Kansas City Chiefs didn’t see much from drafted rookie class in 2018
The Kansas City Chiefs had six drafted rookies take the field this year, but the performances of those rookies left something to be desired.
The Kansas City Chiefs drafted six players in the 2018 NFL Draft and those six players didn’t have the kind of rookie campaigns that fans had hoped for. Their first pick, Breeland Speaks, was actually a second round pick since the team traded their 2018 first rounder to get Patrick Mahomes (definitely worth it).
Speaks wasn’t anything special in year one, totaling 24 tackles and one and a half sacks. He started four games, but did appear in all 16 of them in the regular season. His biggest moment came in the week six game at New England when he didn’t bring down Tom Brady and allowed him to run into the end zone for a touchdown.
Speaks was yet another player that the Chiefs hoped to transition to another role. They tried this same technique with Tanoh Kpassagnon and it’s failed through two years, so hopefully a new defensive coordinator means new life for Breeland Speaks.
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In the third round, KC drafted Derrick Nnadi and Dorian O’Daniel, both of whom could be argued as the best drafted rookie in 2018.
Nnadi appeared in all 16 games and started 11 of them. He had 35 tackles and hopefully can become a run stuffer for the Chiefs moving forward.
O’Daniel might be the best pick from this class as of now and his absence in the playoffs was definitely felt. He started one game as a rookie, but appeared in every regular season game, totaling 34 tackles.
Fourth round pick Armani Watts became a popular selection amongst Chiefs fans, but he spent most of the season on injured reserve. He appeared in five games and had one pass defended and one sack.
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The Chiefs finished their draft with two sixth round selections in cornerback Tremon Smith and offensive guard Kahlil McKenzie. Smith could be argued as the best selection, contributing mostly on special teams as a return man. He did well in the role, splitting time in the return position with Tyreek Hill and averaging 26.8 yards per kick return.
McKenzie played defense while at Tennessee, but the Chiefs decided they were going to transition him into an offensive guard. He didn’t suit up for a single game in 2018 despite the injuries to the offensive line throughout the season. That shows McKenzie wasn’t anywhere near being ready to take snaps along the o-line, but hopefully that changes in year two.
Speaks, Nnadi, O’Daniel, and Watts will hopefully get better as time goes on. Speaks wasn’t playing in his preferred position while Nnadi and O’Daniel definitely showed promise. Watts only appeared in five games before landing on injured reserve, ending his rookie season.
Smith looked good as a return specialist, but didn’t see too much time in his cornerback role. The Chiefs are very much a team that value special teams contributors, so Smith should only get better in that role.
Lastly, McKenzie, who didn’t do anything as a rookie. We knew he was a project coming in, however, so him not seeing the field wasn’t shocking whatsoever.
Best Chiefs Rookies of All-Time. dark. Next
NFL fans are used to seeing rookies contribute right away, but that’s not always the case. Now if we’re still seeing little production from these guys by year three, then we can label them as busts, but it’s only been one year. They’ll hopefully improve in year two.
Which rookie would you say did the best in 2018?