Locked on Chiefs: Matt Derrick on K.C.’s offensive progress

Jan 15, 2017; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs running back Spencer Ware (32) celebrates a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC Divisional playoff game at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 15, 2017; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs running back Spencer Ware (32) celebrates a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC Divisional playoff game at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

The Kansas City Chiefs have made progress during these offseason activities that’s encouraging for the 2017 season.

The biggest surprise of the offseason came with the release of Jeremy Maclin. Given Maclin’s departure, Chris Conley and Tyreek Hill have climbed to the top of the depth chart . Conley, in particular, appears to be comfortable and relaxed in his role as the position group’s de facto leader. The team will rely on the young core of wide receivers to make an impact without a veteran of note in the room.

Along the offensive line, “continuity” is the term of the day. Currently, the Chiefs return all five of their starters that’s finished the 2016 season. That includes Zach Fulton who is filling in for the injured Parker Ehinger. Ehinger has been practicing, although in a very limited fashion and to this point seems to be the only upgrade available to the team as a possibility in training camp. Whether Ehinger is available in training camp or not remains to be seen.

Patrick Mahomes has been getting more attention than any other third-string quarterback in the NFL. He is receiving coaching at a constant pace from a number of different personnel. Coach Reid, offensive coordinator Matt Nagy, offensive assistance Mike Kafka are all ensuring that the young quarterback is developing at a steady and defined pace. Kafka, in particular, seems to have been charged with staying in the rookie quarterback’s hip pocket to guide his progression.

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Locked on Chiefs is a daily podcast show that drills down to the bottom line and will give you a 360-degree view of the Kansas City Chiefs. Take a few minutes to hear about your Chiefs each day. We’ll cover the offseason, the draft and all the way to the Super Bowl and want to cover the topics you want to hear about. So reach out to us on twitter @LockedOnChiefs with questions and for up to the minute analysis and episode information.

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