The Kansas City Chiefs are cruising into the playoffs, and much of the credit belongs to a nationally-underrated rookie class.
Name the Kansas City Chiefs’ rookie class. Too difficult? Name one guy.
We might be waiting awhile for most NFL fans.
Yet the Chiefs’ rookie crop has been one of the league’s best. Playing on an elite contender, it has certainly been among the most impactful.
Despite being without a first-round pick in April (used to acquire defensive end Frank Clark), general manager Brett Veach landed a bevy of difference-makers.
In the second round, Veach traded up to snag receiver/returner Mecole Hardman at 56th overall. Seven selections later, Kansas City was on the clock again. This time, Veach nabbed Juan Thornhill, a rangy safety who also played corner at the University of Virginia.
In the third round, the Chiefs landed defensive tackle Khalen Saunders, a small-school project from Western Illinois who shined in January’s Senior Bowl. On the draft’s third day, Kansas City chose Rashad Fenton, a feisty cornerback, and a diminutive running back in Darwin Thompson during the sixth round.
In 72 hours, Veach and his staff found five players who would play a key role in securing the franchise’s fourth consecutive AFC West title.
While Kansas City was excited about all its new young talent, it was particularly bullish on Thornhill from the jump.
The 24-year-old has started every game this season for the Chiefs, with only fellow safety Tyrann Mathieu playing more snaps defensively. The same Mathieu whom Thornhill watched film of before games while playing collegiately.
With Mathieu patrolling a wide array of assignments, defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo has increasingly trusted Thornhill to play deep without help. He’s also becoming more adapt near the line of scrimmage.
In Week 12, Thornhill made a key fourth-down run stop on a jet sweep against the Oakland Raiders. Later, he baited Derek Carr into an interception, taking it back the distance for a 21-0 advantage.
Hardman has been a different story. While Thornhill had a suspect depth chart to climb, Hardman sits in a stacked meeting room. A 4.3 speester coming from the SEC, the Bowman, Georgia native has been limited sitting behind Tyreek Hill, Sammy Watkins and Demarcus Robinson.
Still, Hardman has made significant contributions. While playing only 48 percent of offensive snaps this season, the 21-year-old has totaled 24 receptions, 498 yards and six touchdowns.
Compared to other notable rookie receivers, Hardman’s efficiency and explosiveness compares favorably in yards per catch and yards per target, respectively:
DK Metcalf: 15.7 YPC and 9.43 YPT
A.J. Brown: 20.0 YPC and 12.77 YPT
Terry McLaurin: 15.3 YPC and 8.89 YPT
Darius Slayton: 15.7 YPC and 9.41 YPT
Deebo Samuel: 13.6 YPC and 9.55 YPT
Hollywood Brown: 13.3 YPC and 8.22 YPT
Mecole Hardman: 20.8 YPC and 13.10 YPT
Of all players with at least 20 receptions this season, only Mike Williams of the Los Angeles Chargers (21.0 YPC) has been better in the former statistic.
In Kansas City’s two most impressive wins this year — over the Baltimore Ravens and New England Patriots — Hardman has been integral.
Against Baltimore, Hardman caught an 83-yard touchdown pass to put Kansas City ahead 20-6 in the second quarter. On Sunday in New England, Hardman again struck before halftime, hauling in a 48-yard scoring strike on 2nd and 25. The touchdown gave the Chiefs a 10-7 lead which they’d never relinquish.
Many feel Hardman is due a bigger role, although the Chiefs are happy with everyone’s current roles. That may change in 2020, though, with Robinson hitting free agency and Watkins due $21 million (and a $14 million savings if released).
While Thornhill and Hardman are the headliners of Kansas City’s class, the rest of the members have also meaningfully contributed.
In the case of Saunders, his ability to plug gaps inside has helped the Chiefs stem the tide of opponents rushing the ball for gobs of yardage. The 324-pounder typically plays first downs and alongside second-year man Derrick Nnadi, provides the Chiefs with a stout interior. After not playing a single snap over the first four weeks, Saunders has averaged 29 snaps per game since.
Kansas City still ranks 30th against the run, but has steadily improved.
Save for being gashed by Derrick Henry and the Tennessee Titans in Week 10, the Chiefs have allowed only 99.0 rushing yards per game since Week 7 on 4.24 yards per carry.
Prior to then, they were surrendering 161.8 rushing yards per game on 5.16 YPC.
Fenton and Thompson have recently enjoyed their moments as well.
In Mexico City, Fenton intercepted Philip Rivers to earn his first NFL theft in a 24-17 win over the Chargers. On Pro Football Focus, Fenton has a 70.5 grade, largely fueled by Weeks 7-11 in which he played 120 of his 128 defensive snaps this year.
Thompson saw almost no time until the past two weeks, making Kansas Citians clamor for more. Against the Raiders, the Utah State product ran for 44 yards and a touchdown, showcasing burst and power. Last week, Thompson caught four passes for 36 yards. While LeSean McCoy and Damien Williams remain the backfield starters, the Chiefs believe Thompson to be their future at the position.
All told, Kansas City’s rookies have logged 1,612 offensive and defensive snaps entering Week 15.
The Patriots and Ravens have combined for 1,774 such reps.
Since the start of OTAs, the Chiefs have been aiming for a Super Bowl run. At 9-4, they’ve clinched the AFC West. They are guaranteed to play in January.
If they are to play in February, though, you’ll need to know a few of their rookies.
Kansas City feels good about its chances.