I promise we will talk Royals tomorrow in the ScorchCast, I really feel like people are more excited about this anyway...but let's get started with some rookie updates regarding Chiefs training camp. If you don't know by now training camp began in full this past week, and there's been a few emerging talents showing out, specifically from the rookies. It seems the rookies came ready to solidify themselves as deserving of a full time roster, or even starter spot. Legitimately, I have no complaints from what I have seen so far from them. They look good, great even, and guys are getting reps with the starters because they're stacking good days on good days.
Let's start with the 1st pick Trent McDuffie. The dude looks like he can keep up with the best of them. There's already multiple highlights of him defending passes and hanging tight with guys like Mecole Hardman, keeping them well contained. He doesn't lose step it seems, and can play the ball really well. On the same side of the token, Joshua Williams has been a surprising standout in the secondary, the big corner out of Fayetteville State selected in the 4th round has impressed with physical play that still is centered around playing the ball. Something that a lot of Chiefs corners failed to do last year. It will be interesting to see where he lands on the depth chart post-preseason. George Karlaftis has been taking pointers from Frank Clark (For some reason some people think that's a bad thing???) and has looked quick on his feet in drills. Combine that with his bull-rushing style, and he could be a deadly weapon against the pass AND run come September. Same with Leo Chenal, who has shown why he was picked with great downhill play and surprisingly good pass coverage. Something he was criticized for pre-draft. Bryan Cook has also shown he's a magnet to the play, defending passes well and coming up into the flat with force on multiple plays. He's shut down the likes of Travis Kelce on multiple occasions. The defensive picks have looked like they will make an immediate impact, and I thoroughly enjoy that. This defense was in need of a complete refresh, and I'm excited to see where they go!
The same goes for offensive rookies. Skyy Moore has torched defenders and made highlight worthy catches every day of camp thus far. The kid from Western Michigan has shown that he can take the top off, find the ball in the air with ease, and put a bit of trickeration on secondaries with multiple moves in his arsenal. Darian Kinnard has shown that not only is he a sizeable tackle, but that man can MOVE. Keeping up with the running backs and being a lead blocker for them will pay dividends at tackle, but he's also shown the physicality he was known for at Kentucky. Finally Isiah Pacheco has shown he can compete with the starters. Getting reps with the 1s is no easy feat as a 7th round pick, but Pacheco has shown he can do it thus far and has had a great camp as both a receiver and runner. He will fit nicely as a 3rd down back, something the Chiefs have struggled to find in place of Darrel Williams who left for Arizona.
Overall, all signs point to proving that the Chiefs drafted extremely well. It was said post-draft, and it's being solidified now with rookie performances thus far. I'm excited to see how they will make an impact this year and the years to come. Be on the lookout next week for a veterans update on training camp, and tune in tomorrow to the Sunday ScorchCast at 6:30 to hear my thoughts on all goings on thus far!
Burn Notice: 10/10 Rookies rising
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