Tag: 32

Chiefs LB Nick Bolton on the significance of wearing Tyrann Mathieu’s former number

#Chiefs linebacker Nick Bolton described the significance of wearing Tyrann Mathieu;s former number in comments to the media on Tuesday. | from: @EdEastonJr

The post-game jersey swap has gained significance worldwide, with star players posing for photos out of mutual respect. The NFL has done this often, with a significant exchange occurring Sunday between Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Nick Bolton and former teammate Tyrann Mathieu.

The former teammates exchanged jerseys for a photo that had a deeper meaning that stems from the number 32 itself. Bolton explained during Tuesday’s press conference the impact of Mathieu and his jersey number switch.

“Yeah, [at one] time he had 32, and I was here and 32, my sister’s favorite two numbers. Three and two. When he was here, I never even questioned him about taking his jersey or paying for it or anything to try and get it off,” Bolton explained. “I feel he represents it the right way, and how much just cared about sports is passion-wise.

“He carried that out in a great manner, so when I had the opportunity to grab the number and represent it the right way, I was excited for it, [after] having a guy like that [wear it]. I watched a lot of football [growing up], [I] grew up an SEC football lover, [an] LSU [and] Alabama fan… So that all that is coming together, you got a lot of respect for him. So it was great to have the opportunity and to know he left on the back of it was special. And I know this is a bit a little bit bigger than football. So special for me, for sure.”

Mathieu has been the starting safety for the Saints since last season after leaving Kansas City in free agency. Bolton hopes to imitate the safety’s former role as an emotional leader on the Chiefs’ defense during the 2023 season.

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3 underrated options for Chiefs in first round of 2020 NFL Draft

These three players could sneak into the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft and the Kansas City Chiefs would make sense for any of them.

The 2020 pre-draft process has been a unique one, and with the absence of traditional pro days, much of the true NFL interests remain a mystery. Even Kansas City Chiefs general manager Brett Veach is preparing for the unexpected in this draft.

Your mock draft simulators are probably telling you that these players will be available long after the first round, but that’s not a certainty. None of us know how the draft will turn out and more likely than not there will be some surprises along the way. Veach even has a history of being bold and bullish with the players that he likes.

The following three players are being underrated as potential first-round draft picks. I could also see any of them ending up with Kansas City when it’s all said and done.

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Colorado WR Laviska Shenault Jr.

If there’s one receiver being overlooked as a first-rounder it’s Colorado WR Laviska Shenault Jr., who is on the mend from a core muscle injury. Really a big reason that he’s being overlooked is because of his extensive injury history. During the 2018 season, he dealt with a toe injury and a torn labrum, both of which required surgery. He only missed a total of three games with those two injuries.

Shenault Jr. has eye-popping production in his 31 games with the Buffaloes. During that span, he recorded 149 receptions for 1,948 yards and 10 touchdowns, averaging over 13 yards per catch. The 6-1 and 227-pound receiver has been named one of the most elusive receivers in this draft class. He’s forced 44 missed tackles since 2018 according to Pro Football Focus,  and that number is good for the most in this draft class. His numbers after the catch are staggering with a total of 7.7 yards averaged throughout his career.

His versatility is something should spark the interest of Andy Reid and the Chiefs’ coaching staff. Shenault Jr. is a threat rushing the ball, with 42 career rushing attempts for 280 yards and seven touchdowns. He can line up outside, in the backfield, and even in the slot with over 28% of his catches coming lined up inside. Another 21% of his catches came on screen passes, which are a big part of Reid’s gameplan in Kansas City.

Our friends at Touchdown Wire recently compared Shenault Jr. to Sammy Watkins. It’s not a perfect comparison. For instance, Watkins was a much more polished route runner coming out of college. However, if the Chiefs are looking for their future replacement for Watkins in the first round, Shenault Jr. makes a ton of sense as an understudy in Kansas City.

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