By TOMMY REZAC
St. Joseph Post
Sammy Watkins departing for the Ravens in the offseason left a void for the Chiefs offense, but plenty of receivers have been stepping up so far in training camp.
Particularly Mecole Hardman and Antonio Callaway. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes has been especially impressed with Callaway’s maturity.
"The way he's been able to come in and really execute I think has been the biggest thing," Mahomes said following practice Friday. "Obviously, he's super talented and can make the plays, but he's been able to jump right in with our playbook, and you know Coach Reid isn't slowing down. He's been able to execute and make big plays and contested catches."
Callaway was signed in January by the Chiefs after being waived by the Dolphins.
Tyreek Hill is no doubt a leader in the receiver room, and he’s been impressed with the tenacity Hardman has shown so far this camp.
"We all have that mentality of wanting to compete," Hill said. "Each and every day, (Hardman) comes out here. Like, he wants to listen, he wants to learn from the older guys. As far as meeting rooms, he's locked in. Each and every day. He's asking questions. He's doing this, he's doing that."
Hardman has 75 catches and 11 total touchdowns through his first two years in Kansas City.
Hill has also had his moments in camp. In fact, he caught a touchdown pass on a deep ball from Mahomes in the first play during 11-on-11 drills Friday, which the fans enjoyed.
Hill says having the fans back at camp has been a nice treat, especially with the hot temperatures in these early days.
"It's terrific man," said Hill when asked about the fans' return to camp. "It feels great to get the fans back out here cheering loud. As a player, when it's like 99 degrees out here, man that's what we need."
On the injury front, linebacker Anthony Hitchens was back at practice after missing Thursday with a sore hamstring.
Tight end Travis Kelce did not practice, but he was walking around the field Friday without his helmet. Kelce left practice early Thursday due to hip and back tightness.
Tight ends Blake Bell and Marcus Kemp have been working out in the first-team offense in Kelce's absence.
Pass break-ups
The Chiefs' pass coverage seemed to take a step up Friday. Linebackers Willie Gay and Ben Niemann each had a pass break-up, as did corner Charvarius Ward.
Safety Juan Thornhill actually recorded the first interception of camp, catching a tipped pass off the hands of Hardman.
Hill also complimented corner L'Jarius Sneed as someone who gives him a solid challenge during drills.
Running backs
We've seen lots of Clyde Edwards-Helaire, and he looks great, but Darrel Williams saw a decent number of reps with the first-team offense Friday, as did Jerick McKinnon.
"He's going to be a playmaker," Mahomes said of McKinnon. "I've seen it from day one right when he got in here. The way he's able to run the ball, but also catch the ball out of the backfield. I mean, he's a true playmaker who I think will be a big part of our offense."
McKinnon, an eight-year pro, signed with Chiefs in April. He had 319 yards rushing and five touchdowns for the 49ers last year.
The Chiefs practice again Saturday and will rest Sunday.
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