KC Chiefs rookie report: Trent McDuffie returns against Titans
Isiah Pacheco, Running Back (Round 7, Pick 251)
Isiah Pacheco had another relatively quiet game on Sunday. On 22 offensive snaps, he had five carries for just 5 yards rushing as well as one catch on a single target for 4 yards. He also returned two kickoffs for a total of 39 yards. Not an exciting game for Pacheco as he couldn’t get anything going running the football, but neither could anyone else on the Chiefs not named Patrick Mahomes.
One problem that Isiah Pacheco will have is that the Chiefs aren’t too keen on running the football, so he will have to improve as a pass blocker and pass catcher to earn more playing time. When Kansas City runs the ball consistently, they should give Pacheco a chance since he’s bigger and faster than Clyde Edwards-Helaire.
Bryan Cook, Safety (Round 2, Pick 62)
Bryan Cook did not see much action on Sunday as he only played 12 snaps on defense. He recorded a single tackle on a Malik Willis scramble. 11 of his 12 defensive snaps were in coverage and he was never targeted.
Bryan Cook has had a relatively quiet rookie season. Given where he was selected and his projected development path, I would classify his rookie season as a solid one. He hasn’t been amazing, but he’s also held his own, and an argument can be made that he’s outplayed Juan Thornhill so far this year. The Chiefs will likely continue to use Cook as the third safety and he could even be the second safety, behind Justin Reid, before the conclusion of the regular season.
Joshua Williams, Cornerback (Round 4, Pick 135)
Joshua Williams had another solid game against the Tennessee Titans on Sunday. He played 21 snaps on defense, 8 in run defense, and 13 in coverage, recording 1 tackle and 1 missed tackle. Despite playing 13 snaps in coverage, he was never targeted. He also recorded a defensive stop, in which he tackled Derrick Henry for a 2-yard loss on first down early in the second quarter.
After a fairly rough first career start against Buffalo, Joshua Williams has played very well in coverage over the past two games and has also recorded a couple of defensive stops in the running game. He has the size and arm length to be a great cornerback in the NFL and if he continues to grow, the Chiefs might have found a starting cornerback for the next several years.