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Teicher article. Rookies to play more.

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Chiefswinitall

Chiefswinitall 60

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.http://www.espn.com/blog/nfcwest/post/_/id/129919/rookies-will-play-more-for-chiefs-in-2018-than-last-season

 

 

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    Adam TeicherESPN Staff Writer

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- When the Kansas City Chiefs made their six draft picks, they didn't just have the 2018 season in mind, of course. But the quantity of their choices practically guarantees Kansas City will get more from these rookies than it did last season.

That's because the Chiefs' top five picks were defensive players. The Chiefs, while loaded at many spots on offense, were thin at many positions on the other side of the ball even before they cleared out some longtime starters.

"These guys will be on the field and be contributors," general manager Brett Veach said. "They will make their presence felt because of how they play and the way they play."

Last season, the Chiefs were second to last in the NFL in number of snaps played by rookies. And the majority of that work went to running back Kareem Hunt. Taking away the season's final game in Denver, in which the Chiefs started mostly backups after clinching the AFC West championship the previous week, only one rookie other than Hunt played more than 20 snaps all season.

Here's a look at each of the Chiefs' six 2018 draft picks and how they'll fit in as rookies:

Ole Miss OLB Breeland Speaks, second round: The Chiefs moved up eight spots in the round to get Speaks. They saw it as their last chance to land a high-quality pass-rusher.

"I think what we're getting here is a high-motor, very intense player," coach Andy Reid said. "Love his core strength, his ability to play the run and the pass. He's kind of done a little bit of everything [in college] for Mississippi.

"I never saw him take a play off and he played a lot ... He chases everything, he's relentless. I've asked the question: Does he do that during practice? Our scouts have seen him practice and they said he did. I talked to the coach and the coach said he did. So I appreciate that. I hope he transfers that over to us."

The Chiefs, who don't begin full-squad practice until later in May, are already confident in penciling Speaks in as the third outside linebacker behind starters Justin Houston and Dee Ford.

"I think last year we had a situation where Dee was hurt, right?," Veach said. "Frankie Zombo had to play a lot of plays. Now bring Breeland in here ... and then Frankie can assume more of a [special-]teams role."

Former FSU DT Derrick Nnadi should fit in as a run-stopper for the Chiefs. Brian Utesch/Icon Sportswire

 

Florida State NT Derrick Nnadi, third round: Nnadi will come in as a backup but playing time will be available, most likely at nose tackle. The Chiefs won't hesitate to give Nnadi some work if he earns it.

The Chiefs need help against the run. It's why they drafted him.

"When it comes to stopping the run, I kind of see that as my bread and butter," said Nnadi. "I take a lot of pride in that."

Clemson ILB

Texas A&M S Armani Watts, fourth round: A bruised shoulder caused Watts to miss the final two days of the Chiefs' recent rookie camp, but the Chiefs are confident he will be ready to play by late May, when the full squad begins practice.

Watts won't be a starter then, but even with Eric Berry's return from last season's torn Achilles, the Chiefs are looking for help at safety. They released longtime starter Ron Parker and neither of the two Berry replacements, Daniel Sorensen and Eric Murray, nailed down a spot given the way he played last season.

Central Arkansas CB Tremon Smith, sixth round: Smith played at a smaller school but still distinguished himself by breaking up a number of passes at rookie camp.

He won't be anywhere near the head of the line for playing time once full-squad practice begins. But like Watts at safety, the Chiefs are in no position to deny him playing time if he earns it since just one of the top six cornerbacks in terms of playing time returns from last season.

Tennessee DL Kahlil McKenzie, sixth round: McKenzie played on the defensive line for the Volunteers but will switch to offensive guard with the Chiefs. Kansas City doesn't have an immediate need at his position, so they can take their time with McKenzie.

Because of that, McKenzie has less of a chance for immediate playing time than the other five draft picks.

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sith13

sith13 1,746

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So far we have focused on the potential rather than the immediate impact in drafts but that might simply be Dorsey's strategy. I"m not sure how much Veach's picks will play in year one but I would be more than happy to see 3 starters out of this group, that would be an instant boost. Also we need some decent rotational performances from the defensive backs so hopefully they are ready.

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Fmbl2187

Fmbl2187 2,279

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I think we have to rely on two of them on defense to become starters by 2019, because we have too many contracts coming up, and those next contracts will simply be too expensive for our current cap and dead money. To avoid another draft of mostly defensive players, we have to have two of them pan out.  So, basically Speaks plus another one...probably Watts.  I see Speaks as Ford's replacement.  It should be easy to replace that without a dropoff in performance by 2019. On offense, Nnadi has to pan out.  Probably McKenzie also.  They all will get plenty of playing time and will start if there is an injury.  Because there are always injuries, I think our first real Superbowl opportunity will not be this upcoming season, but the next.

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Mloe68

Mloe68 1,521

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I think we have to rely on two of them on defense to become starters by 2019, because we have too many contracts coming up, and those next contracts will simply be too expensive for our current cap and dead money. To avoid another draft of mostly defensive players, we have to have two of them pan out.  So, basically Speaks plus another one...probably Watts.  I see Speaks as Ford's replacement.  It should be easy to replace that without a dropoff in performance by 2019. On offense, Nnadi has to pan out.  Probably McKenzie also.  They all will get plenty of playing time and will start if there is an injury.  Because there are always injuries, I think our first real Superbowl opportunity will not be this upcoming season, but the next.

Good post and I think most agree our legit window opens in 2019 and another full draft to reload secondary as well. I just really like the fact they seem confident Speaks will develop into a guy who can set the edge opposite of Justin Houston. 

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SEMO

SEMO 6,812

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If this years class does well it bodes well for us if we do well picking as it will show just how good Veach can be. Don't be a smart ass and take just one part of my comment out of context.

Lighten up, Francis.

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Fmbl2187

Fmbl2187 2,279

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If this years class does well it bodes well for us if we do well picking as it will show just how good Veach can be. Don't be a smart ass and take just one part of my comment out of context.

Newsflash!!   I was agreeing with you.  Chill.

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