KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) _ The Chiefs didn’t make a first-round selection in this
year’s NFL draft. That hasn’t stopped their rookies from making a major impact.
Whether it’s been defensive tackle Chris Jones, their first pick who was taken
in the second round, or cornerback D.J. White, taken in the sixth round but
suddenly playing as many snaps as anybody on defense, those newcomers are a big
reason why Kansas City is off to a 4-2 start.
“It’s hard to gauge rookies on what they might contribute,” said Chiefs
quarterback Alex Smith, a former No. 1 overall pick. “You get the full
spectrum. It’s different for everyone and every position.”
Still, the Chiefs picked a bevy of guys who have fit in right away, and
injuries and poor play have conspired to move them up the depth chart heading
into Sunday’s game against the Colts.
Take their new defensive tackle out of Mississippi State.
Jones was supposed to learn the ropes behind Dontari Poe, Jaye Howard and Allen
Bailey, but a season-ending injury to Bailey changed that plan. Jones wound up
starting his first career game in last Sunday’s win over New Orleans , playing
38 snaps and putting pressure on Drew Brees.
“He did a pretty good job against that explosive offense,” Chiefs coach Andy
Reid said.
If anyone was expected to contribute right away, though, it was the guy taken
with the 37th overall pick.
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