Finding the Chiefs' Biggest X-Factor

The Kansas City Chiefs have several players who could alter the regular season for the franchise, but this player remains under the radar in that department going into 2025.

Aug 9, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Detailed view of a Kansas City Chiefs helmet during a preseason NFL game at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

It's no secret that the Kansas City Chiefs are one of the most well-rounded franchises in the National Football League going into the 2025 campaign. While their 2024 ended in heartbreak, the Chiefs are still the team to beat in the AFC until proven otherwise.

With the likes of Patrick Mahomes, Xavier Worthy, Chris Jones, Trent McDuffie and Nick Bolton on the roster, just to name a few, the Chiefs have a great team on paper for the 2025 campaign. Yes, injuries are a part of the game, but so long as the top contributors stay healthy, Kansas City could once again find itself in the Super Bowl.

The superstars on the roster will likely continue to prove why they are held to a higher standard than the rest, but some of the under-the-radar players for 2025 could be the difference makers for Kansas City. A handful of players have the potential to have breakout seasons, but none more than this 2024 NFL Draft pick.

Year 2 for No. 21

The Chiefs' fourth-round draft pick last season out of Washington State, Jaden Hicks, is stepping into a role that helped the franchise secure several Super Bowl championships in the past. With veteran safety Justin Reid out the door, Hicks has the chance to stamp his name into the franchise for years to come with a strong second season.

Jul 30, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints safety Justin Reid (21) and safety Jordan Howden (31) during training camp at Ochsner Sports Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images | Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

According to NFL.com's Ben Solak, Hicks is the Chiefs' top X-Factor choice in finding success to help Kansas City claim their tenth consecutive AFC West division title at season's end.

• "Reid was with the Chiefs for only three seasons, but those seasons all brought Super Bowl appearances and masterful Steve Spagnuolo game plans. Reid was the quarterback of that defense -- versatile enough to play anywhere on the field, tight enough in man coverage to solve opposing tight ends and always good for a timely tackle in space on third down," Solak wrote.

Jul 22, 2025; St. Joseph, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs safety Jaden Hicks (21) walks down the hill to the practice fields during training camp at Missouri Western State University. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images | Denny Medley-Imagn Images

• "He was a consistent mistake-eraser, and for as much as I like Hicks -- who looked quick and smart as a rookie -- it's unlikely he brings that level of steady, heads-up production. Expect to see Hicks tested in coverage early, but it might be Reid's reliable tackling against the run that is most missed early in the season."

Looking to improve on his rookie year, where he played in 17 games, collected 29 total tackles, five passes defended and three interceptions, Hicks is a great option to back this season for Kansas City.

The No. 1 one-stop shop for news from Chiefs Kingdom is OnSI; the easiest way to get it is to follow @KCChiefsOnSI, @ZakSGilbert and @Domminchella on X (Twitter). Plus, share your prediction for the 2025 season by visiting our Facebook page (here).