As NFL training camps kick off, Pro Football Focus (PFF) has released its annual list of the top 50 players in the league for the upcoming season. The first batch of rankings, covering players ranked from 41st to 50th, did not feature any Kansas City Chiefs. However, the tide turned on Tuesday when PFF announced two Chiefs players among the top 50, specifically falling in the 31st to 40th range.

The first Chiefs player on the list is guard Joe Thuney, who secured 39th place. Thuney's exceptional pass-blocking skills have earned him recognition as one of the best guards in the game. Despite a slight dip in performance compared to previous seasons, Thuney posted a solid PFF pass-blocking grade of at least 83.0 for the third consecutive year. With only two sacks allowed out of 740 pass-blocking snaps and above-average run blocking, Thuney continues to be a valuable asset for the Chiefs. Having ranked as the league's second-best guard in June, it was surprising to see him omitted from Monson's 2023 list. As he enters the final year of his five-year contract, Thuney will continue to provide veteran leadership to the Chiefs' offensive line.

The second Chiefs player recognized by PFF is cornerback Trent McDuffie, securing the 36th spot on the prestigious list. Often underrated, McDuffie has already showcased his prowess in his relatively short NFL career. He has thrived in challenging assignments from the Chiefs, excelling in both the slot and outside positions. Last season, he limited opposing receivers to just 10.7 yards per catch and earned an impressive 82.9 PFF overall grade. With the departure of L'Jarius Sneed, McDuffie's role within the Chiefs' defense is set to expand in 2024, potentially garnering him the recognition he deserves. Despite not making Monson's 2023 list, McDuffie was ranked as the NFL's second-best cornerback by PFF's John Kosko in June. As he enters the third year of his rookie deal, the Chiefs will soon face the decision of exercising his fifth-year option for the 2026 season.

In the 2023 rankings, Monson named three Chiefs players in his top 10, including center Creed Humphrey, who was ranked as the league's 33rd-best player. With PFF's Thomas Valentine regarding Humphrey as the top center in the league, it is expected that he might secure a spot in Monson's 21-30 group. However, Monson surprised with the inclusion of Detroit Lions' center Frank Ragnow at 47, leaving uncertainty regarding Humphrey's placement in the 2024 rankings.

While it remains to be seen how PFF's final rankings will pan out, it is anticipated that at least five Chiefs players will make the cut. Tight end Travis Kelce, despite a potential drop from the top 10, is likely to secure a position in the top 30. Additionally, quarterback Patrick Mahomes and defensive tackle Chris Jones are almost certain to be featured among the league's top players. With the Chiefs' talent-filled roster, there is a possibility that even more players will make Monson's 2024 ranking.

As training camps get underway, Chiefs fans eagerly await the complete list, eager to see how their players stack up against the rest of the league's elite.