Rookies make major impact for Chiefs during Super Bowl run

Patrick Mahomes is the undisputed leader of the Chiefs and Travis Kelce is the team's most important offensive weapon. But NFL Network reminded viewers of the key roles multiple rookies played in propelling Kansas City to its second Super Bowl in four seasons.

"It was a home run draft class," said former NFL scout and NFL Network draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah. 

Four rookies started Super Bowl LVII, and several others made significant plays against the Eagles. Rookies made a huge impact on the team reaching the Super Bowl.

Cornerbacks Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson, running back Isiah Pacheco and defensive end George Karlaftis III received starting nods against Philadelphia.

McDuffie (first round, 21st overall) played 100 percent of the team's defensive snaps and recorded five tackles. Watson (seventh round, 243rd overall) had a smaller role in the Super Bowl but came up big in the team's divisional and championship round wins with an interception in each game.

Pacheco (seventh round, 251st overall) had 15 carries for 76 yards and a touchdown in the Super Bowl. For the entire postseason, Pacheco had 45 touches (including kick returns and receptions) for 307 all-purpose yards.

Karlaftis III (first round, 30th overall) had two tackles in the Super Bowl and one sack against Joe Burrow in the AFC Championship Game.

The Chiefs also received help from wide receiver Skyy Moore, linebacker Leo Chenal and cornerback Joshua Williams.

Moore (second round, 54th overall) caught one pass against Philadelphia -- a fourth-quarter touchdown reception that gave Kansas City a 35-27 lead.

Chenal (third round, 103rd overall) had one sack in only 18 defensive snaps, and Williams (fourth round, 135th overall) had four tackles and also intercepted Burrow in the AFC title game.

Safeties Bryan Cook (second round, 62nd overall) and Nazeeh Johnson (seventh round, 259th overall) played the majority of team's special teams snaps in Super Bowl LVII.

When surveying the 2022 draft, teams such as the Jets, Lions and Seahawks are routinely viewed as having the best performance. Kansas City's class belongs in that conversation.

"In our rebuilding year, we're world champs," Mahomes said Wednesday during the team's championship parade. With the best QB in football on its roster, defining the Chiefs' 2022 as a rebuild feels like a mischaracterization. It was more like a refueling. And Kansas City now has enough gas in the tank to go even further.