The KC Chiefs opened up training camp yesterday (Monday, July 21st) though it was only quarterbacks, rookies, and a few select veterans. The rest of the team is set to report to St. Joseph, Missouri on Thursday.
Terez Paylor of the Kansas City Star gave a great update of his observations from yesterdays practice. Paylor notes that there were 35 players on hand for day one, and the drops were abound.
"There were a number of drops today, which isn’t totally unexpected for the first day. Jenkins, Dressler, Williams, De’Anthony Thomas, Demetrius Harris and Deon Anthony are among the players who had drops throughout the course of the day. Some of the players listed above had multiple drops, including Jenkins and Anthony."
As Paylor stated, it’s expected for there to be drops on the first day, especially from the rookies. If this problem occurs frequently as camp goes on, especially with receivers A.J. Jenkins and Weston Dressler, then we might have something to worry about.
The Chiefs are thin at the receiver position as it is and they’re counting on in house talent to step up big, especially A.J. Jenkins and Dwayne Bowe. From the sounds of it, Bowe will be in the best shape of his professional career when he reports to camp later this week.
Paylor also stated something interesting concerning the tight end position,
"Kelce got some work as a deep snapper, which could affect tight end Sean McGrath, who serves as the backup behind Thomas Gafford. If Kelce proves he can handle the job in a pinch, the Chiefs could be more willing to go with the intriguing Harris instead of McGrath as the third tight end. Just something to keep an eye on."
What I make most of this is the fate of Sean McGrath, who could be the odd man out when it’s all said and done. From the sounds of it, Demetrius Harris is the next best thing at TE for the Chiefs along side Travis Kelce. Anthony Fasano is going to make the team, barring injury, and it’s hard to see the Chiefs rolling into the regular season with four tight ends.
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They do have the option of trying to put one of these guys on the practice squad, though they would have to clear waivers first. It would be too risky for the Chiefs to slap Harris on there again in 2014, as his hype from OTA’s and his skill set likely wouldn’t make it. Surely someone would snag him for next to nothing off the waiver wire.
It would be too bad for McGrath as he, and his beard, became fan favorites of the Chiefs in 2013.
Moving onto the quarterbacks, Paylor talked about rookie quarterback, Aaron Murray’s day. Because he took snaps and is practicing on day one, Murray becomes ineligible for the PUP (physically unable to perform) list for 2014. This means the Chiefs have him either make the team, or make the practice squad, though he likely will not clear waivers if that’s the case.
"Receiver Frankie Hammond had a nice practice. He blew past cornerback Brandon Jones on a go route for a touchdown. Murray made the throw.Murray also forced a pass into coverage downfield. The pass, which was intended for Hammond, was not caught. But it was not a great decision.Otherwise, Murray — who is still wearing a brace on his left knee — looked unencumbered by the knee injury he suffered last November."
I’m excited to watch Murray get his chance to play this pre-season. It’s good to hear he’s healthy, as he’ll be in a great battle with Tyler Bray this training camp and it’s definitely something we’ll be keeping our eye on.
I don’t know about you, but I’m so happy that it’s finally football season! We’ll make sure to keep you updated on all the latest Chiefs training camp news and quotes as they break.