Joshua Kaindoh says KC Chiefs have him working on fundamentals

Joshua Kaindoh came into the National Football League with a very clear label: “project.”

That’s not intended to slight Kaindoh in any way. Rather, it was just clear to anyone and everyone that the K.C. Chiefs spent their fourth round pick on a player with very little in the way of collegiate production yet a rare blend of size, length, strength, and athleticism that should allow him to succeed if coached up correctly.

It’s not surprising, then, to hear that the Chiefs have been focusing on the fundamentals when it comes to Kaindoh. The rookie defensive end spoke with reporters on Saturday from Chiefs training camp in St. Joseph, Missouri and said the focus so far has been back at “ground zero”.

“He’s been honing in on fundamentals, so it’s good to go back to ground zero and work on that,” said Kaindoh when asked about his early work with position coach Brendan Daly. Later on, he clarified the work, “Hands. Hips. Feet. Knowing my playbook. Knowing little stuff like that, knowing where to be and what to do.”

The Chiefs are easing Joshua Kaindoh into his new role.

The overall emphasis from the coordinator level has also allowed Kaindoh to ease into the pro level. Kaindoh said that Steve Spagnuolo has allowed the team’s defensive rookies to not feel too overwhelmed as they adjust to life at the professional level. Each rookie has a lot to process both physically and mentally to a game played at a higher speed, but even then, everyone is also meeting new teammates and learning a new community.

“[Spags] has been doing a good job helping us learn day by day,” said Kaindoh. “He hasn’t been trying to rush things. He’s been doing a good job trying to kind of ease us in and get us comfortable. I mean, it’s a lot on our plate, but the way he’s handled it has been day by day. It’s a high volume but he’s been handling it well.”

Despite the learning curve, Kaindoh had nothing but smiles for reporters in his first media session from camp. He’s living a lifelong dream and playing for the Super Bowl favorites, and he’s well aware of his fortunes as he learns the ropes.

“I’m literally living my dream, so I just take it day by day and be happy in the moment, be happy where I am. All the older dudes have been very helpful and trying to show us the ropes and stuff. I’ve been enjoying it.”