With The First Pick
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Championship Sunday: Each remaining NFL team relying on key rookies

By Nicholas McGee

SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 11: Nick Bosa #97 and Kwon Alexander #56 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrate after a sack during the second half against the Minnesota Vikings during the NFC Divisional Round Playoff game at Levi's Stadium on January 11, 2020 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 11: Nick Bosa #97 and Kwon Alexander #56 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrate after a sack during the second half against the Minnesota Vikings during the NFC Divisional Round Playoff game at Levi's Stadium on January 11, 2020 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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KANSAS CITY, MO – DECEMBER 29: Mecole Hardman #17 of the Kansas City Chiefs fielded his 104-yard kick return for a third quarter touchdown against the Los Angeles Chargers at Arrowhead Stadium on December 29, 2019 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images)
KANSAS CITY, MO – DECEMBER 29: Mecole Hardman #17 of the Kansas City Chiefs fielded his 104-yard kick return for a third quarter touchdown against the Los Angeles Chargers at Arrowhead Stadium on December 29, 2019 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images) /

Kansas City Chiefs

It speaks to the impact of second-round safety Juan Thornhill that the season-ending torn ACL he suffered in Week 17 was considered such a significant blow to the Chiefs defense.

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Free safety Thornhill made three interceptions in an excellent rookie season that deserved to end with him playing in the postseason, but his fellow second-rounder could have an instrumental role in Thornhill potentially receiving a Super Bowl ring.

Mecole Hardman has slotted in seamlessly to the Chiefs’ explosive offense, catching six touchdowns and scoring another on a kick return, the former Georgia speedster offering Patrick Mahomes yet another dynamic downfield threat.

Third-rounder Khalen Saunders and sixth-round selection Darwin Thompson have provided useful depth on the defensive line and at running back respectively. Rashad Fenton, another sixth-round choice, made plays down the stretch and is enjoying an increased role in the secondary for the now Super Bowl favorites.

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