NFL Training Camps: Kansas City Chiefs Rookie Report
By Jon Dove
The Kansas City Chiefs are one of the few teams that aren’t expecting to see an impact from their 1st round draft pick.
Many were in a state of shock when the Kansas City Chiefs orchestrated a trade that landed them quarterback Patrick Mahomes. They surrendered a lot of draft capital in order to land what they hope is their quarterback of the future.
It was a surprising move for several reasons, but maybe the biggest is the fact that this is a team looking to win now. The Chiefs are coming off a strong season that saw them earn a playoff berth. Their season finished after a two-point loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Typically, teams coming off that type of season look to use the draft to help their current roster. Mahomes isn’t going to accomplish that and it may be a few years before he’s ready to see the field.
This pick also put a clock on starting quarterback Alex Smith’s time with the club. He knows that eventually the Chiefs are going to turn over the starting job to Mahomes.
The one draft pick who could make an major impact is running back Kareem Hunt. He enters a backfield featuring Spencer Ware and Charcandrick West. Both have had some success in the league, but are far from stars.
Hunt is a versatile player who can move the chains with his legs and in the passing game. He’s a powerful runner who routinely picks up yards after contact. It wouldn’t come as a surprise if Hunt is the team’s lead back by the end of the season.
Tanoh Kpassagnon is an extremely raw player who features a rare combination of size and athleticism. He may be forced in to action early in his career based on the Chiefs depth issues along the defensive line.
Overall, this is a draft class whose value will be determined down the road. It could end up as a major positive if Mahomes reaches his full potential.