Key Takeaways:
– Chris Oladokun rose to prominence, quarterbacking the Chiefs in the rookie minicamp.
– All seven of the Chiefs’ 2024 draft picks and 17 undrafted free agents participated in the minicamp.
– Chiefs’ star quarterback, Patrick Mahomes, kept a close eye on minicamp proceedings from afar.
– Xavier Worthy, a 2024 first-rounder, showed promise despite initial struggles.
– Two new quarterbacks, Spencer Sanders and Brennan Armstrong, were invited for tryouts but did not pose a threat to Oladokun.
Rookie Minicamp Kicks Off
Over the weekend, Kansas City Chiefs commenced their rookie minicamp, with 74 players vying for attention. A strong mix of seasoned professionals, ambitious rookies, and curious trialists graced the camp. Among those in the spotlight were seven 2024 draft picks, 17 signed undrafted free agents, and veteran NFL players vying for a fresh start.
First-Year Quarterback Shines
Drawing significant attention was Chris Oladokun, an undrafted free agent quarterback embarking on his third season. Despite his modest career thus far, Oladokun popularized himself among players, showing exceptional skills in passing to everyone from first-round draftee Xavier Worthy to undrafted wide receiver Phillip Brooks.
Mahomes Inquisitive From Afar
Mahomes, a revered figure in the Chiefs’ setup, was notedly invested in the minicamp, even from afar. According to Oladokun, he regularly called to inquire about the new players’ performances, their skillsets, and even their demeanor off-field. His involvement underscores the importance of the minicamp and the value the team places on vetting the rookies, not just on their playing skills but also personality and team compatibility.
First-Round Pick Shows Promise Despite Initial Jitters
Xavier Worthy, a 2024 first-round pick for the Chiefs, was under scrutiny at the minicamp. Oladokun offered him hearty praise after a shaky start, acknowledging Worthy’s potential in the Chiefs’ offensive system. His appreciation for Worthy’s explosiveness and ‘yards after catch’ ability indeed points to Worthy’s potential.
Quarterback Tryouts See Little Competition
Surprisingly, the Chiefs invited Spencer Sanders and Brennan Armstrong, both former college football quarterbacks, for tryout during the minicamp. However, it is safe to say neither pose any threat to Oladokun’s position. Minicamp coverage noted Armstrong’s interception and Sanders’ lack of outstanding performance, which suggests Oladokun’s position is quite safe.
Backup Quarterback Spot Secured by Veteran
Interestingly, in addition to the rookie minicamp activity, the Chiefs have solidified their quarterback depth chart with a seasoned professional. Carson Wentz, a free agent acquisition, has signed a one-year $3.3 million contract, thus cementing his position as the Chiefs’ backup quarterback (QB2), behind Patrick Mahomes.
All in all, the rookie minicamp featured a mix of rookies and veteran football players with a healthy competition for securing their future in the team. Over the course of the minicamp, Chris Oladokun had an impressive showing, asserting his place within the team’s quarterback hierarchy. Xavier Worthy also displayed potential after a shaky start, suggesting that the rookie may be one to watch for in the coming season.