The Youth Movement: Chiefs
UDFAs Have Come To Play
by Ransom Hawthorne
Preseason games tend to be painful to watch. Play calls are blah, and mistakes are made. These games really show us very little about the true potential, of the starters. If there’s a silver lining to all this bad football, it’s watching young Chiefs play their hearts out for a chance at a roster spot. This year, it’s starting to look like their hard work hasn’t been for nothing. Here’s a few players who’ve really stood out.
Ben Niemann: Niemann had a good enough game on Friday, for us to wonder if he should supplant Terrence Smith. While he didn’t achieve that feat, he did manage a pick 6, and is quickly drawing the kind of attention to himself that leads to a roster spot. He displays great instincts, against the run and solid pass defense. If he can stay healthy, Niemann could finally be the type of guy that the Chiefs hoped Justin March would be.
Gehrig Dieter: Dieter torched a talented young CB for an easy TD. He’s shown soft hands, great physicality and decent route running ability. While he’s still limited as an athlete, he’s shown enough on STs, and as a backup WR, to merit serious consideration.
Andrew Wylie: Wylie has stepped in, at multiple spots, through camp, and done a good job. While the Chiefs run blocking left something to be desired, their pass blocking was much improved this week. Expect Wylie to make the roster, as the 6th OL, a role formerly held by Erving. He’s a big athlete, with a mean streak, exactly what Chiefs look for in an OL.
Alex Ellis: In the race to backup Demetrius Harris, there’s a clear winner. Ellis has been snagging everything that comes his way. He’s been a decent blocker as well. It seems the Chiefs have genuinely found a decent receiving TE, to pair with Kelce. About dang time.
Darrel Williams: Darrel has continued to impress. Whether taking the handoff, or catching a pass, Williams looked totally comfortable, in the offense. At this point, there’s no sneaking him through waivers. He’s a good player, and comes cheap. Those are the kinds of home runs you have to hit, as a GM, to get competitive and stay that way.
The Chiefs could see 5, or even 6 UDFAs make the 53-man roster. That’s part indictment of Chiefs depth, and part endorsement of Veach’s scouting. In any case, keep an eye on these guys. They should start moving up the depth chart sooner than later. UDFAs always bring a certain enthusiasm, and work ethic to the game. I’m excited to see a little more of these guys this year, since we could be seeing a whole lot of them next year. The roster is still a work in progress. That said, it’s definitely progressing. Go Chiefs.
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