With veterans expected to be on the field Wednesday, the gang will be assembled for their first joint practice with the quarterbacks and rookies. So many questions are on the table heading into this training camp, and we look at six players who need to have a big camp.
Emmett Johnson (Running Back)
He is a 5’11”, 200-pound running back who played at Nebraska his whole career in college. This season, he combinedfor 251 carries for 1,451 yards, averaging 5.8 yards, and he had 12 touchdowns. He had 46 receptions for 370 receiving yards, averaging 8.0 yards, and he had 3 receiving touchdowns. In his career, he had 458 carries for 2,460 yards and averaged 5.4 yards; he had 15 touchdowns. He also had 92 receiving receptions for 702 receiving yards, averaging 7.6 yards, and scored 5 receiving touchdowns.
He ran a 4.56-second 40-yard dash, a 35.5-inch vertical jump, a 10’0” broad jump, a 7.32-second 3-cone drill, a 4.29 20-yard shuttle, and 16 reps at bench press. He is a hard-charging runner; he brings urgency, decisiveness in the run game, and the ability to make a downhill cut at top speed. He should come in and get RB2 reps, and my prediction is he’s gonna win the HB2 battle.
Mansoor Delane (Cornerback)
He is a 6’0” 190-pound cornerback who spent his whole career at Virginia Tech and LSU. This year, he combined for 45 total tackles, 28 solo tackles, 17 assist tackles, 11 pass defended, and 2 interceptions. In his whole career, he has 191 total tackles, 110 solo tackles, 81 assist tackles, 27 pass defended, 4 forced fumbles, and 8 interceptions.
Watching his film, he excels in pass coverage. He has good speed for vertical routes from the wide receivers, and he can track the quarterback without losing his coverage during the pass. He is a full-contact hitter ready to punch out the ball every moment he gets. I want to see how he goes against Rice, Worthy, and Thornton.
Esa Pole (Right Tackle)
He is a 6’7″, 319-pound offensive tackle who spent one season in the NFL with the Chiefs and the Jets. During that time, he recorded 275 offensive snaps, which included 186 pass-blocking snaps and 89 run-blocking snaps. He was charged with 3 penalties, allowed 1 sack, permitted 4 hits, and surrendered a total of 15 pressures.
In Week 14, he replaced Wanya Morris in a game against the Houston Texans, where he played 63 snaps, allowing only 3 pressures and no sacks. He is a versatile tackle who can play both left and right tackle, and even guard. He displays lateral quickness, good movement, and fluid pass sets that contributed to his impressive performance, having zero sacks in the 2024 season while playing 498 pass-blocking snaps.
Let’s see how he goes against Chris Jones, Wood,s and Karlaftis. Heim and Moore are gonna have a major battle in training camp. Let’s see how this one goes.
Kenneth Walker (Running Back)
He is a 5’9”, 211-pound running back who spent 4 seasons in the NFL with the Seahawks. This year, he played 17 games, had 221 carries for 1,027 rushing yards, averaged 4.3 yards per carry, and rushed for 5 touchdowns. In his career, he played 59 games with 821 carries for 3,555 rushing yards, averaging 4.3 yards per carry, and 29 touchdowns; he also had 133 receptions for 1,005 receiving yards, averaging 7.6 per catch, with 2 touchdowns.
He is an explosive running back with athleticism; second in tackle miss rate, he will help the Chiefs and put less pressure on Mahomes to carry the offense. We can finally have a run game, and Mahomes doesn’t have to put pressure or try to be Superman to create run plays. I’m excited to see how Mahomes and him look in training camp. Could be a really good duo together.
Khyiris Tonga (Defensive Tackle)
He is a 6’2”, 335-pound defensive tackle who spent 5 years in the NF. He had 24 total tackles, 9 solo tackles, and 15 assist tackles. What he brings to Kansas City is depth that we need at defensive tackle. Since Omarr Norman-Lott tore his ACL in October, he provides run-stuffing ability. With Chris Jones, he created a lot of pressure in the backfield, and he even had Chris Jones excited to play alongside him.
I know he doesn’t have sacks to prove it, but he will make a difference in our defensive line play and ourrun-stoppingg defense. I love the contract we gave him. He brings that run-stopper and pure-strength defensive tackle next to Chris Jones, and Lott could take his place recovering from his ACL injury.
Travis Kelce (Tight End)
He is a 6’5” 250-pound tight end who played for the Chiefs for the last 12 seasons in the NFL. Last season, he combined for 76 receptions for 851 receiving yards, averaging 11.2 yards per catch and 5 touchdowns receiving. He is one of the GOATS in Kansas City; he brings a safety blanket for Mahomes whenever he takes off, and he always finds the open spots for him to throw to.
I’m excited to see how he does in training camp. This could be his last dance; if it is, he will definitely come into camp different and prepared for this upcoming season.
