Tag: Cornell Powell

Eric Bieniemy says Chiefs rookie WR Cornell Powell is trending in the right direction

Cornell Powell hasn’t received the hype of other rookies, but #Chiefs OC Eric Bieniemy says he is working in the right direction.

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Kansas City Chiefs fans have heard plenty about most of their rookie class during training camp. One player who has circumvented the hype so far is fifth-round rookie WR Cornell Powell.

Powell opened up as a fifth-string wide receiver on the Kansas City depth chart, getting action behind the likes of players like Marcus Kemp, Antonio Callaway, Daurice Fountain and Gehrig Dieter. Powell’s work at training camp suggests he’s that far down the food chain too. He’s seen most of his snaps with backup quarterbacks Shane Buechele and Anthony Gordon so far.

Powell was even spotted getting an earful from Chiefs OC Eric Bieniemy at practice one day. The offensive scheme in Kansas City is known for being tough on first-year receivers because they’re asked to do so much. Instead of defying expectations as several others have in this rookie draft class, Powell is performing like a rookie is expected to perform and that’s OK according to Bieniemy.

“Cornell (Powell) is a rookie, and he’s learning,” Bieniemy told reporters on Monday. “First of all, he’s a beautiful soul, he’s a great kid. He has a tremendous amount of talent in front of him, and the thing that I appreciate about those guys is that they support one another. So, if he does something wrong, they’re on him, ‘Hey man, listen, pick your head up and let’s go line up the next play.’ The best thing about him is that he understands the importance of coming to work every single day, and that’s what I appreciate about him.”

Showing a good work ethic and the ability to correct mistakes can go a long way with this coaching staff. Bieniemy admitted that they want more out of Powell than they’ve currently been getting. The good news is that the veteran offensive coordinator believe’s that Powell is trending in the right direction as we approach the 2021 NFL preseason.

“Now, is he quite where we want him to be? No,” Bieniemy explained. “Is he working in that direction? Yes, he is, and I appreciate his work ethic each and every day.”

Powell can do a lot for himself with a good performance in the preseason opener against the San Francisco 49ers. If he can continue working in the right direction during practice, while also impressing on offense and special teams in the preseason, he’ll put himself in a good position with roster cuts looming.

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Powell doing ‘hell of a job’ for Chiefs

Former Clemson standout Cornell Powell received high praise from his offensive coordinator after training camp on Tuesday. Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy was asked about the former Tiger and tight end Noah Gray and praised their hard …

Former Clemson standout Cornell Powell received high praise from his offensive coordinator after training camp on Tuesday.

Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy was asked about the former Tiger and tight end Noah Gray and praised their hard work despite the expected rookie mistakes.

“Those guys are working hard everyday and doing a hell of a job,” Bieniemy said in his press conference. “Are they right where we need them to be? Not quite but I will say this every day they are improving on something.”

“Now are they making mistakes? Yes, mistakes happen and like I said you want to encourage them because like I said when they do make a mistake it’s not about that particular play. It’s about what they are going to do the next time they get out there,” he said.

Kansas City drafted Powell in the fifth round with the 181st pick of this year’s NFL Draft.

In the wake of injuries in the wide receiver room at Clemson, Powell stepped up for a breakthrough senior year asserting himself as one of Trevor Lawrence’s premier targets. He caught 53 passes for 882 yards and seven touchdowns in his fifth and final season as a Tiger.

And he is already making a splash with his determination and playmaking ability.

“The good news is both those guys are working their tails off,” Bieniemy said. “They’ve found a way to make plays each and every day. So what we want them to continue to do is just strive to be at their best.”

The Chiefs open the preseason in San Francisco against the 49ers on Aug. 14 at 8:30 p.m.

Time to get the latest Clemson apparel to show your Tiger pride. Order your officially licensed Clemson gear right here!

