The Kansas City Chiefs concluded their final week of OTA sessions, focused on installing, teaching, and getting players up to speed for next week’s Mini-Camp and, ultimately, the start of training camp in July. So, what did we learn from this week’s OTA practices?
The assistant coaches had their turn with the local media, and unlike Head Coach Andy Reid, who isn’t the most forthcoming with tidbits, they were a bit more open about the players making an early impact.
Who stood out in Week 2 of the Chiefs OTA sessions?
DT Peter Woods – Both Defensive Coordinator Steve Spagnuolo and Defensive Line Coach Joe Cullen spoke highly of the Chiefs’ first-round pick. Spags, in particular, highlighted his versatility on the defensive line. At Clemson, he played every position on the Tigers’ line, and the tape was clear. Whether inside or outside, he can make plays.
CB Mansoor Delane – Spags made an interesting point about the Chiefs’ top overall pick. In researching Delane, Spags was impressed that he bypassed his junior-year opportunity in the NFL draft to transfer from Virginia Tech to SEC powerhouse LSU. He wanted to play against better competition, which could prove a legitimate training ground for the jump to the NFL.
WR Xavier Worthy – New receivers coach Chad O’Shea spoke highly of the Chiefs’ 2024 first-round pick. He noted how fast Worthy was in person compared with how he looked on tape. He also indicated how impressed he is with Worthy off the field and how much time he spends in the classroom. Of all the receivers in this group, O’Shea seemed to add an extra beat of excitement when talking about Worthy’s potential in the offense.
DE R Mason Thomas – Spags admitted he didn’t understand a question about why people think Mason Thomas isn’t the type of pass rusher he’s been used as in the past. He did admit he has a type but was quick to praise his new defensive weapon. Going deeper into the analysis of drafting him, it had to do with DeMarco Murray, the Chiefs’ new running back coach, who was on the Sooners’ staff before coming to the Chiefs this spring.
RB Kenneth Walker III – Both Murray and Eric Bieniemy noted that Walker works as hard in practice as he does on the field. What was noteworthy from EB was his teaching Walker what he needs to do on any given play when he does not have the ball. I thought that might have been the most insightful part of EB’s exchange with the media. That tells me the Chiefs will spend significant time on the details of each play and the role each player will have on any given snap.
QB Patrick Mahomes – Though little was said about Mahomes by the assistant coaches, all reports indicate he had another solid week of work. Though video was limited, Mahomes was seen running and working with his new running back, Kenneth Walker II. The pair could be the key to unlocking the Chiefs offense, and Mahomes is getting plenty of work with his new running back.
Next up, the Chiefs will participate in their Mandatory Mini- Camp next week. This will be the last time the team is together until training camp opens in late July.
