Reviewing KC Chiefs rookies three weeks into the 2022 season

Leo Chenal, Linebacker (Round 3, Pick 103)

With the suspension of Willie Gay, many thought Leo Chenal’s role would increase, but it didn’t against Indianapolis. Instead, Darius Harris saw the majority of playing time at linebacker, behind only Nick Bolton.

In his brief playing time against the Colts, only 11 snaps, I think Chenal had a bad day but he’s only a rookie and the sample size was relatively small. In coverage, Leo Chenal has been very good, which is a surprise considering that was perceived by many as a weakness as he came out of college. In 18 coverage snaps this year, he has yet to be targeted, which is a very positive sign for a defender.

Overall, Chenal has had a quiet rookie season but he has shown flashes. In the future, he’ll be a weapon for Steve Spagnuolo’s defense.

Jaylen Watson, Cornerback (Round 7, Pick 243)

In a rookie class for the Kansas City Chiefs that is seen as its best in a very long time, Jaylen Watson would be my vote for the Mack Lee Hill award as the Chiefs’ rookie of the year. He had a very strong game against the Colts, despite getting Moss’d by Alec Pierce, allowing only 5 receptions for 56 yards on nine targets, plus a pass break-up, over 40 coverage snaps, according to Pro Football Focus ($). That was good for a solid 70.5 coverage grade for the game.

After Trent McDuffie went down, the Chiefs needed to rely on somebody to replace him and Jaylen Watson has been that dude. I don’t know if he’ll keep up his solid play, but after his pick-six against the Chargers, one can argue that he’s already proved to be worth the seventh-round selection that Kansas City used on him.