Kansas City Chiefs: Predicting rookie playing time for 2018
By Chris Taylor
![INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 04: Clemson linebacker Dorian O'Daniel (LB29) runs in the 40 yard dash during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 4, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 04: Clemson linebacker Dorian O'Daniel (LB29) runs in the 40 yard dash during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 4, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/7c23356393973a71ebeb6028c0e29b886897ed69f47b7edb0ec8d57772581158.jpg)
Tremon Smith
Tremon Smith comes from a small school. Central Arkansas isn’t near the elite program that Clemson or Florida State might be, but make no mistake about it, Smith can play football.
He makes consistent plays on defense at the cornerback position. He can read quarterbacks well, tackle well, and he has the hands of a receiver. Smith is considered a sleeper pick by many, as his exposure at Central Arkansas wasn’t great.
The lack of quality opponents is a concern, as he will be faced with quicker, better players in the NFL, far different than those he faced in college.
Smith has a legitimate shot at making the 53-man roster at corner, but chances are he finds himself on the practice squad to start the year. He should be considered a developmental guy with high upside. Depending on how quick he grasps the speed of the game at this level, we may be hearing from Smith sooner than later.
Khalil McKenzie
Khalil McKenzie is the hardest of these draft picks to predict. Since there is no real film of him playing on the offensive line, there is no real way to know how well he can make that transition.
He definitely has the want to and the work ethic to make this happen. One should think the Chiefs know what they are doing with McKenzie by moving him to the offensive side of the ball.
Don’t expect him to be starting anytime soon, but if he gets into the game that should tell us all that he is ahead of my prediction. It will be an interesting storyline for the 2018 season to see if he can make this transition work quickly and become a regular contributor.
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As of now, Khalil is a project player at best in my eyes, with hopes of a larger role in 2019 rather than this season.