Arrowhead Pride
Over the first two days of training camp for the Kansas City Chiefs, it’s important to remember that these practices feature exclusively rookies, quarterbacks and select veterans before the real thing starts this week.
So when a rookie stands out, it’s worth jotting down and anticipating a repeat performance among the veterans. There are a couple of defensive backs who have been highlighted by local media in attendance this weekend, but the fourth-round pick from Oregon, Jadon Canady, flashed man-to-man coverage skills in the eyes of an old friend of the site, Pete Sweeney.
Jadon Canady flashes early as Kansas City Chiefs look for answer at nickel | The Kansas City Star
At Saturday’s initial workout — of the team’s three-day jumpstart for rookies and quarterbacks at training camp — Canady stood out during the red-zone 7-on-7 session.
First, Canady broke up a pass by Patrick Mahomes intended for receiver Andrew Armstrong. Three plays later, he climbed over undrafted receiver Xavier Loyd and dove to pick off Justin Fields at the goal line.
“I just grabbed my man, stayed attached to his hip,” he said Sunday. “The ball came out, and from there, pretty much for me, it’s ‘see the ball, get the ball.’”
2026 Kansas City Chiefs training camp: Latest intel, updates | ESPN
One of the highlights at practice Sunday was during the 7-on-7 period inside the red zone. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes surveyed the field and then completed a pass to rookie receiver Cyrus Allen, who made a leaping catch in the back of the end zone between two defenders.
“It’s still a surreal moment for me because I used to play the [Madden NFL] game with Pat a lot,” Allen, the Chiefs’ fifth-round draft pick this year, said of Mahomes. “I’m pretty familiar with what he [does]. That was my favorite team.”
Rookie safety Xavier Nwankpa got the best of Mahomes on Saturday when he almost picked off one of his passes. He kept an eye on Mahomes while in his zone coverage. Nwankpa stayed discipline and timed his jump when Mahomes thought the route was open. He also had a couple of additional deflections and an interception on quarterback Justin Fields on an option route.
One Starting Job the Chiefs Are Happy They Don’t Have to Answer Today | Sports Illustrated
Plenty of spots seem to be sorted out, but there’s a handful remaining to decide on. One of them appears to be the third linebacker job. There’s a world where starter Drue Tranquill shifts to a base SAM role and allows someone to slot in elsewhere, especially considering the departure of Leo Chenal to the Washington Commanders.
Until proven or told otherwise, however, the race likely comes down to the duo of Jeffrey Bassa and Cooper McDonald. Kansas City may feel very relieved...
