Second-year Chiefs player sharpening a specific part of his game to ensure a spot on the 53-man roster
Kansas City Chiefs running back Deneric Prince is taking a big step forward during training camp this year. He opened some eyes early on in camp last year, but quickly faded away once padded practices began. The reason for that was his struggles in pass protection. In coach Andy Reid's offense, if you can't do […]
Kansas City Chiefs running back Deneric Prince is taking a big step forward during training camp this year.
He opened some eyes early on in camp last year, but quickly faded away once padded practices began. The reason for that was his struggles in pass protection. In coach Andy Reid's offense, if you can't do a solid job in pass protection, you're simply not going to play much.
That's why Prince has made it a focal point in this year's camp, as he told reporters after Tuesday's practice.
"Like you said, pass protection, that's been my biggest emphasis this camp," Prince said. "So, I just been trying to work on that, you know, my hands and growth and just, you know, taking things from (Isiah) Pacheco, you know, he's been a great leader, so just been following him."
Taking lead from Pacheco is smart for Prince. Pacheco developed nicely in pass protection last season and has had some incredible reps in that area during training camp this year. Prince also talked about how Pacheco has helped him on and off the field during camp.
"Day in and day out, he's telling me pass protection is key. Pad level, you know, and it's a mentality thing, you know, running backs, we and set the tone, so I'm working on that."
Prince's improvement in pass protection is apparent, as he has consistently been the No. 2 running back behind Pacheco throughout camp. The big test as to whether or not Prince can effectively pass block will come during preseason. If he holds up, he should secure the backup role behind Pacheco.
Prince is a similar player to Pacheco. They are both listed at 216 pounds, with Prince having about two inches of height on Pacheco. Both play with a nice blend of physicality and speed and are good receiving backs. Prince and Pacheco could be one of the more underrated running back tandems in the NFL this year.
