Tag: rookie minicamp

Las Vegas native Jaden Hicks says he’s not a Raiders fan

#Chiefs rookie Jaden Hicks, a Las Vegas native, made it clear that he is not a Raiders fan during comments to the media.

The Kansas City Chiefs solidified their depth in the secondary during the 2024 NFL draft. The loss of several veterans at the start of the offseason has led to another shake-up in the defensive unit.

The selection of defensive back Jaden Hicks was an example of the youth movement continuing within Steve Spagnuolo’s group. Hicks reflected on his NFL draft experience and provided his thoughts on the Las Vegas Raiders while speaking with media on Sunday at rookie minicamp.

“It was a lot of weight lifted off the shoulders for being drafted; that was a cool moment me and my family had,” Hicks explained. “Just the process of getting in here, [I’ve] been working out trying to get prepared for this moment. I’m taking every moment like it’s my last. Getting the playbook down that’s been going good. First practice was really good, so I’m excited for the next few practices.”

Hicks is a native of Las Vegas, Nevada but made it very clear that he isn’t a fan of the NFL team that calls the city home.

“No, I wasn’t a fan of the Raiders, so you guys don’t have to worry about that,” said Hicks. “Even my family, they’re all excited for me. We’re all Kansas City Chiefs now; it’s pretty cool.”

Hicks was an impact player at Washington State and now joins fellow Cougar Jaylen Watson in the Kansas City secondary.

Kingsley Suamataia on competing for starting spot on Chiefs’ offensive line

Kingsley Suamataia told reporters that he is looking forward to competing for a starting spot on the #Chiefs’ offensive line.

After trading up in the first round of the 2024 NFL draft to take Xavier Worthy, the Kansas City Chiefs traded up one spot to select BYU offensive tackle Kingsley Suamataia in the second round.

The 21-year-old offensive tackle will have to earn his spot on the starting offensive line but told reporters that he is embracing the competition and looks forward to establishing himself in practices.

“[I] just come in and work every day. I’ve got to put my best forward and outwork the guy in front of me,” Suamataia said. “I definitely love all the guys that are here, coming in as a rookie trying to gain all the knowledge I can so I can learn the playbook the best, so I can potentially be out there and play next to them. It’s definitely a great opportunity for me, I’m super excited. I’m happy, [Head] coach [Andy Reid] can put that on me that I can play, I’m ready.”

The offensive line is most set from left guard to right tackle, but Suamataia will most likely compete against Wanya Morris for the starting left tackle position. Morris was steady in the few games he started while Donovan Smith was out with injuries.

Kansas City continues to invest high draft capital in the offensive line and keeping Patrick Mahomes upright.

Kamal Hadden explains familiarity with Chiefs DC Steve Spagnuolo

#Chiefs DB Kamal Hadden told reporters about his familiarity with Steve Spagnuolo during comments to the media at rookie minicamp.

Over the last few years, Kansas City Chiefs general manager Brett Veach and the team’s scouting department have shown a knack for identifying talented cornerbacks who are available late in the draft.

The Chiefs hope to stay hot in that regard, and their sixth-round selection of Kamal Hadden was their latest low-risk gamble on an impressive defensive back. The 23-year-old was underrated due to his injury history but was exceptionally productive during his time in Tennessee.

Hadden addressed the media after practice at rookie minicamp on Sunday, telling reporters that he already has some ties to defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo.

“He can really recruit, and he can see talent, even in the late rounds,” Hadden explained. “He can go get guys, he can develop guys and that was one thing that I met on my [top] 30 visit, it was just a connection there, I knew him, he worked through my [defensive coordinator] at Tennessee [Tim Banks] before. It was a great thing and it’s a great opportunity to go in there and fill those shoes and go out there and be able to play under a coach like Coach Spags.”

Hadden posted a 90.4 grade according to Pro Football Focus last season and held opposing quarterbacks to a miserable 7.0 passer rating when targeted in 2023. Despite dealing with injuries, the Tennessee product will bring experience and talent to an already impressive group of defensive backs.

Kingsley Suamataia reveals nickname for Chiefs HC Andy Reid

#Chiefs rookie Kingsley Suamataia revealed his nickname for Andy Reid during comments to the media at rookie minicamp.

The Kansas City Chiefs’ addressed their needs on the offensive line in the 2024 NFL draft, and found one prospect who may be their next starting tackle.

Kingsley Suamataia, the team’s second-round pick and a BYU product, was among Kansas City’s most popular selections and has the skills to be an impact player for years to come.

Suamataia spoke to reporters on Sunday about his relationship with head coach Andy Reid and their ties to BYU which make him feel like they are family.

