ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (AP) Sammy Watkins made quite the impression on the first day of Kansas City Chiefs training camp on Thursday.
The veteran wide receiver is one of the newest options for first-year starting quarterback Patrick Mahomes.
The guys an unbelievable talent, he really is, tight end Travis Kelce said of Watkins.
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Hes a high-character guy, you cant say anything wrong about him. Its been exciting just to see him come out here and work because hes such a great athlete and he makes you want to get better every single day.
Mahomes and Watkins teamed up to elicit the biggest cheer of the day from fans attending the opening of camp.
The quarterback dropped a 60-yard pass on a breezy post route to Watkins, who hauled in the over-the-shoulder catch on the run for an easy score. Mahomes said hes quickly developing a rapport on the field with the newcomer.
Hes a guy that will stay after and get extra work, a guy that wants to put the work in to be great, Mahomes said.
When you have guys like that all around our team, its easy to build chemistry and build that kind of deep ball or if its a short pass or whatever it is.
Coach Andy Reid also praised the willingness of Watkins to push himself during practice, whether its running out routes where hes a decoy or putting in extra reps.
I love Sammys attitude and his work ethic, Reid said. Hes all business, hes a quiet guy. Hes all business. I love the way he goes about, a true pro.
For the first time in his career, Watkins comes into the season healthy and with a full offseason of work. Thats helping him acclimate to Reids West Coast offense playbook.
Ive gotten the plays down but of course weve got so much to build on with chemistry and working with the guys, Watkins said.
The offense is so bright you cant sleep on it so everyday weve got to go over it and go over the installs.
The offseason addition of Watkins figures to make the Chiefs offense a puzzle for defenses this season. The team returns three 1,000-yard performers from last season, including the leagues leading rusher in Kareem Hunt. Kelce and wide receiver Tyreek Hill topped the 1,000-yard mark in receiving yards.
Kelce, who is used to frequently facing double teams and bracket coverage, sees the addition of Watkins creating opportunities for everyone across the offense.
I think were going to open everything up for each other, Kelce said. Pats got quite an arsenal to throw to.
It also means a lot of players to give the ball, but Reid says the group possesses a desire to win that keeps egos in check.
Thats whats nice about having the guys we have, they all understand theres one ball, Reid said. They all get it. Sammy went out ran a couple of beautiful routes where he didnt get the ball, but ran like he was going to get it. He didnt pull off at all. Thats a great thing to have that kind of talent.
The Chiefs open camp with just one injury issue impacting a projected starter. Inside linebacker Reggie Ragland started camp on the non-football injury list. He experienced a swollen knee following his flight to training camp. Reid does not believe the issue is a significant concern.
Hes in great shape, were just going to let it calm down, precautionary measure, let it calm down and hell get back out, Reid said. I dont think its anything to go crazy about.
The Chiefs are relying on Ragland as a leader in the retooled starting defense that also includes cornerbacks Kendall Fuller and David Amerson, linebacker Anthony Hitchens and defensive tackle Xavier Williams.
Those changes on defense along with the addition of Watkins and the promotion of Mahomes, puts a smile on Reids face.
Weve got a lot of new faces in new places, Reid said. That parts exciting. The ability to teach, thats what we do. We got quite a little bit of teaching to do as we go here.
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