The Kansas City Chiefs have several rookies who will face sky-high expectations during the 2026 season, but wide receiver Cyrus Allen might be the team's most surprising preseason riser. A former University of Cincinnati Bearcat, Allen was selected by Kansas City with the No. 176 pick in the fifth round of the 2026 NFL Draft and has become something of a legend at Chiefs training camp in St. Joseph. Legendary wide receiver Steve Smith Sr. sounded off on Allen's upside on a recent episode of the '89 with Steve Smith and James Palmer' podcast, going so far as to say that the rookie could eventually become Kansas City's No. 1 wideout:
NFL Legend Steve Smith Sr. On #Chiefs rookie Cyrus Allen 🗣️ “Cyrus Allen is going to be eventually, in my humble opinion….their number one Wide Receiver.” Via @SteveSmithSr89pic.twitter.com/wqoznV9z9G — SleeperChiefs (@SleeperChiefsKC) August 14, 2026 While it is far too soon to tell if Allen will be a key contributor for the Chiefs this season, his route-running and ability to find space in the middle of opposing defenses could make him an excellent developmental prospect. Expect to see Allen get his chance to earn a backup role behind veteran pass-catchers Rashee Rice and Xavier Worthy during Kansas City's preseason exhibition against the Los Angeles Rams on August 15. This article originally appeared on Chiefs Wire: NFL legend sounds off on Chiefs rookie standout Cyrus Allen