For many, preseason is a time to tune out. Many fans look at a 90–man roster full of names they’ll never learn, and see waste of time. For me, it’s one of the most exciting times of the year. The games may not matter, many of the players may never sniff the roster, but between all the emptiness, you can glimpse the future. For Chiefs fans, there’s a lot to glean this year.
QBCOTF (Quarterback Coach Of The Future)
The name “Michael Vick” is bound to draw a bit of attention wherever he goes. Many fans simply remember his conviction for dog-fighting. As barbaric as that practice is, I think Vick is actually a good representation of how NFL players problems should be handled. Vick didn’t get off easy, he did his time, went through education, worked with the Humane Society, and came out on the other side a better man. Now, at the end of his career (or perhaps the beginning) Vick is interested in making better men. For him, it starts with a Bill Walsh Minority Coaching Fellowship, with the Chiefs, but where does it end? Reid has a long history of raising former QBs up to coaches. It’s not too hard, if you squint a little, to see Vick as the next Chiefs’ QB coach. With Matt Naggy taking over OC full time, it just makes sense.
A Future NFL General Manager
Mike Borgonzi took a big step towards being an NFL GM. Chiefs front office has managed to produce two GMs from the Director Of Player Personnel position this year. Provided their success continues, this pattern is likely to repeat. While this results in Chiefs’ losing talented employees, it also makes it a lot easier to find willing replacements. Something we’ll no doubt witness as Mike Davis and David Hinson begin to make names for themselves.
A Future Quarterback
It should come as no surprise that Patrick Mahomes II is viewed as Chiefs next starting QB. His cannon arm and insane ad-libbing skills make him an exciting pick. All this has kind of overshadowed the fact that Mahomes is very football smart. Travis Kelce recently commented that Mahomes is learning the offense much faster than he did. When you pair Mahomes physical abilities with his coach-ablility, drive and football IQ, it’s easy to see why Chiefs took a chance on him.
“It’s been awesome. They’re everywhere.” ~ @PatrickMahomes5 loves the passion of #ChiefsKingdom. pic.twitter.com/9AjTGNdCJS
— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) July 26, 2017
A Future Zach Fulton
My interest in Damien Mama is no secret. In a draft with little depth on OL, Chiefs managed to snag one of the better prospects as an UDFA. You can tell Chiefs think highly of him, because he’s getting the first crack at C, with the veterans gone. His snapping has been pretty rough, thus far, but, if he can polish it up, he’s got a solid shot at the roster.
Damien Mama: NFL frame, needs to gain strength/athleticism to finish some plays he barely misses. Here he is at LG v. draftee Eliah Qualls. pic.twitter.com/bzKQeSjdqZ
— Kent Swanson (@kent_swanson) July 23, 2017
A Future Frank Zombo?
Off-season acquisition Marcus Rush has the last name for his position, but lacks the run stopping ability. If Zombo can rub off on him, a little bit, Rush could make the roster as a 5th OLB. If he has any hope of that future, though, he better impress Dave Toub.
The Architect Of The Future
While varying degrees of credit have been applied to Reid, Dorsey and, at times Sutton, there’s only one man who’s truly responsible for the Chiefs success or failure. That man, is Clark Hunt. If anything was made clear, through Dorsey’s firing, it’s that Hunt is calling all the shots. So far, this has proved to be a good thing for the Chiefs. By changing the chain of command in KC, Hunt was able to make a move at GM before it became an issue, instead of far too late, like he did with Pioli. Bright or dim, Chiefs future rests in Clark’s hands.
The rest of the future is still a little murky right now, but Sunday should bring some clarity. That will be the first padded practice. I’m done being fooled by WRs who show up in drills and disappear against press coverage. Any judgments on them will have to wait till the pads come on. In the meantime, keep an eye on the DBs. Defenders who can cover, even without being able to make contact, have solid potential. BJ Kissel made mention of DB JR Nelson, who had a leaping interception, while covering Jehu Chesson on Wednesday. He’s one to keep an eye on. Here’s hoping for a bright future, sooner than later. Go Chiefs!
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