Watch Kareem Hunt make a one-handed catch in stride
By Matt Conner
Kareem Hunt is showing off a versatile skill set in training camp, which could mean early returns for the Chiefs offense in 2017.
The 2017 NFL Draft was supposed to be all about the future. Patrick Mahomes is expected to sit this entire season behind Alex Smith at quarterback. Tanoh Kpassagnon will be a project moving forward at defensive end. Same with Ukeme Eligwe at linebacker. Jehu Chesson likely won’t make many waves at wide receiver as he adjusts to the NFL. Leon McQuay III is competing with loads of other roster hopefuls in the secondary.
If any prospect is going to provide instant impact like the Chiefs saw last year with defensive lineman Chris Jones and wide receiver Tyreek Hill, it’s going to be running back Kareem Hunt, a third round pick out of Toledo. The Chiefs traded up in the round to get him, making sure to acquire what then-general manager John Dorsey said was their top running back in the second tier of draft prospects.
Hunt entered the NFL with a well-rounded skill set, a prospect praised for his ability to gain yards after contact as well as block and catch passes out of the backfield. It’s that final characteristic listed that fans saw in person on Sunday at Chiefs training camp, the third such day in St. Joseph. Check out the play below.
Best individual play from today at #ChiefsCamp?
— Chiefs Reporter (@ChiefsReporter) July 30, 2017
It may have been this one-handed snag from rookie RB @Kareemhunt7. 👀 pic.twitter.com/K09iseXSNg
What’s incredible here isn’t just the one-handed catch from Tyler Bray made with such ease, but it was the fact that Hunt stays in stride like he’s a wideout, as if he couldn’t punish between the tackles on the very next play. For a running back in Andy Reid’s flexible offensive system, having a running back who can be such a receiving threat is going to keep defenders guessing and make the play action that much more effective.
Of course it’s training camp where players are going easy on each other. The t-shirts and shorts are a poor simulation of what’s to come. But it’s exciting to see a young player like Hunt already making his presence felt and showing that the Chiefs might have another impact rookie after all.