Chiefs OC Eric Bienemy shares impressions of rookies Noah Gray, Cornell Powell

#Chiefs OC Eric Bienemy revealed his early impression of rookies Noah Gray and Cornell Powell. | from @EdEastonJr

The bark of Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bienemy can famously be heard on most days during training camp. The intense words may come off aggressive, but they strongly support the talent he is coaching.

As the new rookie class continues to learn and showcase their ability in the Chiefs offense, they will have eyes all over them constantly evaluating. Two of Kansas City’s top picks on offense, Noah Gray and Cornell Powell, have plenty of potential in Bienemy’s offense. The Chiefs’ respected offensive coordinator revealed his impression of the duo of rookie receivers during Monday’s press conference.

”Those guys are working hard every day,” said Bieniemy. “They’re doing a hell of a job. Are they right where we need them to be? Not quite, but I will say this, every day, I’m seeing them improve upon something.”

Both Gray and Powell have seen up-and-down moments at training camp, but that’s part of the process for a young player in the NFL. What Bieniemy is out to ensure they both do is learn from their mistakes in practice.

“Now, are they making mistakes? Yes, mistakes happen,” Bieniemy explained. “And like I said, you want to encourage them because when they do make a mistake, it’s not about that particular play; it’s what are they going to do the next time they have an opportunity to get out there. So, the good thing is that both of those guys are working their tails off. They’ve found a way to make plays each and every day, and so the thing that we want them to do is just to continue to strive to be at their best.”

Bienemy’s offense has been heralded as the best in the NFL over the past few seasons. The young additions are expected to help keep that trend going in a positive direction during the foreseeable future.

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Chiefs WR Mecole Hardman feels no extra pressure entering Year 3

2021 is a crucial year for #Chiefs WR Mecole Hardman, but the third-year receiver says he’s feeling no added pressure. | from @EdEastonJr

The Kansas City Chiefs veterans have officially arrived for training camp at Missouri Western State University. With hopes of returning to a third straight Super Bowl, the core group will feature multiple position battles that should make training camp exciting.

Chiefs wide receiver Mecole Hardman will be in the spotlight this season as he is expected to fill the starting role formerly held by Sammy Watkins. Watkins left Kansas City during free agency opening up the opportunity for the third-year WR Hardman to step into a more primary offensive role. The former Georgia Bulldog spoke about his offseason preparation on Monday.

“Just route running. Just trying to do the whole tree, getting in and out of my breaks,” Hardman told reporters on Monday. “Just being aware of coverages, going over film a little bit more. So, just trying to become an overall better player and just doing the little things to help out in the long run.”

Hardman has already proven himself as an explosive special teams player earning Pro Bowl honors in his rookie season. The chemistry he has built with quarterback Patrick Mahomes will be essential in his development. Hardman didn’t link up with the former league MVP this offseason, but he’s anticipating plenty of work in the coming weeks.

“No, I didn’t get a chance to get up with him,” said Hardman. “We just weren’t in the same vicinities when he was training and everything, but we got time in camp. Plenty of time in camp to get that chemistry down and the timing down, so it shouldn’t be an issue.”

Hardman is the frontrunner to start alongside fellow speedster Tyreek Hill at receiver but he will have competition in training camp. Veterans Demarcus Robinson and Byron Pringle will also be in the conversation, and rookie Cornell Powell has added his skillset to an already talented unit. The pressure, however, doesn’t exist in Hardman’s mind as he prepares to take a significant step forward this season.

“No, no pressure,” Hardman explained. “Just come in and do my job and do what I need to do and just get better as the days go by. So basically, just day by day getting better, and hopefully, that’s enough to put me where I need to be. But, just come in and be a dog and do what I need to do, so that’s what I’m looking forward to doing.”

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Chiefs’ Cornell Powell gaining trust of Patrick Mahomes at training camp

Before the veterans arrive at training camp, #Chiefs rookie WR Cornell Powell is looking to gain QB Patrick Mahomes’ trust and confidence.

The Kansas City Chiefs have a crowded receiver room this offseason, with over a dozen players at the position on the 90-man offseason roster. One rookie from that group is doing his best to stand out amongst the crowd.

