The Kansas City Chiefs have utilized their rookie class consistently this season. Regardless of the draft selection, contributions have helped lead to a seventh straight AFC West title with sights on the top spot in the conference.
An early supporter of the young talent in the secondary has been veteran safety, Justin Reid. The fifth-year veteran defensive back was a new member of the Chiefs, signing during the free agency period, but took on the role of mentor quickly.
Reid shared his thoughts on the rookie’s progression this season with reporters after Wednesday’s practice by making a bold statement about their experience.
“Well, first and foremost, I’m just going to go ahead and say it, we don’t have rookies anymore,” said Reid. “They’ve had enough experience (and) they’ve had enough games under their belt. They’re first-year players still but that title ‘rookie,’ we really want to throw that out the window because of the experience and the snaps they have under their belt, the pelts they have on the wall, and also just to encourage them to take just a little more ownership and leadership in continuing to grow and mature and be dominate.”
First-round picks Trent McDuffie and George Karlaftis have shown flashes of excellence throughout the year, while seventh-round pick Isiah Pacheco has become a reliable starter at running back. Reid recognizes the young players’ growth so far this season and expects more from them as the postseason approaches.
“As December comes around, eventually January (and) eventually February, things are only going to get faster,” said Reid. “There is no way to really prepare them for how the speed will change other than to continue to harp on how you can get better day in and day out and challenge yourself week in and week out to execute on all the details. Mistakes are magnified in the playoffs (and) the speed of the game is a lot faster, but they’re ready for it. The best way to have confidence going into the playoffs is to make sure that we finish out this week strong and the next week strong, so they don’t feel like there are any weaknesses going into the playoffs for us.”
The Chiefs will need to win out for the regular season and get some help if they are to achieve their goal as the AFC’s top seed. The first-round bye week could prove essential for the ailing veterans and the young stars preparing for their first NFL postseason.
