As promised, the Chiefs training camp update for this week is live. Not a ton different from last week, we're starting to see the rosters form and players solidifying their positions on the field. A few signings though have found their way to St. Joe, with NT Danny Shelton being added as well as a few players with potential of getting one of those final special teams spots or being a preferred practice squad player. The Chiefs also released a few players too, most notably Lonnie Johnson Jr. who was pegged as being a potential starter at the beginning of the year. Disappointing, but justified as Johnson's performance did not impress coaches.
Defensively, the Chiefs are still looking poised to have a young but talented group. With the addition of Shelton, they have yet another threatening inside presence beside Chris Jones, Tershawn Wharton, Khalen Saunders, and others. The interior line looks absolutely stacked, especially now that they're 340 lbs bigger with Shelton coming in (Watching that man take on 3 O-linemen at once and still get good pressure has me hopeful) In terms of secondary, Trent McDuffie looks much more comfortable than he did at the beginning of camp, in fact basically all the rookie defensive backs have seemed to settle in and find their role. Williams and McDuffie being the standouts, it looks to be a young secondary that will have to learn quick. They have the talent, they just need the NFL experience and knowledge.
On the offense, things are slowly coming into place as well. Rookie 7th rounder Isiah Pacheco looks like a world beater as both a runner and receiver and I am super excited to see how he gets utilized this year. The guy has definitely cemented his spot I think, leaving Jones and Gore competing for the final spot in that rotation. The receivers are still in a heated competition though, we have a good idea as to who will be top 2 or 3, but receivers 4,5, and 6 will be interesting calls. Justin Watson put his name in the hat with authority with this past game in Chicago, Josh Gordon has had a few good days despite underperforming in the first preseason game, and the other potential guys have had flashes. The question is, who sticks out above the rest? So far, it proves to be just Watson and Skyy Moore, who has also had a great camp and had a great game in Chicago. We'll see who Dave Toub will like for his special teams unit...
Overall, the Chiefs, despite losing their first preseason game, will be just fine. The starting unit looks stellar, rookies are developing well, and while some slights concerns of depth have been raised, they're not anything to really worry about too much. They can be ironed out in preseason and in camp, it's the whole reason it's here in the first place...
Burn Notice: 7/10 Finally cooling off...
Comments