Kansas City Chiefs: Tremon Smith Continues To Impress At Training Camp

The Kansas City Chiefs sixth-round pick cornerback Tremon Smith continues to impress at training camp in St. Joseph. Will he find playing time in 2018?

The Kansas City Chiefs have many young talents when it comes to the cornerback position. Despite the overwhelming consensus from fans for a need at the position, the Chiefs waiting until the sixth-round of the 2018 NFL Draft to select a cornerback. That pick was Tremon Smith out of Central Arkansas.

When Kansas City first made the selection, it seemed Smith would be a special teams contributor at best. The team mentioned that he would be a special teams player with good talent that they looked to develop.

Smith started making his rounds in the media with great showings as early as rookie minicamp as a cornerback. He looked great against wide receivers like Marcus Kemp and Gehrig Dieter. Smith continues to make plays on special teams during training camp and has a real shot at being the return specialist for the Chiefs in 2018.

While Smith didn’t have must experience at special teams in college, he seems to have a knack for it since coming to Kansas City. Special teams coordinator Dave Toub has had great things to say about Smith’s return abilities and his speed. He mentioned Smith again on Sunday following practice.

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"“He’s got great speed,” special teams coordinator Dave Toub said Sunday. “He’s a 4.3 guy, legit. He’s fast. He’s not as fast as Tyreek (Hill)— that’s a whole other level, but he’s very, very fast. He’s probably our second-fastest player. You’ve seen some talent … You don’t have to see a lot of clips to see talent. We noticed that, and the scouts did a good job of evaluating this guy and bringing him in and we’re glad we got him in the sixth round.”"

While Toub mentioned that he’s not Tyreek Hill fast, that’s not a knock on Smith. He further said his ability to get to top speed at a remarkable rate was impressive.

"“The guy that stands out in my mind is Tremon,” Toub said. “He’s really coming on. We’re really developing him as a returner, a kick returner and a punt returner. He showed a little punt return skills today. Catches the ball and he gets to the top speed so fast, it’s impressive. Can’t wait to see him in the game.”"

Kansas City limited Hill to only punt returns last season to keep him fresh on offense and limit chances of injury. The Chiefs failed to find another explosive return specialist as they rotated through players often in 2017. The hope is that Smith can step into that role and be that dangerous returner that they are looking for.

Smith has not always been a cornerback either. He has experience at quarterback and wide receiver which could prove well for the Chiefs. Knowing those two positions could give him an edge at the cornerback position. Smith told reporters last month before vacation that he’s always trying to get his hand on the ball and score. He also knows that special teams is a good starting place for rookies.

"“Rookies make their names on special teams their first few years so I am willing to do whatever it takes on special teams,” Smith, who initially played as a quarterback and later wide receiver before switching to conrerback, said. “Moving from offense to defense, I want that ball in my hand. Every time I get the ball in my hand I am trying to score.”"

After trading away cornerback Marcus Peters this offseason, who has made the most interceptions in the league since being drafted in 2015, the Chiefs could use another playmaker on defense. The hope is that Smith continues to shine in practice and puts that to use in games later on.

Smith is a player that I’m very interested in watching come preseason. With the number of flashes he has made in camps and the glowing responses of coaches regarding him, it will be fun to watch if he is a player that could find himself seeing more time on the field as the season progresses.