The rookies have a few days with starting QB Patrick Mahomes before the veteran players arrive at training camp. Fifth-round draft pick Cornell Powell is looking to take advantage of this period by building up some more chemistry with the Chiefs’ star quarterback.

“It’s extremely important. We try to show him that we can come out and make plays Year 1,” Powell explained. “You want to gain his confidence, gain his trust and you do it by making plays in practice and in the preseason. When it comes to game time, he can look out there and he’s like ‘oh I trust that guy’ and go out there and keep doing what you’ve been doing.”

Mahomes won’t shy away from players just because they’re rookies, so it’s wise for Powell to seek to earn his trust. In 2019, Mahomes targeted then-rookie wideout Mecole Hardman 41 times. Still, Powell is experiencing his first NFL training camp and he’s jumping in head-first. He received some good advice ahead of camp on how he should carry himself during camp.

“I learned there’s nothing you can really do to get ready for training camp besides doing it and learning from experience,” Powell said. “So just coming out here, make sure your conditioning is up, making sure that you know the plays, knowing and being knowledgeable of the game and your assignment and your alignment will take you far. The rest of it is just football at the end of the day. You got to go out there and be a dog and make plays.”

For those hoping that Powell’s size and ability make him a replacement candidate for the departed Sammy Watkins, think again.

“Sammy (Watkins) is such a special talent; you can’t replace what he did,” Powell said. “You just got to go out there and fill your own shoes and try to make your own name for yourself.”

Despite wearing the same number as Watkins and going to the same college, Powell is out to make his own name for himself. He’s not interested in standing in Watkins’ shadow. If he can gain Mahomes’ trust and confidence ahead of the season, he’ll be well on his way to blazing his own trail in Kansas City.

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Chiefs rookie WR Cornell Powell reveals jersey number

Former Clemson WR Cornell Powell has revealed his jersey number with the Chiefs.

Kansas City Chiefs rookies have made their way to Arrowhead Stadium for rookie minicamp, which is set to begin tomorrow.

With players finally in the building, that means a few things will begin happening for the Chiefs’ newest players. Rookie contracts will be signed, they’ll take physical examinations, be fitted for gear and jersey numbers will officially be assigned. The team will likely begin to reveal rookie jersey numbers tomorrow, but one player has already informed fans of his jersey number.

Fifth-round draft pick, former Clemson WR Cornell Powell, actually shared his number last Thursday. He debuted some new gear that all feature the No. 14. He has also since changed his social media handles to feature the No. 14.

Arriving at the Chiefs’ facilities this week, Powell got the first glimpse at his locker and recorded it for his Instagram story. That video revealed the nameplate with his jersey number on his locker, No. 14.

via cornellpowell14 on Instagram

Powell wore the No. 17 jersey at Clemson for five very accomplished seasons, becoming a five-time ACC title winner and a two-time national champion with the Tigers. Mecole Hardman currently wears the No. 17 jersey in Kansas City, but the No. 14 jersey was recently vacated by former Clemson WR Sammy Watkins. At the Senior Bowl, Powell first wore the No. 14 jersey, so it’s rather fitting that he’d carry that on with the Chiefs.

Powell’s high school jersey, No. 3, wasn’t an option in Kansas City. The new rules would allow him to wear it, but that’s the only single-digit number that is retired, belonging to Hall of Fame kicker Jan Stenerud.

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Chiefs WR Cornell Powell talks building chemistry with Patrick Mahomes

Powell spoke about building chemistry with Patrick Mahomes and the success he had with Trevor Lawrence at Clemson.

The 2021 NFL draft was filled with plenty of surprise selections, but quarterback Trevor Lawrence was assumed to be the top overall pick for months. One of Lawrence’s top targets at Clemson this past season was wide receiver, Cornell Powell. He had to wait a little longer to be drafted, going 181st overall to the Kansas City Chiefs.

