The HBTC Podcast

So the 2026 NFL season for the Chiefs should look MUCH better than 2025. In fact, they might surprise us all out there for SEVERAL different reasons.

In today's episode, Cole DeRuse (HBTC Host) and Jesse Newell (Chiefs beat reporter for The Athletic) discuss why fans should be optimistic heading into this season, even coming off of the worst finish of Mahomes' career last year. They consider what changes must take place if the Chiefs are to bounce back to their 2022 form, how the influx of new talent will help on both sides of the ball, and how involved the "pillars" (Jones, Kelce, Mahomes) of the team should be in 2026. 

Plus, the 2025 Chiefs might have been the NFL's unluckiest team in quite some time!

HOST:
Cole DeRuse | HBTC

GUEST:
Jesse Newell | The Athletic

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The Official HBTC Podcast: http://podcast.hbtchiefs.com
SUB for MORE Chiefs news: https://www.youtube.com/@hbtCHIEFS
Links to socials/merch: https://linktr.ee/hbtchiefs

In theory, the revamped run game in KC will help with nearly every single aspect of the offense this upcoming season. The question is.. how much so?

On today's episode, Cole DeRuse of HBTC and Seth Keysor (KCSN) process through this exact question as they look at the deep ball, pass protection, the screen game and more.

Plus, will Mahomes finally have franchise blind-spot protector for the first time in his career (hopefully yes)?

HOST:
Cole DeRuse | HBTC

GUEST:
Seth Keysor | KCSN

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The Official HBTC Podcast: http://podcast.hbtchiefs.com
SUB for MORE Chiefs news: https://www.youtube.com/@hbtCHIEFS
Links to socials/merch: https://linktr.ee/hbtchiefs

Which weaknesses along the Chiefs roster could get addressed before or during training camp via a (most likely cheap) veteran addition?

On this episode, Cole DeRuse (HBTC Host) and Joshua Brisco of KCSN process through this question as they take a look at every position group on the Chiefs roster. The upgraded RB room, the VERY young secondary - all of it! There's been a lot of turnover for sure. However, there's optimism for another playoff run if all goes according to plan.

HOST:
Cole DeRuse | HBTC

GUEST:
Joshua Bricso | KCSN

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The Official HBTC Podcast: http://podcast.hbtchiefs.com
SUB for MORE Chiefs news: https://www.youtube.com/@hbtCHIEFS
Links to socials/merch: https://linktr.ee/hbtchiefs

Which underrated player has the best shot to take Chiefs Kingdom by surprise next month at Chiefs’ training camp? 

On this episode, Cole DeRuse (HBTC Host) and Pete Sweeney of the Kansas City Star work through most of the roster to process through some unexpected standouts so far during OTAs. Having covered the Chiefs for 12+ years and attended multiple practices already this season, Pete shares a firsthand account at how Patrick Mahomes and the rest of the Chiefs have looked so far during offseason training. 

Plus, is Justin Fields or another QB entirely going to end up being QB2 this season? Tune in to find out! 

HOST:
Cole DeRuse | HBTC

GUEST:
Pete Sweeney | KC Star

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The Official HBTC Podcast: http://podcast.hbtchiefs.com
SUB for MORE Chiefs news: https://www.youtube.com/@hbtCHIEFS
Links to socials/merch: https://linktr.ee/hbtchiefs

Are NFL fans sleeping on the Chiefs heading into the 2026 season?

On this episode, Cole DeRuse (HBTC Host) and Seth Keysor of KCSN process through the state of the Chiefs roster post mandatory minicamp and look at how KC can not only be competitive, but dangerous again in ways they haven’t in years. 

They analyze young talent at key position groups along with which areas could potentially use a late addition. Finally, will the identity shifts on offense and defense pay off? 

Plus, why Patrick Mahomes’ new contract is still fantastic for the team as the years go on.

HOST:
Cole DeRuse | HBTC

GUEST:
Seth Keysor | KCSN

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The Official HBTC Podcast: http://podcast.hbtchiefs.com
SUB for MORE Chiefs news: https://www.youtube.com/@hbtCHIEFS
Links to socials/merch: https://linktr.ee/hbtchiefs

So how is Kansas City's roster stacking up with minicamp all wrapped up and training camp on the horizon?

On this episode, Cole Deruse (HBTC Host) and Daniel Harms of RGR and Bleacher Report discuss many important position groups to watch as the Chiefs head into training camp including the "wide open" battle at right tackle, why some must-needed development at wide receiver is very likely, along with the biggest X-factor for the Chiefs this season. 

Plus Dan shares his concerns with one group in particular that may require a lot of help after this season.

HOST:
Cole DeRuse | HBTC

GUEST:
Daniel Harms | RGR Film Analyst & Bleacher Report

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The Official HBTC Podcast: http://podcast.hbtchiefs.com
SUB for MORE Chiefs news: https://www.youtube.com/@hbtCHIEFS
Links to socials/merch: https://linktr.ee/hbtchiefs

Can the Chiefs bounce back from last year's train wreck? 

On this episode, Cole DeRuse (HBTC Host) and Seth Keysor of KCSN analyze the Kansas City Chiefs' 2026 NFL schedule breaking down certain stretches of games many fans are not happy about. They also explore possible moves KC could still make to improve their roster this offseason, discuss why their lousy bye week timing actually has a silver lining, and predict where the team finishes after this challenging schedule. 

Plus, they process through how the Chiefs have to prepare early to survive the GAUNTLET of games near the end of the season. 

HOST:
Cole DeRuse | HBTC

GUEST:
Seth Keysor | KCSN

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The Official HBTC Podcast: http://podcast.hbtchiefs.com
SUB for MORE Chiefs news: https://www.youtube.com/@hbtCHIEFS
Links to socials/merch: https://linktr.ee/hbtchiefs

Will Mansoor Delane be the Trent McDuffie replacement? 

On this episode, Cole DeRuse (HBTC Host) and Seth Keysor of KCSN predict the potential for Delane and his immediate role in the Chiefs secondary. They also analyze the speed secured by KC's recent draft picks, whether or not it was a mistake to not address the O-line at all, where the Chiefs could still be looking to land a veteran, and the best case scenario for Peter Woods to develop alongside Chris Jones. 

Plus Seth says new edge rusher R Mason Thomas plays "like a psychopath." 

HOST:
Cole DeRuse | HBTC

GUEST:
Seth Keysor | KCSN

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The Official HBTC Podcast: http://podcast.hbtchiefs.com
SUB for MORE Chiefs news: https://www.youtube.com/@hbtCHIEFS
Links to socials/merch: https://linktr.ee/hbtchiefs

With the 2026 NFL Draft ALMOST HERE, Cole DeRuse (HBTC Host) and KCSN Writer Kent Swanson take one final look at KC's options in one of the most important drafts in the Brett Veach era.

They consider a variety of trade options moving either up or down from pick #9, how the top-end talent might shake out regarding recent NFL moves, and how a dynamic pick at a shocking position could be a lot of fun in this Andy Reid offense. 

Plus, Kent says it's "going to be okay" if the Chiefs take an offensive tackle at 9...

HOST:
Cole DeRuse | HBTC

GUEST:
Kent Swanson | KCSN | Writer & Podcast Host

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The Official HBTC Podcast: http://podcast.hbtchiefs.com
SUB for MORE Chiefs news: https://www.youtube.com/@hbtCHIEFS
Links to socials/merch: https://linktr.ee/hbtchiefs

With a seemingly endless amount of options, who will the Chiefs be taking at pick #9?

Cole DeRuse (HBTC Host) and Price Carter, the Lead Draft Analyst of Arrowhead Addict, look forward to Thursday with this 2026 NFL draft primer as they highlight options for almost every position group in the first rounds of the draft. They chat through positional needs on both sides of the ball, best and worst-case first round scenarios, the battle between top WR's and more.  

Plus, Price reveals some of his favorite prospects after completing an impressive 100 players in 100 days study.  

HOST:
Cole DeRuse | HBTC

GUEST:
Price Carter | Arrowhead Addict Lead Draft Analyst 

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The Official HBTC Podcast: http://podcast.hbtchiefs.com
SUB for MORE Chiefs news: https://www.youtube.com/@hbtCHIEFS
Links to socials/merch: https://linktr.ee/hbtchiefs