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Day two of practices just concluded and a few Kansas City Chiefs players have stood out in the early stages of training camp. One notable surprise has been the poise and consistency of rookie cornerback Joshua Williams.
A fourth-round selection out of a smaller university — Fayetteville St. — Williams always profiled as a potential diamond in the rough find by general manager Brett Veach and his scouting department. So far, the youngster has lived up to that billing.
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Williams’ Veteran Move Is Nothing New
After being highlighted as the “best player at practice” during Organized Team Activities (OTAs) on June 2, Williams has put on an encore performance over the first couple of days of camp.
Yesterday on July 27, the rookie showed his ability to accelerate and recover downfield, which can be seen in a video from Fox 4 KC’s Harold R. Kuntz.
Patrick Mahomes II lofted a deep ball downfield for speedster Mecole Hardman and just when it appeared that the wide receiver had the step, Williams got those long arms in for a clean pass break-up. A veteran move from a 22-year-old talent.
It was this smooth play — among others — that inspired Arrowhead Pride reporter Pete Sweeney to tweet that “Brett Veach may have gotten another day-three gem in Williams.”
Just watch him stick with superstar Travis Kelce here after the future Hall of Fame tight end thinks he has the first-year CB beat (via KC Sports Network).
The Athletic’s Nate Taylor wrote that Williams “appears capable of contributing in September” and it certainly looks that way. This 2022 draft class continues to look better and better every day.
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Notes From Days 1 & 2 of Training Camp
An actual veteran to watch has been safety Justin Reid. Filling in for Tyrann Mathieu as the leader of the backend, the former Houston Texans DB had a tremendous start followed by a nervous moment on day two.
We’ll start with the good — a goal-line interception of Mahomes, stepping in front of tight end Jody Fortson. Kuntz shared this moment in the second half of the Williams video above.
Unfortunately, Reid left day two early with an apparent ailment, but this was chalked up as a false alarm later when the integral defender returned to practice after “about 10 minutes.” He watched the rest from the sidelines, but different reporters noted that this was probably precautionary.
In terms of the wide receiver battle, JuJu Smith-Schuster has been the clear head honcho at the start of camp. You may have heard about his diving catch on day one but Sweeney noted that he’s been “making big plays” all throughout the first two practices.
Here was another “incredible catch” brought to you by Smith-Schuster and KC Sports Network.
Rookie Skyy Moore is reportedly “still getting in sync” with the offense after his hamstring issue sidelined him throughout the spring but he did completely violate cornerback Deandre Baker on a one-on-one route.
As for other general notes that have stood out. KCTV5 sports reporter Adam Orduna was on scene and proclaimed that the “Chiefs backfield looks good, especially [Ronald Jones II] and [Clyde Edwards-Helaire].”
A welcomed observation on the two projected starters at running back. Jones also made a leaping catch on rookie linebacker Jack Cochrane, per Taylor.
One final intriguing detail to watch will be the returner battle with Byron Pringle and Tyreek Hill gone. Sweeney voiced: “[Corey] Coleman, Moore and [Trent] McDuffie were working as the returners in the final special teams period. I wonder if special teams coordinator Dave Toub is holding a tryout of sorts with KRs Tyreek Hill and Byron Pringle gone and Mecole Hardman assumed to be more involved in the offense.”
As for an injury update, Taylor relayed that CB Rashad Fenton, RT Lucas Niang and OT Prince Tega Wanogho all watched from the sidelines early on.
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