[jwplayer IlqQzvpv-ThvAeFxT]
The Kansas City Chiefs drafted running back Darwin Thompson in the sixth round of the 2019 NFL Draft. The multi-faceted speedster from Utah State is a seemingly perfect fit as a prominent role player in Andy Reid’s offense. Injuries and lack of production gave Thompson a golden opportunity to carve out a niche in his rookie year.
However, Thompson was only able to muster one total touchdown in his inaugural season, leaving some to be skeptical about his future with the organization. Damien Williams’ emergence and the arrival of 2020 first-round running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire pushed Thompson further down the depth chart but with Williams opting out, Thompson has another chance to prove he can be a solid contributor and is open to the challenge.
“Competition breeds excellence,” Thompson told reporters on Wednesday. “Camp’s going good for me so far, year two for me. Here to get better in camp. Last year in camp, eyes were wide open like a deer in headlights, so this year I know what to expect and to perfect my craft. Drafting Clyde (Edwards-Helaire) was a great addition to the room. We needed somebody with a different type of talent and just helps me work on my game, helps other running backs work on their game.”
Thompson likes the group the Chiefs have at the running back position. He also sees some similarities between himself and the newest running back in Kansas City.
“It’s a cool competition because we all, at one point were doubted in our career because we share that same story,” Thompson explained. “I’m glad that he’s a 5-8 running back getting drafted in the first round. When I went back home, I got back to the nitty-gritty of my training. I was in Arizona being pampered a little too much, so when I went back home I was working on my football work with my pops, where it all started for me and I think that prepared me most for this training camp and I’m ready to show what I’ve been doing.”
While Thompson knows it’s a competition, he isn’t shying away from being somewhat of a mentor at the same time.
“I like to keep the battlefields equal,” Thompson said. “If me and Clyde are both on the battlefield, I want him to have a pistol and I’m going to have a pistol and we’re going to let the best man win. I’m not too much of holding secrets or how I got better last year as a rookie from people, so I try help as much as I can.
“This year I see the blitzes a lot better. I can recognize the disguises that the safeties put on as far as a cap, slots, and things like that. The run game I see a lot better, a lot over this offseason I was watching and studying other running backs as far as their eyes and how they see the run game, three-technique shades and understanding different fronts of a defense. I did a lot of studying this offseason. There were a lot of things I had to get better at for me to be successful in this league.”
As a smaller back, pass protection is going to be an uphill battle for Thompson. The playmakers on the Chiefs defense, primarily safety Tyrann Mathieu, has been a measuring stick for Thompson.
“It wasn’t too much of actually picking up the blitz because I’m not afraid of contact, it was seeing and recognizing where the blitz is coming from,” Thompson said. “Safeties, as far as they roll in the sky, we got some of the best safeties in the game. Tyrann Mathieu disguises really well, so me seeing and hearing in practice once we come to game time, I’ll be able to see it.
“Last year, I felt like I could barely see over the line of scrimmage, the O-Linemen were so big, I didn’t see linebackers or things like that. The game felt so fast but now I’m in the film room and see it, I see it every day. I watch film every day so when I hit the field, boom my eyes go there now. I can expect who’s going to come, what down and distance it is. I just got tabs in my head every play or each play of what I’m going to be looking at”
Darwin Thompson is currently just behind the LSU alumni CEH and Darrel Williams on the depth chart. He’s been running with the second-team offensive unit at training camp.
With his rookie season behind him, Thompson should be a sleeper as a breakout player in 2020. His work ethic and desire to improve is an indicator as to the type of pro he can be. Thompson could even help the Kansas City running game to a huge turnaround in 2020.
[vertical-gallery id=74927]