Kansas City Chiefs: Early Rookie Progress Reports

The Kansas City Chiefs addressed some key needs in this year's NFL draft, entering OTAs with a complete team. Rookie minicamp took place earlier this month at the team's practice facilities. 

While it is soon, we can see plenty of things from some of the draft picks in the early stages of their rookie campaigns. Following the first OTA session, Chiefs coach Andy Reid had commented and was even asked about some of the young, bright-eyed talent the team had recruited.

In this slideshow, we look at a few Chiefs rookies and see what we have learned from them since they became a part of the franchise.

CB Marcus Peters

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When the Chiefs drafted Marcus Peters, analysts on the set for ESPN and NFL Network praised him for his talent but also brought up his off-the-field issues right away.

Following the draft, Peters did not shy away from his past while talking to the media and addressed what he had done before. Most importantly, he said he knows what is to come and wants to avoid causing any harm that would put him in position to miss games.

The Chiefs have an underrated cornerback in Sean Smith and a solid corner in Phillip Gaines, who is coming off his rookie season. Peters will learn from two good corners, in addition to having Emmitt Thomas as his position coach.

C Mitch Morse

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Since he is a former Missouri player and there is a strong contingency of Tigers fans in the area, plenty of Chiefs supporters are rooting for Mitch Morse as he makes the transition from college to the NFL.

Reid said after the first OTA session that he wants the five best offensive linemen on the field in 2015.

Morse, whom Kansas City drafted in the second round, saw plenty of reps at center during seven-on-seven drills.

Eric Kush was the team's only center coming into the offseason after Rodney Hudson signed with the Oakland Raiders. Morse is a versatile lineman who is capable of playing multiple spots up front. Though he had experience at tackle, he could have a good career in the NFL as an interior lineman.

So far, he is receiving more look, and it would not be a surprise if he got the nod at center going into Week 1.

WR Chris Conley

Charlie Riedel/Associated Press

It is no secret—the wide receivers were simply bad in 2014, and the Chiefs have done a lot to change that this offseason.

While bringing in Jeremy Maclin (a former Missouri Tiger drafted by Reid in Philadelphia), the Chiefs brought back Jason Avant (whom Reid also drafted) and selected Chris Conley in this year's draft.

Conley possess great speed (4.35 40-yard dash) and might make a significant impact on offense as a rookie.

The Chiefs see a lot in him, and the fact that they traded up in the draft during the third round to get him shows how much they wanted him.

Nick Jacobs of Time Warner Cable Sports Channel in Kansas City noted that Conley was the best player from rookie minicamp earlier this year. ESPN NFL analyst Louis Riddick tweeted that Conley is a player who fans should keep an eye on throughout the offseason and into the preseason.

If the hype turns into reality, Reid may have found a player who can progress into a No. 2 receiver.

TE James O'Shaughnessy

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Given that James O'Shaughnessy is a tight end who went in the fifth round, there may not be a lot of hype surrounding him, and understandably so.

But Kansas City is a great fit for O'Shaughnessy, and don't be surprised if he shows some flashes this year.

Quarterback Alex Smith has built a strong on-field chemistry with tight ends throughout his career. In San Francisco, he had Vernon Davis but also had a connection with then-49ers backup Delanie Walker. Smith has kept Anthony Fasano and Travis Kelce active since he's been in Kansas City.

With Fasano moving on to the Titans, Smith could target O'Shaughnessy a few times, which may help the offense.

He has a similar skill set to Kelce. With good hands and speed, O'Shaughnessy could become the No. 2 tight end for a couple of years.

He has already been in touch with Kelce, receiving advice as the offseason continues. 

In a system that emphasizes tight ends with a quarterback in Smith who likes to throw to them, being in Kansas City is an ideal situation for O'Shaughnessy, as he will see action on the field more than most fifth-round picks this year.

ILB Ramik Wilson

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The two starting inside linebacker positions become interesting as Derrick Johnson is set to return after suffering an Achilles injury in Week 1. But we all know he is going to get his spot back as he is set to shatter the franchise record for tackles in a career as a Chief. 

It is uncertain who will start beside Johnson, and whoever starts in Week 1 may be different than the player who starts in Week 17.

In the short time the rookies have been practicing, fourth-round pick Ramik Wilson has made a strong impression on Reid. Last week, the coach said he liked what he saw from Wilson in rookie minicamp, noting his strong hands and ability to make big plays.

Wilson may find himself competing against Josh Mauga, although the veteran may have the edge. However, if Wilson can make the most of his playing time on defense, his total snaps will increase, and he could transition into a starter late in the season.

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