Powell’s only season as a starter at Clemson came during his Redshirt Senior year, and he made quite the impression on scouts. Playing with Lawrence, a top college quarterback, and now with Patrick Mahomes is a rare occurrence. Powell won’t be making any comparisons between the two quarterbacks, as he told reporters on Saturday.

”What I have learned is that you can’t compare greatness,” said Powell. “Trevor is great. Patrick is great. I’m just blessed to go from one great quarterback to the next. As soon as I get to Kansas City, I’ll get to work with Patrick. Just try to get on the same page as him, try to get something to happen for the team. The ultimate goal is to win Super Bowls, so I’m ready to do that.”

At Clemson, Powell produced an impressive 882 yards, and seven touchdowns on 53 receptions in 12 games played last season. The 6-foot, 204-pound receiver reflected on his tenure at the university and the lessons learned regarding growth.

”Being at Clemson, you have great players around you,” Powell explained. “You just have to learn how to prove yourself every day. I had so much more to show to everyone. What I displayed this season was not even scratching the surface yet. I’m ready to come to Kansas City and just grind. Many of my brothers are in the NFL that I played with in that wide receiver room and I’m so proud of them. I learned a lot from them at Clemson. We just had this Clemson mindset to dominate everything, every play, every possession. I’m looking to continue that and just bring this winning attitude to Kansas City, which they already have, so it’s the perfect fit for me.”

Powell should fit in nicely with the Chiefs’ talented receiver room and eventually fill the role left by Sammy Watkins, another former Clemson wideout. The experience of playing in a winning program in college cannot be mitigated as he looks to build more success in Kansas City.

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6 Chargers offensive free agent, draft ‘crushes’

With Valentine’s Day here, Chargers Wire’s Gavino Borquez shares his 2021 NFL draft and free agent crushes for Los Angeles.

‘Tis the season for finding or celebrating your perfect match, and the Chargers will be searching for their own when the 2021 offseason begins.

With the hopes of making a run next season, Los Angeles should push really hard to land six of these offensive players to compliment Offensive Rookie of the Year Justin Herbert.

Let’s take a look at which players the Bolts should love:

OT Trent Williams, 49ers

While Sam Tevi had a decent 2020 season, he will be a free agent this offseason. Williams was one the best offensive players for the 49ers in a injury-ravaged season. The 32-year old, who sat our all of 2019 due to a dispute with The Football Team, regained his All-Pro form with San Francisco. Williams earned a 91.9-grade this past season, the highest of any tackle in the NFL, per Pro Football Focus. Even though he’s getting up there in age, he’s still proven to play the position at a high level, and he would serve well as a stop-gap option.

OL Brandon Scherff, Redskins

Scherff, the four-time Pro Bowler, allowed only one sack and was flagged for just one penalty in 13 games in 2020. A wall in pass protection, Scherff graded as the seventh-best guard in the league this year, per Pro Football Focus. The 29-year old was voted All-Pro in 2020, marking the first of his career. The former Iowa product has battled through some injuries, but he has overcame them and has managed to continue to still play at a high level. With Forrest Lamp and Trai Turner’s future up in the air, Scherff would be an immediate upgrade.

OL Rashawn Slater, Northwestern

The Chargers should use their first-round pick on an offensive lineman and if Slater’s available at No. 13 overall, it should be a no-brainer. Slater’s production in his final season at Northwestern was eyebrow-raising as he only gave up five pressures in 787 total snaps. Slater opted out of the 2020 season to prepare for the draft, but the year before that he stymied Chase Young, No. 2 overall selection of the 2020 NFL draft en route to receiving a 90.1 grade, per PFF. Slater doesn’t possess ideal height or length and could be moved inside, but his athletic skill set and overall technique project well as a premiere blind-side protector.

OT Dillon Radunz, North Dakota State

Radunz only played in one game this past season, but he made 32 consecutive starts at left tackle to close out his collegiate career and the Bison went 32-0 in those games. While he needs to get better at finishing blocks, Radunz has the athleticism, range, foot quickness and run-blocking temperament needed for the NFL. With Los Angeles, Radunz is capable of playing either tackle or guard. While he develops more mass and add bulk to his frame, his skillset suggests a high ceiling. If he’s available when Los Angeles is on the clock in the second-round, it would be a home run selection.

