His impressive training camp and preseason debut has earned sixth-round draft pick Darwin Thompson a longer look from the Chiefs with the first-team…

His impressive training camp and preseason debut has earned sixth-round draft pick Darwin Thompson a longer look from the Chiefs with the first-team…

Matt Derrick August 14, 2019

Darwin Thompson is emerging as one of the more intriguing Chiefs players during training camp. So far he's showing the same bounce and explosiveness he demonstrated at Utah State, and looks like he could transition from a mere "chess piece" to a substantial part of the Kansas City run game. https://www.espn.com/espn/now?nowId=21-41073088-4

His impressive training camp and preseason debut has earned sixth-round draft pick Darwin Thompson a longer look from the Chiefs with the first-team offense. Thompson split time at running back in a goal-line drill with the starter, Damien Williams. None of the other backs received a snap during the drill. Thompson, at 5-8 and 200 pounds, doesn’t have classic size for a short-yardage and goal-line back but he’s been difficult for opponents to bring down. “He’s a strong runner,’’ running backs coach Deland McCullough said. “He’s got a great center of gravity. He’s a guy that can get skinny and get up through some holes, too. More importantly, he’s done some things to warrant that opportunity to get some reps with the (starters). He showed some flashes in the last game. The staple of what he’ll be is how he continues to build. Thus far, I’ve been very happy.’’ Thompson rushed for 22 yards on five carries and caught a 29-yard touchdown pass in last week’s preseason opener against the Bengals. "I proved a little bit,’’ Thompson said. “I proved that 5-foot-8, (200 pounds) can play in the NFL. I can break tackles. I can do the same things I did in college. Let me build on top of that. That's not the best of me. I'm going to keep getting better every day’’

About The Author

Matt Derrick

Matt Derrick is the lead beat writer and publisher of Chiefs Digest. He joined Chiefs Digest in 2013 and became lead beat writer in 2016. He resides in Kansas City, Missouri.

Ad Blocker Detected

Our website is made possible by displaying online advertisements to our visitors. Please consider supporting us by disabling your ad blocker.