KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The Chiefs wrapped up a three-day rookie minicamp on Monday, and the outcome left coach Andy Reid impressed.
“I liked what I saw,” Reid said. “We looked a little bit bigger and faster and they picked it up well, so we’ll see how everything goes.”
May 18, 2015; Kansas City, MO; Chiefs general manager John Dorsey (left) and coach Andy Reid (right) observe the action on the final day of rookie minicamp. Photo used with permission from Chiefs PR. Credit: KCChiefs.com
Of course, it can be difficult to properly gauge players while they are in shorts and helmets.
Nevertheless, Reid took a few minutes to mention a few players who stood out, including wide receiver Kenny Cook, an undrafted free-agent signing, and linebacker Ramik Wilson, the Chiefs’ fourth-round pick.
The 6-2, 237-pound Wilson showed plenty of energy and a nose for the football on the practice field throughout the weekend.
“He’s got strong hands and he’s got a knack for making plays here,” Reid said. “He’s done a nice job, a very nice job.”
The 6-4, 218-pound Cook made his presence felt with his size and receiving skills.
“He sure is a big target with a big catch radius and made some plays for us,” Reid said.
The Chiefs originally listed 69 players on the official rookie minicamp roster, but offensive lineman Curtis Feigt was not present on the practice field for all three days. Reid said on the first day of minicamp Feigt had “hip issues.”
The Chiefs later waived Feigt with a non-injury designation Monday afternoon.
But for the most part, the Chiefs came away healthy from the minicamp, which offered Reid another reason to offer praise.
“The guys worked hard,” Reid said. “I’ve got to give them credit for the effort that they put out here and they did stay healthy. I’m sure they’re sore, but they stayed healthy and worked hard and my hat’s off to them.”
The Chiefs now shift gears to prepare for the organized team activities (OTAs), which are scheduled for May 26-28, June 2-4 and June 9-12.
MUNDINE SHOWS VERSATILITY
Chiefs general manager John Dorsey’s message to the 41 tryout players, which included former Kansas tight end Jimmay Mundine, was received loud and clear.
“Just to stay ready,” Mundine said. “He said the league is so fast and tomorrow something could happen to somebody and they could call one of us, somebody they had in their program for a couple days that they feel like they can trust a little more than somebody that’s from another organization they don’t know.”
The 6-2, 240-pound Mundine hopes what he showed is enough to entice the Chiefs, who moved him to fullback for the three-day minicamp.
“It was good to get out there,” Mundine said, “put me in a different situation and be able to show them that I can learn and adjust, and do my job.”
Mundine first experienced the fullback position at the Gridiron College Showcase when the coaching staff had him play an H-back role.
The former Jayhawk has the athletic skillset to play the position, but said there are adjustments involved with not lining up where he is accustomed and being mindful of backfield blocking assignments.
“It’s a different perspective of not being on the line next to the big boys,” Mundine said. “Now I’m behind them and seeing everything. I’m definitely adjusting.”
Mundine said he plans on getting with his high school football coaches in Denison, Texas, to spend time training on blocking drills and working out of the backfield.
While all he covets is an opportunity to prove he belongs with a team, he certainly wouldn’t mind if it came with the Chiefs.
“That would be the shot I need and I would do my best to make the most of it,” Mundine said. “Hopefully if I can get that shot, I can make the most of any opportunity it is whether it is tight end, full back, just go, compete and do my job to the best of my ability. I think as long as I do that, everything else will take care of itself.”
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Herbie Teope is the lead beat writer and reporter for ChiefsDigest.com. Use the contact page to reach him or find him on Twitter:
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