OL Quinn Meinerz, University of Wisconsin-Whitewater

Projected as a sixth/seventh-round pick coming into the Senior Bowl, the Division III product made his case to be selected within the top-100 picks. Against the nation’s top defensive linemen, Meinerz was a wall in pass protection and a road-grader in the run game, putting defenders on the turf. On film, Meinerz is a strong, mauling linemen who shows the awareness and power to deliver a blow to defenders. He projects as a center at the next level, but he has the versatility to fill in at every spot along the interior part of the offensive line.

WR Cornell Powell, Clemson

The Chargers could afford to add another target for Herbert this offseason and a player like Powell could a long way. Powell, the 6-foot and 210 pounder, is coming off the best season of his career in 2020 as a redshirt senior. In 12 games, Powell recorded 53 receptions for 882 yards and seven touchdowns. Powell is a well-built receiver who has the route savvy and suddenness in his breaks to separate along with the good body control, awareness and solid hands along the sidelines.

Titans among teams in attendance at Trevor Lawrence’s Pro Day

So, what were the Titans doing at Trevor Lawrence’s Pro Day?

The Tennessee Titans were one of 17 teams who made it out to the Pro Day of Clemson quarterback, Trevor Lawrence, who is the assumed future No. 1 overall pick in the 2021 NFL draft.

This was confirmed by MMQB’s Albert Breer, who notes the Titans weren’t one of the teams to send any coaches, but did send a scout.

Of course, the Titans have no shot at Lawrence being that they’re selecting at No. 22 overall in the first round, so why exactly would they send representation there?

While it’s possible Tennessee is just scouting a player they’ll be seeing twice a year for several years to come being that the Jacksonville Jaguars own the No. 1 overall pick, the team’s interest could be in the only other draft prospect to work out with Lawrence, wide receiver Cornell Powell.

Powell has been moving up draft boards in recent weeks after his impressive showing during Senior Bowl week. The 6-foot, 210-pound receiver finished the 2020 campaign with 882 receiving yards and seven scores.

The Titans will be in the market for a wide receiver no matter what happens with pending free agent Corey Davis, as the team desperately needs depth behind their top-two wideouts.

Here’s a bit more on Powell, courtesy of Ian Cummings of Pro Football Network:

“Off of physical traits alone, Cornell Powell is extremely intriguing. He stands at 6-foot-0, 210 pounds, which is a solid frame for the NFL level. That size allows him to compete in contested situations, in conjunction with good body control. It also implies more capacity to withstand contact, although Powell hasn’t explicitly displayed that ability consistently.

“What Powell has displayed consistently is his speed. It’s not elite deep speed, but Powell has a healthy pace to fall back on. He also has fairly solid explosiveness. The Clemson wide receiver gears up nicely in open space, and he also shows flashes of short-area burst when taking short RAC receptions. Again, it’s not elite, but it’s enough to make plays and create against defensive backs.”

Where Powell ends up going in the draft remains to be seen, but he should certainly be on Tennessee’s radar.

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3 offensive Clemson players the Jags could draft with Trevor Lawrence

Trevor Lawrence isn’t the only Clemson player the Jags could use on offense as they have needs all over the place.

If there is one thing NFL fans have learned this offseason, it’s that there seems to be a lot of quarterback shakeup on the horizon. However, one team who will probably have the luxury of not having to get involved are the Jacksonville Jaguars, who have a direct path to Clemson’s Trevor Lawrence.

As talented as he is, however, Lawrence wasn’t the only standout from Clemson’s 2020 offensive unit to enter the draft as a few others did. With the Jags going 1-15, they have a lot of needs and could use some of Lawrence’s teammates, too, as many of them have draftable grades.

Here are three Tigers the Jags could snag with Lawrence this April: