The Kansas City Chiefs are largely filled with established stars, but for every NFL team, hitting on young talent is key to extending winning windows. That younger talent may not always yield immediate results, however. For the Chiefs, they are still waiting for certain recent draft picks to materialize into clearer roles.
With that in mind, a few obvious names emerge as breakout candidates for Kansas City this year. Those who take a step forward can only improve the team as a whole.
Which Chiefs players could make a major leap in 2025? Here are three names from Kansas City’s roster worth keeping an eye on.
Jaden Hicks
Jaden Hicks flashed late in his rookie season last year. He was able to generate three interceptions, two of which came in back-to-back weeks last December. Hicks finished last season playing in 31 percent of the team’s defensive snaps. Safety offers a more intriguing set of roles for this upcoming season on the Chiefs’ defense. As a result, Hicks has a prime opportunity to solidify himself.
With Justin Reid departing in free agency this offseason, Hicks will look to garner a lion’s share of snaps and starts in 2025. Mike Edwards was brought back this offseason. And for Chamarri Conner, his game could be better suited for safety as well. If Hicks can enter the season strong and beat out those two for a top role alongside the other presumed starter in Bryan Cook, his breakout could come to fruition early.
Felix Anudike-Uzomah
If not now, when will we see Felix Anudike-Uzomah put it together for Kansas City? The former first-round pick will still have to contend with Charles Omenihu and Mike Danna for snaps at defensive end opposite George Karlaftis. And don’t forget: Chris Jones will occasionally flex outside to rush the passer, to boot. Anudike-Uzomah has been working to develop a deeper pass-rush repertoire during his first two years in Kansas City.
The Chiefs may honestly need him to step up as a secondary pass rusher out of necessity for their depth. Ashton Gillotte could always shine in spots as a rookie. Though, his expectations should be realistic. And with Tershawn Wharton leaving in free agency, Anudike-Uzomah could easily benefit from a greater opportunity. If he finally gets more snaps and reps consistently, can he show signs of what the Chiefs were hoping for when they selected him?
Kingsley Suamataia
Kingsley Suamataia is expected to start at left guard in 2025. After a rough beginning to his rookie season at offensive tackle last year, K.C. made lineup changes and had the BYU product learn from the bench. Suamataia earned an opportunity to play guard in last season’s regular-season finale when the Chiefs rested their starters.
It was an encouraging sign to see how he played in that spot against a fierce and deep Denver Broncos defense. That was only one singular showing at left guard. But, Suamataia does have a massive opportunity to bounce back and breakout at the same time for the Kansas City offensive line. His ability to attack more often at guard, rather than working laterally or backwards on an island, could play into potentially more confidence.
Plus, playing next to Creed Humphrey will create some gut‑shot opportunities and allow him to take it to opponents more often. If he wins that job, Suamataia can quickly get back into the good graces of Chiefs fans.
