Andy Reid speaks about Chiefs draft class and rookie minicamp

Andy Reid provided an update on several players, which also includes the full 72-man roster of who will be participating at rookie minicamp.

Dozens of drafted rookies, undrafted free agent signings and young players asked to try out came together on Saturday for opening day of a three-day rookie minicamp for the Kansas City Chiefs. It was also a time to hear from head coach Andy Reid as he updated reporters on several players.

Reid spoke about a few of the team’s six recent draftees from the 2019 Draft. He noted seventh-round pick Nick Allegretti will be working at center to start. The 6’4″, 320-pound offensive lineman played as a guard for most of his collegiate career at the University of Illinois, but he impressed at center at the Senior Bowl. The Chiefs will enjoy his versatility if he looks good in the middle.

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“Nick is an offensive lineman. He can play center or guard, a dual position guy. He can probably kick out and play tackle. He’s not a small guy. We like him in those two positions, guard and center. He’ll be working center with the first group and then getting a little guard work here as we go. He’s very intelligent … he’s a two-time team captain … he’s a tough kid who moves around well.”

Running back Darwin Thompson out of Utah State was praised as a sleeper pick for the Chiefs in the sixth round. Reid provided a brief update on Thompson, saying the best comparison to a player he’s had before is former Chiefs back Charcandrick West. While West was not spectacular for the Chiefs (although he had his moments),  the size for both West (5’10”, 205 lbs) and Thompson’s (5’8″, 200 lbs) is comparable and both have nice versatility. Thompson has stronger legs and should be more productive but West’s versatility as a running and receiving back made him a great option for quarterback Patrick Mahomes.

Reid also noted that he liked sixth round pick Rashad Fenton as well. “I like his cover ability. He can play inside and outside. We’ll see how he does in those areas.”

Reid noted four players at minicamp who would not be practicing fully. Defensive end Tim Ward (ACL surgery), and linebacker Darius Harris (right shoulder surgery) won’t be practicing at all, which is to be expected given the injury status of both coming into the draft. Wide receiver Felton Davis (Achilles surgery) and tight end John Lovett will be limited participants.

Here’s a look at the full 72-man minicamp roster:

Several local players were also able to display their skills at Chiefs rookie minicamp, including Kansas State guard Abdul Beecham, Lee’s Summit running back Josh Caldwell, Kansas University center Alex Fontana and kicker Gabriel Rui. It is nice to see local rookies get their shot at potentially making the final-53 or even the team’s practice squad. An interesting nugget: Fontana was selected 7th overall in the 2019 CFL Draft this week.

Reid also poked fun at third-round pick Khalen Saunders saying “Saunders, I like, not just because he can do a backflip at 320 pounds.” Saunders is most known for doing a backflip at the 2019 Reese’s Senior Bowl. At 320 pounds, that is beyond impressive.

There were also several players who are on the active roster participating in the rookie minicamp. Quarterback Chase Litton, defensive back D’Montre Wade, linebackers Raymond Davison and Robert McCray, offensive tackle Ryan Hunter, wide receiver Davon Grayson, tight end David Wells, and defensive tackles Joey Ivie and Cavon Walker are all on the active roster and are participating in the rookie minicamp. Their year ahead of the rest should help some of them stave off competition.

Rookie minicamp will continue through Monday, May 6 for the Chiefs.