Chiefs Training Camp Takeaways, Day 9: RB order becoming crystal clear, underrated draft pick shines

The second-team RB has been Elijah Mitchell, rookie Brashard Smith with the third-team, and Carson Steele with the third/fourth-team. Kansas City will have a crucial decision to make as to whether or not they want to keep four RBs for the regular season.

If not, it seems likely Steele would be the odd man out, but his versatility as a fullback and special teams contributor will help his case. It should also be noted that Smith has gotten plenty of run with the first-team offensive in a WR role.

LB Jeffrey Bassa makes his presence felt

Bassa is the least talked about Chiefs 2025 draft pick. That's because K.C. is already well set at the linebacker position, and Bassa's main role as a rookie will be as a special teams player. However, he has flashed his defensive abilities during camp, including today when he picked off a pass from quarterback Bailey Zappe during 7-on-7 (H/T 810 Sports WHB).

Bassa might fly under the radar this season, but he could step into a starting role in 2026 as Drue Tranquill and Leo Chenal are in the final year of their contracts. After sustaining an ankle injury during Tuesday's practice, Bassa appears to be fine.

Robert Tonyan has been most consistent TE behind Travis Kelce and Noah Gray

The No. 3 tight end role was wide open heading into camp. While things could still change, Tonyan has easily been the best TE behind Kelce and Gray. Tonyan made several receptions during Friday's practice, including this one from QB Patrick Mahomes across the middle of the field (H/T Harold Kuntz).

Tonyan has an edge experience-wise as a nine-year veteran. He knows what it takes to play at a high level, as he tied with Kelce for the most TD catches among all TEs in the NFL during the 2020 season. With Briningstool missing valuable time and Jared Wiley having a quiet camp, Tonyan definitely has the inside track to make the 53-man roster.

DT Chris Jones battling with OG Kingsley Suamataia

Suamataia is heading into a big Year 2. The Chiefs are giving him every opportunity to secure the starting left guard role for the 2025 season after failing at left tackle as a rookie. Going up against All-Pro defensive tackle Chris Jones every day has been a trail by fire, including here when Jones stonewalled Suamataia during 11-on-11 (H/T Caleb James).

However, coach Reid said after practice that Suamataia did have some positive reps against Jones on Friday.