Kansas City Chiefs rookie LB Leo Chenal is still learning the ropes as he transitions from college to the NFL.
Playing SAM linebacker in Steve Spagnuolo’s scheme is quite a bit different compared to what Chenal was asked to do in Wisconsin’s 3-4 defense. He even acknowledged as much back in rookie minicamp, when he was still getting acclimated to the new system.
While Chenal has made some good progress thus far, he was listed as a second-stringer on the team’s first unofficial depth chart. Chiefs LB coach Brendan Daly spoke on the areas where he needs to continue to improve in order to work in with the starting linebacker trio.
“Yeah, there’s some things that he needs to do to improve there,” Daly explained. “There’s some things he needs to do in the run game to improve. I would say, he’s played off the ball a lot more than on the ball so some of that line of scrimmage stuff, he’s still learning and working through. Some of the coverage stuff, both man and zone, I would probably say more man. He’s got a little bit more experience in zone and a little more natural feel there. But he’s continuing to work hard at it and getting better every day.”
Daly added that Chenal has done “a really nice job” in the few opportunities he’s had to wear the green dot and call plays at middle linebacker. However, it seems as if the rookie has a lot of work to do to succeed in the role the coaching staff has envisioned for him in 2022.
The competition across the board in the linebacker group is quite strong, which will only bring the best out of everyone. There is still plenty of time before any tough decisions are made with the roster, but Chenal needs to continue to make the most of his opportunities.
“In that room, we’ve got eight guys,” Daly said. “They’re first of all, phenomenal human beings. They’re second of all, all really good football players. And I would say yeah, there is great competition, there are great battles going on within it and they all work well together. But yeah, there are some difficult decisions, potentially. We’ve got a long way to go here, we’re still literally in that process, but I am excited about the group that we’ve got for sure.”
The upcoming preseason game against the Bears should give Chenal another chance to show his growth. Whether it’s against the run or in the passing game, a big performance for the rookie could see him move up the depth charts ahead of the regular season.
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