First impressions from KC Chiefs training camp

The K.C. Chiefs officially kicked off training camp this week, and after months of speculation, we finally get to see how this team is coming together. Their first preseason game is now less than two weeks away, and while there is a lot to be settled, the first few days of camp have given us some insights on what we should expect.

I was able to make it to camp on this past Saturday and definitely came away with some first impressions. I normally like to go to more than one practice, but my schedule this year just didn’t allow it.

So let me preface this post with an acknowledgement that one practice can’t tell you everything you need to know. Players have good and bad days and if the one practice you watch falls on one of those days, it can bias your opinion on a player. That having been said, if you can watch a player closely for several reps, I think you can at least start to form some impressions on a player. That is why when I go to camp I try to pick a couple position groups to really focus on. If you try to watch everyone you end up not really getting a good assessment on anyone.

My initial plan was to focus on the new offensive line and the edge pass rushers, but with where we were sitting, I didn’t feel like I could see those matchups as much as I wanted, especially on the interior. So I switched up my focus and turned my attention to the cornerbacks and tight ends. I could see them clearly and was curious about both groups.

Here are some impressions from KC Chiefs training camp over the weekend.

Before I get to my more detailed impressions of those groups, here are a few quick-hitter observations based on what I saw in camp on Saturday.

Patrick Mahomes still looks like the best player on the planet. He made a side-armed throw on the run to Tyreek Hill that was ridiculous. Chad Henne has no competition for the backup spot based on what I saw on Saturday. I didn’t see enough from either Anthony Gordon or Shane Buechele to make me think either will likely make the 53-man roster. The winner of this battle is probably looking at a practice squad spot.

Darwin Thompson was one of my favorite draft picks of recent years, but missing time with COVID to start camp may sink any chance he has of making this team. The trio of Clyde Edwards-Helaire, Darrel Williams, and Jerick McKinnon all look good running with the first string lineup and offer enough versatility that Thompson simply may not be needed.

Cornell Powell didn’t stand out at all during this practice, despite running with the twos against lesser corners. Meanwhile, Demarcus Robinson, Byron Pringle, and even Gehrig Dieter got some time with the first string. It’s just one practice, but if Powell doesn’t stand out in the preseason games he may be looking at a special teams only role during his rookie season.

While I couldn’t see the interior line play like I wanted, I think the fact that Creed Humphrey and Trey Smith continue to get almost all the first string reps is exciting. I did notice Humphrey get downfield really well on a couple of run plays.

With Mike Remmers out on Saturday, Lucas Niang got the starting right tackle reps. On the handful of snaps that I focused on him, he did have a little trouble with Chris Jones on the edge. Now, Chris Jones does look as trim and athletic as reported and seeing him in person only made me feel more confident about using him on the edge. The question is, is Jones looking really good against Niang a good sign for Jones, a bad sign for Niang, or somewhere in-between?

With Niang getting first team right tackle reps, the Chiefs gave Prince Tega Wanogho the second string left tackle reps. I thought he might have the athletic upside to do well there, but the reps I watched were pretty rough. If Niang does win the starting right tackle spot, I think there is still a big question mark about who the back up left tackle is.

So now let’s get to the positions that I really keyed in on, starting with the tight ends.