Latest developments from Chiefs OTAs | KCSN Daily 6.2
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The Chiefs completed their second week of OTAs on Thursday. They now have just four practice sessions remaining of their allotted 10.
There were a few recent developments during and after practice that are notable for Kansas City in terms of roster construction in 2023:
With Donovan Smith absent from practice, the Chiefs opted to get a look at rookie Wanya Morris at the left tackle position with Jawaan Taylor at the right side.
The Chiefs have been rotating the starting receiver group frequently, but Justyn Ross seems to be getting increasing run with the first-team offense.
Chiefs WR coach Connor Embree mentioned both Rashee Rice and Justyn Ross as players who are a different prototype than the other receivers the team currently has on the roster.
Chiefs RB coach Todd Pinkston had high praise for Clyde Edwards-Helaire and says he told him to "press the reset button" and "start from scratch" ahead of the 2023 NFL season.
Steve Spagnuolo says it’s ultimately too early to know much about the defensive line group right now. He had good things to say about BJ Thompson and Keondre Coburn. He remains hopeful that Malik Herring and Joshua Kaindoh will “take that next step.”
Dave Toub confirmed that Deneric Prince has been a standout at the kick returner position, likening his style to former Chiefs RB Knile Davis.
Toub also mentioned Richie James, Skyy Moore, Ihmir Smith-Marsette and John Ross as options as return specialists.
In terms of new multiphase special teamers, Toub mentioned Chamarri Conner and Nic Jones.
The final week of OTAs begins next Tuesday before the team shift gears to their first mandatory practice of the offseason.
KC Laboratory - Chiefs 2023 Opponent Breakdowns: Detroit Lions and Jacksonville Jaguars:
KCSN’s Kent Swanson and Matt Lane start their series breaking down each of the Kansas City Chiefs' opponents in 2023, starting with the Detroit Lions and the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Ask KCSN Discord:
In Friday’s KCSN Daily for the remainder of the offseason, I’ll be asking the KCSN Discord server to weigh in on the latest hot topics surrounding the Chiefs. This week’s question: Which position group are you most concerned about for the Chiefs?
DE - very inexperienced and unproven sans a Frank Clark move or something similar. - Aero
It has to be Tackle for me. Moving (Jawaan) Taylor over to LT (most likely) and a rookie or (Lucas) Niang starting at RT might have a high ceiling, but I’m not sure what the floor is. - LeightonY44
WR: there’s a ton of pressure on this group to perform and a heavy amount of pressure on (Kadarius) Toney to be something no one has seen him be yet. JuJu (Smith-Schuster) had experience being a #1 before coming to KC but now with him gone, we are hoping someone breaks out and fills that role. - TankTheeFrank
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Quotable:
“Yeah, that’s a great question and (Wide Receivers) Connor (Embree) I think has - internally when we’re in the building we get to see everyday how these coaches are in front of their players and another thing that (Head) Coach (Andy Reid) does it he does a great job in the offseason that again, no one sees, but he gives a lot of responsibilities to the young coaches - quality control coaches, assistant coaches by position. Connor’s done that and I think what better way to interview for that type of position than doing it every day in your role that you’re in which has been the last previous couple years. Connor has great strengths. He’s going to grow like all of us every year. He’ll get better. But it’s also the player’s job too to know that and to help out and help each other out so that’s the fun part.” - Matt Nagy on new Chiefs WRs coach Connor Embree
KCSN Podcasts:
Important Dates Ahead:
June 6-9: OTAs Part 3
June 13-15: Mandatory minicamp
June 15-25: Chiefs training camp schedule released
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