“I call him ‘uncle’, that’s the BYU legend right there,” Suamataia said. “I called him uncle when I first came here on my 30 visits. He’s very quiet, but when he has words that he has to say it definitely hits home for me.”

Reid has never been shy about speaking highly of his alma mater, BYU, so it’s no surprise he had his eye on Suamataia in the draft.

“I’m just getting as much knowledge from him, too,” the rookie explained. “He knows a lot about our offense, so I’m just chopping up with him whenever he has time. It feels like family just being here, so it makes it better and more comfortable.”

The BYU connection is already showing its cue, breaking any possible ice or nerves for Suamataia as he enters his first NFL season.

Two Wisconsin football alumni attend Green Bay Packers rookie minicamp

Two Wisconsin football alumni attend Green Bay Packers rookie minicamp

Former Wisconsin football alumni Peter Bowden and Michael Furtney attended the Green Bay Packers’ 2024 rookie minicamp per ESPN’s Rob Demovsky.

Bowden, who played long snapper for UW from 2018-2023, played in all 13 for Wisconsin in 2023 and was named a Patrick Mannelly Award finalist. He also helped K Nathanial Vakos earn honorable mention All-Big Ten honors with 15 makes on 19 field goal tries.

After the NFL draft last month, the Packers signed the decorated long snapper as an undrafted free agent. He’s expected to compete for the starting job in 2024.

Furtney, on the other hand, is a roster longshot. He was one of the numerous rookies to receive a tryout invitation to minicamp.

The offensive lineman is fresh off playing all 13 of the Badgers’ contests in 2023, starting nine at right guard. As a starter, he allowed just four pressures over 191 passing snaps, per PFF. Furtney’s 56 games rank fourth all-time in Wisconsin’s history, and he was named Academic All-Big Ten from 2019-2023. He started 22 of his final 26 games representing the scarlet and red.

Chiefs rookie Kingsley Suamataia: ‘Patrick (Mahomes) has been a great mentor’

Kingsley Suamataia told reporters that Patrick Mahomes has been a ‘great mentor’ during comments to the media at the #Chiefs’ rookie minicamp.

The second day of the Kansas City Chiefs rookie minicamp is over, as the new players become accustomed to the NFL lifestyle. The front office targeted the front five specifically, selecting three linemen in the 2024 NFL draft..

Kingsley Suamataia was the first blocker picked by the Chiefs and seems to have the most direct path to a starting spot of any player in Kansas City’s newest draft class.

On Sunday, he spoke with reporters after practice at rookie minicamp wrapped up, and shared his thoughts on getting to play alongside Patrick Mahomes.

“Patrick [Mahomes] was probably the second guy that hit me up — just getting ready on me,” Suamataia told the media. “He’s fired up. I’m just trying to get in the playbook as fast as possible. To know how best to help our O-Line and the team. Patrick has been a great mentor as well. Like, just waking up to a message from [him], it just blows my mind.”

Suamataia won’t have long to be starstruck. With a highly-anticipated 2024 season on the horizon, the BYU product is likely to settle into a key spot on the Chiefs’ offensive line sooner than some might expect.

Chiefs TE Jared Wiley talks expectations for rookie season

Jared Wiley talked to reporters about the expectations he has for himself during a press conference at #Chiefs rookie minicamp.

During the NFL draft, an under-the-radar need for the Kansas City Chiefs was the tight end position.

Travis Kelce is still set to be a key cog in Andy Reid’s offense next season but will turn 35 years old in October.

Jared Wiley, a former TCU tight end who was one of the Chiefs’ fourth-round picks in the 2024 NFL draft, could help take some of the pressure off Kelce and may be a future starter for Kansas City if he can translate his raw talent into productivity.

While addressing the media on Saturday Wiley told reporters about what he hopes to accomplish as a rookie.

“As far as the coaches, [I] just [want to] get in here and learn the offense as fast as possible and be a key contributor on the team however that looks, whether it’s special teams, offense, whatever they ask me to do, I’ll do it,” Wiley began. “My expectations of myself are basically that, I want to come in here, I want to get comfortable, I want to learn the brand and style of football that they play here in Kansas City. I want to be able to do that to the best of my ability.”

Wiley will join a tight end room that includes Kelce, Noah Gray, and Irv Smith, and with his towering presence at 6-foot-6 and 249 pounds, the former TCU tight end could play a crucial part in Kansas City’s red zone offense.

Chiefs WR Xavier Worthy on learning Andy Reid’s playbook: ‘It’s been fun’

Xavier Worthy told reporters that he has had fun learning Andy Reid’s playbook at the #Chiefs’ rookie minicamp this weekend.

The Kansas City Chiefs were one of six NFL teams that held rookie minicamps this weekend, and the team’s first-round selection, Xavier Worthy, stole the show both on the field and in press conferences with the media.

Worthy spoke to reporters after his first practice in a Chiefs uniform on Saturday, explaining his thoughts about Kansas City’s playbook, and how he will fit in Andy Reid’s offense.

“It’s been fun, learning the new offense and seeing how they run stuff, and just getting the flow of things,” Worthy said. “It reminds me a lot of Sark’s [Texas Head Coach Steve Sarkisian] playbook, a lot of similarities, just a lot of different names to it. It’s going to be fun to play in this offense.”

Every rookie has goals for their first week of team meetings and practices. The 21-year-old receiver wants to start with the fundamentals and establish a familiarity with the Reid’s system.

“[It is] just [about] establishing the playbook,” Worthy explained. “Getting a firm understanding of the playbook so I know where to line up come training camp, so I’m already affiliated, know what I’m doing, know where I’m lining up, and know the plays I’m running.”

Worthy could be thrust into early action in the Chiefs’ offense, given the uncertainty surrounding Rashee Rice’s availability for the start of Kansas City’s 2024 campaign.

Chiefs WR Xavier Worthy talks connection with Patrick Mahomes at rookie minicamp

Xavier Worthy told reporters about his connection with Patrick Mahomes during a press conference at #Chiefs rookie minicamp on Saturday.

The Kansas City Chiefs drafted wide receiver Xavier Worthy in the first round of last weekend’s NFL draft with expectations that he will play a major role in improving their offense.

Worthy spoke to reporters on Saturday at the start of Kansas City’s rookie minicamp, sharing his thoughts on playing with Patrick Mahomes and their budding relationship on the field.

“I talked to him and connected with him a little bit,” Worthy said. “He was excited about me coming into the camp just to learn the offense [getting on] the field and [getting] my feet wet on offense.”

Worthy communicated with Mahomes earlier this year following his record-breaking 40-yard dash time at the NFL combine. Mahomes was a significant supporter of the Chiefs pursuing Worthy in the draft, and the former Texas Longhorn expressed his appreciation for his quarterback’s vote of confidence.

“It’s amazing just to be able to have that quarterback that wants you too,” Worthy explained. “That means they’re obviously going to try to find ways to get you the ball and make it part of the offense, so it’s just a huge part of it.”

Worthy was concerned about which team he would land with, and told reporters that he hoped Kansas City would take a chance on him because he preferred to play for a franchise with an elite quarterback.

“Yeah, that’s true anywhere with a quarterback. I feel like that was my main spot,” said Worthy. “Pat just obviously was like, I feel like everybody would want to play for Pat just [because] of how amazing quarterback he is and how personal he is.”

Early indications are that a solid bond is forming between Worthy and Mahomes as the rookie learns the team’s playbook. Offseason workouts should continue to grow that chemistry ahead of training camp.

Jared Wiley on preparation, adjusting to Chiefs’ playbook at rookie minicamp

Jared Wiley told reporters about his preparation for the #Chiefs’ rookie minicamp, and one advantage he has for learning Andy Reid’s playbook

The selection of TCU’s Jared Wiley was more insurance for the Kansas City Chiefs at tight end. A solid player throughout his college career, Wiley brings another dynamic to the offense with his ability to adapt to any situation.

The start of rookie minicamp on Saturday allowed Chiefs players to address the media for the first time when workouts concluded. Wiley described his adjustment to the NFL system and early work with the coaching staff.

“I got to talk to some of the coaches a little bit yesterday about it,” Wiley explained. “As far as my study habits and stuff go, [I] just draw whatever the play is. Normally, teams will give you drawings or whatever, and you draw those on a sheet of paper.

“Then if I can, I try to get a script or whatever for practice, and then I go in and write whatever I have on it; stuff like walkthroughs and everything like that, that helps a ton too.”

Wiley played in multiple offensive systems throughout his collegiate career, having attended two schools. He transitioned from Texas to TCU and has adjusted quickly to new playbooks, which he believes will be to his advantage during rookie minicamp.

“I had to learn five different offenses while I was in college, so this is my sixth one in six years,” said Wiley. “It’s part of my normal routine now, I guess, so I don’t think I’ll have much trouble with it.”

Travis Kelce signed a contract extension shortly after the NFL Draft, firmly securing his role in the franchise for the next few years so Wiley can learn under one of the greatest ever to play the position.