If and when a team wants to accomplish something great and outstanding, usually contributions come from unheralded contributors and from areas completely unexpected. This seasons Chiefs team has been no exception, with high level contributions coming, in some aspects, from players fans were unaware was even on the roster.
Credit must be given not only to John Dorsey but also Director of Player Personnel Chris Ballard. Not only are many of the players unknown to fans, but many players contributing were deemed not good enough by other, possibly lesser teams and organizations. This organization appears to have a knack for knowing what players could possibly fit and be a piece, and possibly what players are not. Lets explore some of those names.
Terrance Mitchell, corner
Drafted in the seventh round of the 2014 draft by the Dallas Cowboys, Mitchell has become quite the expert on the inner workings of the NFL waiver wire. A well thought of prospect entering the draft process out of Oregon, Mitchell had quiet a bizarre combine, posting a mind numbing slow 4.63 40-yard dash all the while posting the fastest 3-cone drill at the combine for a corner, posting a 6.57. The dash time is what took Mitchell from the initial projections of middle rounds to nearly the last pick in the draft, at 254.
Mitchell, after being released by the Cowboys at the cut down in 2014, signed with the Chicago Bears on the practices squad, and would not appear in a game with the Bears in 2014, but would appear in five games with the Bears in 2015 before being released in November, and would be signed by the Cowboys to finish out the season.
In June, Mitchell was claimed off waivers by the Houston Texans and would stay with them only through the off season activities before being let go on September 3. He would sign with the Chiefs on September 6 to their practice squad.
Since joining the Chiefs, Mitchell has helped both on special teams and especially on defense as of late. In his most recent two games, Mitchell has shown no fear going up against solid receivers, especially the work he did against the Raiders. Included in that is the pass breakup that basically sealed the victory for the Chiefs against the Raiders on the jump ball. While it’s doubtful Mitchell is ever going to develop into a star, if he’s able to continue to develop his skills, could be a valuable find and asset for the Chiefs going forward in a young but talented secondary.