raises questions about the team’s ceiling in 2026 and beyond. If Kansas City cannot align more elite production at these two critical spots, the defense could face increased challenges from high-powered offenses across the league.
Looking ahead, the Chiefs face a delicate balancing act. They must cultivate internal development—continuing to elevate Simmons, Delane, Gillotte, and Thomas—while also seeking to add or accelerate impact players at cornerback and edge rusher through drafts or targeted acquisitions. The 2026 season could hinge on whether Kansas City can translate the depth it currently emphasizes into consistent, high-impact performances in the most consequential roles on defense. If the team can convert this depth into a more pronounced top-tier presence on the perimeter and along the edge, they’ll be better positioned to contend with the league’s strongest offenses. Conversely, if the cornerback and edge-rushing positions lag, even strong quarterback play and a powerful interior line may not be enough to sustain the Chiefs’ championship ambitions.