Chiefs rookie review: How did they fare against Buffalo Bills?

How have the rookies on the Kansas City Chiefs performed over the first six weeks of the 2022 regular season, including the 24-20 loss to the Buffalo Bills?

The Kansas City Chiefs were defeated in Week 6 by the Buffalo Bills 24-20 in a game where they had a real chance to win but had a relatively rough fourth quarter. Which rookies saw playing time against Buffalo and how did those players perform? How has their 2022 rookie draft class performed all season? Let’s review every rookie from the team’s 2022 draft class, who’s seen consistent playing time, and how they have played in their young NFL careers.

The Chiefs selected ten players in this 2022 NFL Draft, with nine of them making the final roster after camp, and eight have seen playing time so far this season. Darian Kinnard, despite making the final roster, has yet to dress for a game this regular season and Nazeeh Johnson is on the practice squad. Trent McDuffie will also be excluded from this article because he is currently on injured reserve but should return soon. Bryan Cook was inactive because of a concussion suffered last week against Las Vegas so he will be excluded as well.

Leo Chenal, Linebacker (Round 3, Pick 103)

Leo Chenal played 20 snaps on defense against the Bills and recorded two tackles. Overall, Chenal had another rough game as he missed a tackle and allowed an 11-yard reception (seven yards after the catch) to fullback Reggie Gilliam. He did not have a very good day stopping the run but failed to pressure Josh Allen on each of his three blitz opportunities.

Chenal’s rookie campaign is not going well so far but that was expected since he was widely viewed as a raw player coming out of Wisconsin. He will get better but it may not happen fast enough to be an asset coming playoff time this January.