Early Observations from Chiefs Training Camp

Andy Reid's first training camp with the Kansas City Chiefs got underway late last month, starting with quarterbacks and rookies before veterans arrived to take the field. So far, a lot has been made from St. Joseph, Mo. within the past week and a half.

While some position battles are going on and others are trying to improve, Reid has kept the Chiefs busy. Some people knew what to expect from Reid in his first year with the team, but he's also delivered some early impressions as well.

In this slideshow, we'll touch on stories coming out of training camp that stick out the most.

Chiefs Go Full Passing Mode Early in Camp

When quarterbacks and rookies practiced through the first two days of training camp, the offense only practiced passing plays, putting running plays from the playbook to rest.

During OTAs and part of training camp, Alex Smith has had no problems finding rookie tight end Travis Kelce. Tony Moeaki confirmed in an interview that Reid's offense is the type that keeps the tight ends very active.

It was already a known fact that the team would be a pass-first offense under Reid's watch. But to see the offense forgo practicing running plays for a couple of days, even with just the rookies, is intriguing.

It's clear to Chiefs fans that they'll witness a lot of plays through the air this year.

Jamaal Charles Is Involved in Most of the Offensive Plays

Although Reid is looking to turn the Chiefs into a pass-heavy offense, Jamaal Charles will still get a lot of touches.

In the past, Reid kept running backs LeSean McCoy and Brian Westbrook active in the passing game. Charles will go through what McCoy and Westbrook went through when they played for Reid.

Charles said in an interview that he's learning a lot from a new playbook than he's ever studied before. It is hard to predict whether or not he runs for 1,000 yards this season, but as long as Charles stays healthy for 16 games, his total yardage for the season should be one of the highest by a player in the league by the time the season is over.

In 2012 and 2010, Charles finished third on the team in receptions due to a lack of talent within the receiving corps. This time, Charles could find himself competing with Bowe for most receptions on the team.

Chiefs Practice Tackling More Than Usual

The Chiefs have some players on the team who can tackle and play some good defense, with four defensive players voted to last year's Pro Bowl. While all defenders in the league know how to tackle, some have been tabbed as better tacklers and hard hitters.

Adam Teicher of the Kansas City Star said the Chiefs have done very little hitting in past training camps. Reid said that good tackling teams turn out to play well early in the season.

Kansas City looks to improve in that area under Bob Sutton after having issues in the past.

But the hard tackling practices also has its risks.

Unlike some players around the league who have already suffered season-ending injuries, the Chiefs have not run into that this year and want to avoid the injury-plagued season they dealt with in 2011.

Fastest Player in Camp Might Be an Underdog

Everyone knows what Charles is capable of in the open field with his breakaway speed. Dexter McCluster has even shown off his speed when taking back some punts.

But the fastest Chiefs player in training camp might not be a household name. It's doubtful Chiefs fans have even heard of Rico Richardson, who did not get an invite to the NFL Combine this year.

Chiefs insider Reid Ferrin said he sees Richardson as the fastest player in camp right now. Who is Rico Richardson, you ask? A small school stud who has a chance to survive the cut if he lives up to his potential.

Richardson was named the 2012 Southwestern Athletic Conference Offensive Player of the Year while prepping at Jackson State.

Before the veterans arrived in training camp, Richardson stood out the most among the rookies who practiced last week.

Richardson will likely catch some passes from Chase Daniel in preseason games, and possibly more from either Ricky Stanzi or Tyler Bray. Behind the starting wide receivers, Richardson might be the most active wide receiver in preseason games this year.

We'll see if he can do enough to use his speed to the team's advantage and land a spot on the 53-man roster.