Chasing the Chiefs’ 53: Devante Bausby and Da’Rick Rogers

Da’Rick Rogers

Da’Rick Rogers has shown the talent, but can he keep his head on straight? Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports

Rogers was once a highly touted wide receiver out of Tennessee.  However, he was eventually suspended by the team and finished his college career at Tennessee Tech.  Rogers’ off the field concerns led to him being undrafted in 2013.  Since entering the NFL, Rogers has mostly been a Practice Squad player.  But when given a chance for the Colts in 2013, he responded with a 100 yard and 2 TD performance against the Bengals, which he followed up with decent performances in the following weeks.  Unfortunately, he was then arrested for DUI in September of 2014, which led to the Colts releasing him.

What does he have going for him?

Rogers has just about every single physical tool you could hope for in a wide receiver.  He’s tall with a good build, has excellent athleticism and short area quickness, and quality hands.  He demonstrated in 2013 that he can take over a football game when his head is in it.

What hurdles does he have?

Ever heard the saying: “It’s all in your head.”?  That’s the case here.  Rogers’ problems are strictly mental, both on and off the field.  This is a young man who doesn’t make good decisions and hasn’t yet dedicated himself to the game of football.  If he could fix those two issues, he has the potential to be one of the best in the league.

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What is his best shot?

Rogers will need to simply beat out the other wide receivers on this roster.  He needs to show all of the things that made him such a promising prospect at one point.  He has the talent.  It would not be a stretch to say that he is the most naturally talented wide receiver on the roster right now.  And he has shown he can use it.  He just has to commit himself to it.

Prediction?

I think Rogers makes the Chiefs roster.  It will be interesting to see how that works with his pending suspension, but the talent is there and the Chiefs need it.  Andy Reid has gotten the best out of immature players in the past, and if he can do that here…look out.

The Chiefs have an interesting group in camp this year.  There are a number of guys that could make a huge splash out of nowhere.  John Dorsey has invested in potential, now it just remains to be seen what turns up from that.