Quiet Days began after the draft — the only actual events were a tendered UFA contract to Melvin Ingram(another on-the-mark deal by Brett Veach), Signing UDFAs, and 7 of 10 Rookies. Most of us have hooted and cheered the 2022 Draft and draft picks. I am one of those who is quite boisterous about it. As the draft unfolded, I was Cheered by the picks made – even those in round 7. The Roster has 89 players after Brett released OL Austin Reiter.
Day One Rookie Mini Camp
To set the stage, we should rename the rookie minicamp a “tryout camp.” it’s three sequential days of rough and ready presentation of information, exercise, and non-contact drills, and it’s a wide-ranging test for newcomers to NFL Football. Just the information and applying what was presented immediately–a real test in itself. Still, injuries do occur. Bryan Cook is dealing with a sore shoulder from pre-draft. He was a full participant. Cook said about it: “I am going to do what they let me do. The things that I can do, I’m going to try to make the most of it. That’s all I can do.”
WR Cornell Powell and Skyy Moore both had tweaks to a hamstring. I don’t think they were limited, either. I heard no reports of that. In the interview sessions, Bryan Cook emerged like you would expect a Pro to do. He revealed that he was already well versed in NFL Player Speak. He was prepared for the Q&A at the Presser. He was one of Four Rookies at the session, and I was impressed at his comfort before the Mic and the camera. One question about the defense and fellow players was pitched at him. He replied: “A good brotherhood, I would say that. You see why this team has been winning games for so long. From the moment we got in the facility it’s just been a brotherhood, trying to help each other get to that next game, that next ring. It’s just a brotherhood, to say the least.”
George Karlaftis
George Karlaftis was another featured at the presser. He was asked about the session’s intensity, and the extensive amount of information dropped on the incoming players like a bomb. He responded: “Yeah, the practice, whether it’s from the playbook or the intensity of the practice and everything in between, it’s just that next level… Like going from high school to college, it’s just a whole new ballpark, a whole new level. It’s hectic at first, like you said, but you adjust eventually.”
Leo Chenal
Lastly, I want to cover Leo Chenal. He also spoke with incisiveness about the first day of the camp. He spoke about the expectation that was set for him, saying when asked: “SAM (linebacker) is what they told me initially. (But) During this camp, I’ll be taking all of the MIKE reps just to learn that position, to be able to call the plays and stuff like that… I think, I’ll eventually be moving to SAM, maybe backing up MIKE as well.” Chenal was direct in response to what was going on and he clearly understood the trial period with the “Green Dot.”
Lastly, I want to cover Leo Chenal. He also spoke with incisiveness about the first day of the camp. He spoke about the expectation that was set for him, saying when asked: “SAM (linebacker) is what they told me initially. (But) During this camp, I’ll be taking all of the MIKE reps just to learn that position, to be able to call the plays and stuff like that… I think, I’ll eventually be moving to SAM, maybe backing up MIKE as well.” Chenal was direct in response to what was going on and he clearly understood the trial period with the “Green Dot.”
Here is a link to the Q&A for Leo Chenal. Take a peek: https://www.chiefs.com/video/leo-chenal-trying-to-get-things-down-as-quick-as-i-can-press-conference-5-7
He is moving to the NFL world, transitioning from a 34Mike to the 43 defensive scheme. He also covered that, observing that it was all about the need to be “willing to be open, ask a ton of questions, take a ton of notes. Every single guy in here is taking as many notes as they can, you know we’re all fighting for a spot.”
Trent McDuffie
Here is McDuffie’s session, also a good one. One thing he observed: “I really like the Playbook!” One of our readers observed that McDuffie refers to Washington as U Dub. Having lived in the PacNW for a period of time, I understood the reference. Our AOne readers. Bert observes: “…He said U Dub. That comes from how the letter w is pronounced.” Midwesterners and folks down in Texas such as myself, might not understand this.
Here is the session Link: https://www.chiefs.com/video/trent-mcduffie-i-really-like-the-playbook-press-conference-5-7
That’s four players that handled their media session with aplomb. I like all four players. My anticipation was raised as I heard them talk. They are a fit for the Chiefs’ persona as if being fit for a glove.
I know there is more, but I missed it and need to keep this short and sweet. I will say this: I really love Leo Chenal. Make sure to take the time to view his Part of the Presser. I was highly impressed with the football and media presence of all four of the players of focus. I can’t wait to see that translated into the field of play.
That’s enough for today, which entails a bit about the first day of Rookie Minicamp for a Sunday Report!
David Bell – ArrowheadOne