Each season a rookie steps up to exceed expectations. This phenomenon happens to teams across the NFL. Call it the hidden gem or diamond in the rough. Regardless of what it is called, each NFL team gets at least one a season. Last year it was Isaiah Pacheco, who is now the headliner for this backfield. Who is the 2023 Kansas City Chiefs hidden gem?
Cam Jones is the 2023 Kansas City Chiefs Hidden Gem
This team has to keep up with some high-powered offenses in the AFC. Between the Buffalo Bills, Cincinnati Bengals and Los Angeles Chargers they need to slow down the opposition. Cam Jones has the measurables to keep up with the best offenses in the league. Despite a foot injury that derailed his 2022 campaign, he was listed as the number 15 linebacker prospect coming into the draft. Most analysts viewed him as a day three pick, but instead he fell out of the draft and signed in the city of fountains. He was leading the Big 10 in tackles per game before his injury ended his season. If he plays at the level he was displaying pre-injury, he’s clearly the 2023 Chiefs hidden gem.
Cam Jones Will Remind Chiefs fans of…
Smaller, watered-down Dino Hackett. He’s a bunch tackler with great IQ and big hit ability. Cam Jones could easily find himself into the starting lineup and be a positive contributor on all three downs. His early identification of plays and short area quickness are the recipe for success in the NFL. He has prior experience as a defensive back before converting to linebacker, and it shows in his zone coverage. All in all, it’s easy to see why Jones is an early candidate as the 2023 Chiefs hidden gem. If he can get even close to his tackling numbers in college at the NFL level, he will be a steal.
His college counting stats are very impressive. Jones put together 204 total tackles despite only playing 43 games, even including his freshman season. He earned playing time early and often and was a key cog in Indiana’s defense.
Why Cam Jones and Not Another Rookie
The Chiefs had a solid draft all things considered. Despite picking last (Super Bowl Champion problems) they managed to get solid value. Their first three rounds can’t really be considered hidden gems, as day one and two picks already have high expectations. The Chiefs spent each of their day three picks on defensive players that can make an impact. But defensive tackles take some time to develop, and even if Keondre Coburn is a great DT most fans won’t notice. The pair of corners selected could sway a couple games but are more likely to slot in as rotational players than every down contributors.
Cam Jones is the most likely rookie taken day three or later to find early playing time at a position that gets a lot of attention. Even if he only is used on special teams early on his nasty play style and thumper ability will make him a fan favorite.
More Hidden Gems
Main Photo Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
