Monday marks the start of the second week of padded practices. The Kansas City Chiefs’ training camp has shown highs and lows for the squad. As they prepare for the first of three exhibition games on Saturday, they have answered some questions, while others remain.
If we’ve learned anything about the Kansas City Chiefs over the last week, it’s clear this team is a work in progress. While they have time to address any remaining concerns, it’s likely this could be one of the better teams in the AFC.
Yes, the biggest concern was whether quarterback Patrick Mahomes would be ready for the season opener against Denver. That appears on track. If that’s true, the highlights from a productive off-season via free agency and the NFL draft could be on display this season.
So, who has stood out so far in St. Joseph?
QB Patrick Mahomes – In his heart, he’s full speed ahead, but the fact that he’s showing the fans he’s light-years away from the season-ending injury he suffered in December means the Chiefs are bringing him along slowly, putting the reins on their franchise quarterback. Still, he’s certainly not making it easy on them. He won’t play in the preseason opener, and that’s fine by me. Yet, he looks ready and anxious to get back on the field.
RT Khalil Benson – The undrafted free agent from Indiana has been impressive, earning first-team reps. At some point, someone will need to explain how he went undrafted. To the Chiefs’ benefit, they signed him and have inserted him as the team’s starter at right tackle since rookie camp. He has all the tools to make everyone forget about Jawaan Taylor. It’ll be interesting to see how he does in live action.
WR Cyrus Allen – Though a leg injury cost him several practice days, he came back with a vengeance and has shown next to Tyquan Thornton and the ageless Travis Kelce. The fifth-round pick from Cincinnati has shown incredible promise. He’s doing things on the field that have coaches comparing him to a young Stefon Diggs. Allen has learned the playbook and could eventually replace Rashee Rice as the next man up.
Edge R Mason Thomas – His battles against left tackle Josh Simmons and Benson have been fun to watch. For an undersized pass rusher, he has an incredible amount of power at the line of scrimmage. He has added muscle to his frame and appears to be an accomplished pass rusher from the start.
The Chiefs paid the price to acquire Walker, and signing him proved to be wise. In practice, he has shown he’s worth every penny, and his fiery attitude provoked an altercation with a teammate. Alohi Gilman on defense is a breath of fresh air for the competitive side of the offense. He has the chance to be as successful as Jamaal Charles was in Andy Reid’s system.
CB Nohl Williams – With the departures of Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson, Williams has become CB1. He showed flashes last season, and now he’s turning heads in training camp. Williams has developed into a corner able to take half the field away. He has already proven his ability to break up and intercept passes. He’s got some Dale Carter in him, and his fiery attitude will be a big plus for the defense.
TE Noah Gray – With this being a contract year for Gray, he’s been as good as or better than Travis Kelce in the early stages of camp. Though he struggled last season, he’s caught everything thrown his way. His ability to make plays will give the receivers more time to gel with Mahomes.
Edge Felix Anudike-Uzomah – Entering the final year of his deal, it’s taken three seasons to get his body healthy. He’s made an impact on the defense, both in rushing the passer and in the running game. I didn’t think he had a chance to make the roster. However, he’s a completely different football player now. He’s in the best playing shape of his career.
DT Peter Woods – As a rookie, if he isn’t Aaron Donald’s equal at the same age, I don’t know another young defender with his moves. His power is striking, and his speed to close gaps and create havoc at the line of scrimmage will be fun to watch this year. He’s still adjusting to the NFL game and would like to add a few more pounds of muscle before the opener, but he’s the real deal.
CB Mansoor Delaney – As the Chiefs’ top pick, Delaney has shown flashes of why Kansas City moved up in the first round to take the LSU standout. Though he’s still recovering from a shoulder injury, he’s shown enough flash and playmaking ability to have a massive impact on defense. However, fans might not see that until the opener.
QB Garrett Nussmeier – The rookie quarterback from LSU has definitely turned heads early in training camp. Though he’s locked in as the #3 on the depth chart, it’s clear Kansas City was smart to draft him at the end of the 7th round. He’s shown impressive accuracy throwing the football, and already has a command of the offense. He’s not going to overtake Justin Fields as the backup to Mahomes, but I’m excited to see what he can do in preseason games.
