Kansas City Chiefs: Reviewing the Rookies

Sep 17, 2015; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs tight end James O

DJ Alexander

The 2nd inside linebacker to be taken by the Kansas City Chiefs was Georgia product DJ Alexander. Alexander, like Wilson, looked good in preseason. However, it would always be difficult for him to take the field during the regular season. As it has proved, the Alexander only played his first snaps of the season at inside linebacker in the London trouncing of the Lions.

Like many late round rookies, Alexander’s value is on special teams, and this is where he has excelled. Alexander is a more than adept tackler, and his speed to cover the field. He has made seven tackles this year, all coming on special teams bar one against the Lions last week. This is solid output from the rookie, and although it is difficult to measure his defensive impact, Alexander’s impact on special teams has been a positive sign.

James O’Shaughnessy

Many in Chiefs’ kingdom were pining for a second tight end to be drafted after Anthony Fasano was released during free agency. Dorsey answered the call by drafting O’Shaughnessy in the fifth round with the 173rd pick. O’Shaughnessy was a risky pick by Dorsey, and so far, he shown in flashes his mismatch ability. The tight end position has changed throughout the years, and players like Chiefs’ legend Tony Gonzalez, Gronk and Kelce have shown what a mismatch a 6-foot-4 pass-catching tight end can be.

The small-school prospect looks to be made in the mold of a mismatch tight end, and while he has struggled in run blocking, his pass catching ability has been on display, with 6 receptions for 87 yards and most impressively an average of 14.5 yards per reception. His ability to create yards after the catch is fantastic and although he must improve in the run game to become an all round tight end, he has great potential to support Travis Kelce in the future.

Next: Nunez-Roches and Parker