Hot Wings & ‘Tight’ Ends: Special Teams Roles For 2017 Draftees

Without getting into our opinions of the draft, it‘s safe to say that most of the Chiefs picks this year will need to impress special teams coach Dave Toub if they want to see the field much. Fortunately, just about all of Chiefs 2017 draft picks have definite potential on Special Teams. Maybe even Patrick Mahomes. Let’s take a look.

1. Ukeme Eligwe- Eligwe is really fast for his size and reminds me of DJ Alexander. He could have a similar impact on STs. Eligwe is well suited to play Wing, Guard, and Kick Coverage. He has the strength to block and the speed to hustle downfield. As a LB, he‘s also someone you expect to be a sound tackler and a player who understands the importance of contain: a crucial concept for STs players.

2. Kareem Hunt- Hunt might not see many snaps on STs if he grabs hold of the starting role, but until he does, he’d make a great personal protector. He’s stout enough to protect Colquitt, and his ability to run the ball forces teams to play sound coverage on punts. If Albert Wilson can break through the line on a punt, imagine what Hunt could do. Even the threat of a fake will make teams think twice about trying for a block.

3. Jehu Chesson- I think Chesson can play kickoff coverage as a Gunner and Jammer. He’s got the speed, length, and agility to provide good contain on kickoffs. He’s got the ability to play gunner, although Chiefs probably have better options, but his long arms can help make up for average speed. Typically you see CBs playing the role of Jammer (the guys on PRs who block the opposing Gunner), but I think Chesson’s length and blocking ability make him an intriguing option to try there.

4. Tanoh Kpassagnon- Kpassagnon blocked a field goal against Pitt in college and it’s easy to envision him in that role. Kpassagnon is a great candidate to play the inside rusher position on FGs. His freak athleticism and ridiculously long arms are tailor-made for the blocking kicks. Even though it’s incredibly difficult to block a kick in the NFL, just having a guy who’s a threat to do it can throw the opposing kicker off his game. Toub will miss him once he becomes a full-time starter on defense.

5. Leon McQuay- If McQuay wants to make the roster, he better perform at the Jammer position on punts. His tackling is too inconsistent to trust him on coverage units and he’s not going to be a starter on defense this year. If McQuay can successfully jam gunners at the line, he’ll have a chance at making the roster and a future with Sutton’s defense that values press coverage.

6. Patrick Mahomes- What position can a backup QB play on STs? Holder. It’s a low-risk position (from an injury standpoint) that’s also pretty important. Colquitt has had a few bad holds over the past couple seasons. If Mahomes wants to earn the respect of his teammates early, fighting hard to get on the field however he would be a great start. It’s also worth noting that, if Chiefs wanted to go for a fake field goal, they could have a QB on the field without alerting the blocking unit.

For the Chiefs, almost everybody plays STs before they start. It’s a necessary phase of the game that can make a big difference in the final outcome, but it’s also a learning opportunity. Punt coverage teaches WRs how to beat the press. Blocking for a punt teaches CBs how to jam receivers at the line. Linebackers and DL get practice that translates to rushing the passer. The Chiefs even used FGs as an opportunity to get OT Bryan Witzmann some work last year. With the Chiefs trying to find roster spots for their draft picks, it’ll be important for those guys to be able to fill a special role on Special Teams.

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