KC Chiefs rookie report: Trent McDuffie struggles against Texans

Jaylen Watson, Cornerback (Round 7, Pick 243)

Jaylen Watson saw the field for 20 snaps on defense, 13 in coverage, and was targeted three times, allowing no catches. Though he didn’t allow a catch, I still feel that Watson could have played better. Yes, not allowing a catch is a positive, but playing Davis Mills and a lackluster receiving core will help with that.

For the thousandth time this season, Watson was not supposed to be a key contributor this season. As a late seventh-round pick, any contribution he has is pure gravy. He will continue to get better, but he may not continue to pay dividends until next season.

Leo Chenal, Linebacker (Round 3, Pick 103)

Between Weeks 9 and 14, Leo Chenal only played 40 snaps on defense, but he played 27 snaps against the Texans. 12 were on run defense, he blitzed on one, and was in coverage for 14. He was targeted once in coverage but allowed a 15-yard reception to Amari Rodgers. Against the run. Chenal was incredible. In just 12 run defense snaps, he had five tackles, including four defensive stops (tackles that constitute a “failure” for the offense).

Chenal was scouted as a strong run defender coming out of Wisconsin and Week 15 proved that. If he can play as well as he did on Sunday going forward, the Chiefs’ run defense problems may get a little better.

Isiah Pacheco, Running Back (Round 7, Pick 251)

It was an up and down afternoon for Isiah Pacheco as he had 86 rushing yards on 15 carries, plus one catch for 11 yards, but also had a rough lost fumble in the second quarter that led to a Texans touchdown.

Although he was benched for a little bit after he lost a fumble, Pacheco continues to play well and has proven that he should be the early-down running back for the Chiefs. He had a rough pass protection that led to a sack of Mahomes, so he won’t play on many third downs, but he will see a lot of carries going forwards and into the playoffs.