Arrowhead Pride
The Kansas City Chiefs are still in the early stages of offseason workouts, but special teams coordinator Dave Toub already has his eye on several young players who could make an impact in 2026.
Toub’s comments offered an early glimpse into which newcomers may have a chance to contribute right away, including this year’s fourth-round pick.
The rookie defensive back entered the draft with a reputation as a physical special teams contributor, and Toub believes that experience will translate quickly to Kansas City.
“He’s going to be playing all four phases for sure, right off the bat,” Toub said.
“We’re looking at him at gunner, obviously corner on punt return,” Toub continued. “And he’ll be a two coming off the edge on kickoff.”
The head of special teams also noted Canady could play any spot on kick return, except returner.
When asked about who could be in the mix to return kicks, Toub mentioned Johnson first among the players who have caught his attention during offseason work.
“I really like the running back room,” Toub said. “Emmett Johnson – number 10. He’s really doing well, looking good.”
Toub then pointed to undrafted rookie back E.J. Smith — the son of the former Dallas Cowboys running back and Hall of Fame player Emmitt Smith — as another player who could factor heavily into the return game.
“Smith’s kid, really, really good kid, strong,” Toub said. “Those two guys back there, both of them are guys that are going to be working in there,” Toub said. “I’m excited about seeing them.”
With the NFL’s updated kickoff rules continuing to place a premium on vision, acceleration, and open-field running ability, Johnson and Smith could emerge as legitimate options in the return game as training camp approaches.
One of the more intriguing names mentioned by Toub was undrafted free agent Xavier Nwankpa.
While emphasizing that roster evaluations are still in the earliest stages, Toub specifically singled out the former Iowa standout.
“This is way early. I mean, way early,” Toub said. “I’m excited about Nwankpa, I think he’s got size and speed. And he’s got a lot of experience in college with special teams.”
Toub also credited Iowa special teams coordinator LeVar Woods for helping prepare Nwankpa for the next level.
“He’s a guy, you can see it,” Toub said.
Beyond discussing young players, Toub was asked about replacing the production of former linebacker Leo Chenal, one of the Chiefs’ most valuable special teams performers over the last several seasons.
“Leo was special,” Toub said. “That’s why he was a coveted guy.”
Toub identified Downs and CMcDonald as two players who could help absorb some of those responsibilities. It’s worth noting that Downs, originally a defensive end, recently switched to the linebacker position.
“The closest guy to that is actually two of them — Downs and McDonald,” Toub said.
While Toub...
