The Kansas City Chiefs ended the 2017 NFL draft with a solid draft class and a primary focus on the future of the organization. The first three round picks were bold, and interesting to say the least. In those selections, the front office took their quarterback of the future Patrick Mahomes, a genetic freak in Tanoh Kpassagnon, and a quiet collegiate phenomenon in running back Kareem Hunt. These three prospects were later followed by wide receiver Jehu Chesson, defensive end Ukeme Eligwe, and safety Leon McQuay III. Now that Chiefs Kingdom gained a glimpse of each prospect in the preseason, the question is who does what in their first NFL season? Many experts, and fans have a solid idea on who contributes the most, and who is still in the process of adapting to the game. Things can be speculated, but the success of the rookies lies in their own hands, as they strive to become some of the greats.
Setting Kansas City Chiefs Rookie Expectations
Round One Pick Number 10: Patrick Mahomes
The name Patrick Mahomes should ring a bell. He is only the quarterback of the future in Kansas City, with an unheard of arm strength, and a demeanor to become great. All eyes should on this young prospect as he works this season to gain command of the offense in Kansas City. After forgoing his senior season in Lubbock, Mahomes was drafted by Kansas City, making one of the boldest moves in franchise history in order to acquire him. Mahomes has some work to do, but he seemed to have flirted with fans with what he has in store for the organization. The quarterback of the future will not be the quarterback number one, hence the word future. But for Kansas City, anything can happen, and he could end up taking the starting spot for various reasons.
Mahomes’ Year One Expectations
As intriguing as Mahomes is as a player, Chiefs Kingdom needs to realize that patience is key for the young quarterback. As it has been in previous seasons, Alex Smith is still the starting quarterback due to his experience in the league and the offensive chemistry he brings to the team. Although it is unlikely Mahomes will start this season, there is always room for possibilities. An injury or low production from Smith as quarterback number one, could result in Mahomes playing with the ones and leading the team as a rookie.
Mahomes displayed his effortless talent in all four of Kansas City’s preseason games, which did nothing but set up urges from fans and teammates to look ahead and see what the future holds in Kansas City. The future seems to be in Mahomes’ hands, and due to his play in preseason, it seems the future is in great hands. Mahomes’ play seems exciting to prepare for, especially if this is his year to develop. The keyword for Mahomes in Kansas City is patience, because in the long run, the wait will be well worth it.
Round Two Pick Number 27: Tanoh Kpassagnon
Tanoh Kpassagnon was a silent gem in the 2017 draft class. No prospect in the entire 2017 draft compares with the genetic advantages that Kpassagnon holds. A 6’7″, 289 pound rookie, Kpassagnon has traits that if used correctly, could be unstoppable. Kansas City previously lost key players on the defensive line, and along with the aging players on the depth chart, Kpassagnon brings youth, and raw athleticism.
Kpassagnon Year One Expectations
Kpassagnon showed in the preseason glimpses of his potential. Surprisingly enough, Kansas City has uniforms that are able to fit Kpassagnon, sparking an opportunity for the Kansas City faithful to gain a view of the genetic freak on the field. There were times where Kpassagnon seemed ready for the NFL starting role, and times where he showed he has work still to do.
it is very possible Kpassagnon sees the field some this season, although it is unlikely he will start. Due to the high production on the defensive line for Kansas City, it will be rare to see Kpassagnon play vital minutes. But, with his genetic advantages, anything is possible. Expect Tanoh to play well when his number is called, but like Mahomes, patience is key here for this genetic monstrosity.
Round Three Pick Number 22: Kareem Hunt
Before he was drafted by Kansas City, many had not even heard of the name Kareem Hunt. Surprise Chiefs Kingdom, it appears as though he is now the starting running back. With Spencer Ware out for the season with a knee injury, rookie Hunt found himself in the drivers seat replacing Ware at running back.
Hunt Year One Expectations
The first two draft picks made by Kansas City were made to set up success throughout the organization for years to come. Hunt on the other hand, will see the field the most out of all of the rookies in Kansas City. Hunt has the perfect opportunity as a rookie to display his talents right out of the gates of regular season.
When Hunt was drafted, it was unlikely Kansas City drafted him to be the running back number one for 2017. With a few twists and turns in the backfield, Hunt has found himself holding the starting role at running back. This causes Hunt to have the advantage to produce the most out of the six drafted rookies. Get ready for this name Chiefs Kingdom; he will be around for awhile.
Round Four Pick Number 33: Jehu Chesson
Chesson seemed to be somewhat of a surprise when drafted by Kansas City, who traded up to select him. He had a great junior year statistically speaking, but owned a quiet senior campaign. Michigan University alum brings plenty of potential to Kansas City, but do not expect Chesson to contribute a ton, yet.
Chesson Year One Expectations
Chesson may not see the field much on offense, but he could be a beneficial player on special teams. He has shown in the preseason that he is capable to return the football, and even make a few tackles. Chesson could have a quiet impact this season, but it is unlikely he will be a threat to defenses.
Round Five Pick Number 40: Ukeme Eligwe
Ukeme Eligwe has talent that many fifth round defensive picks do not possess. Eligwe was originally a high recruit out of high school, and a linebacker for the Florida State Seminoles. After he was dismissed from the team, Eligwe found himself playing college football for the Georgia Southern Eagles. This hurt his draft stock, but he was still able to get drafted.
Eligwe Year One Expectations
Due to thin depth at inside linebacker, Eligwe could find himself playing quite a bit. If veteran Derrick Johnson does not stay healthy, expect Eligwe’s minutes to rise some. In the preseason games, Eligwe seemed to find the ball with ease, and strove to make contact. He very well may be the most raw linebacker on the roster for Kansas City, which could mean after some developing, he will be ready for work with the first string. As for year one, expect Eligwe to make the roster, but not make the field much in 2017.
Round Six Pick Number 34: Leon McQuay III
Leon Mcquay III has a ceiling like none other, yet his inconsistency caused him to drop deep into the 2017 NFL draft. McQuay has a good chance to make the roster, but if any rookie were to be cut, it would most likely be McQuay. Kansas City very well could stick with him and let him fully develop into a solid NFL football player, but it is unlikely he does much in the near future.
McQuay Year One Expectations
McQuay could find little playing time scattered throughout the year, but it seems to be slim to none that McQuay brings game changing production. It may be a little unfair to talk about contribution and playing time for a sixth round pick, but it seems as if McQuay has some work to do, if he would like to stay on an NFL roster consistently. Do not expect McQuay to do anything at all this season, as the talent ahead of him seems to have it locked in.
Expectations Does Not Mean Facts
In an ideal world, Mahomes starts within two seasons, Kpassagnon destroys offenses with his rushing attach, and Hunt breaks rookie records in the backfield. But in the real world, all of this is unlikely. Kansas City has a solid draft class waiting to be released for future play. Right now expect Kansas City to stick to their guns, and play who they have ahead of the rookies. When it is time for these rookies to contribute, expect harmony. The future in Kansas City seems to be set, and the future is ready to be unleashed.
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