6 Kansas City Chiefs rookies fans should pay close attention to during OTAs

The Kansas City Chiefs got Phase III of the offseason workout program underway with the start of Organized Team Activities (OTAs) on Monday, May 20.  While fans might be eager to learn more about the team's newest players, consider that Andy Reid often refers to OTAs as "passing camps." What does he mean when he […]

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Xavier Worthy and Jared Wiley during rookie minicamp
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The Kansas City Chiefs got Phase III of the offseason workout program underway with the start of Organized Team Activities (OTAs) on Monday, May 20. 

While fans might be eager to learn more about the team's newest players, consider that Andy Reid often refers to OTAs as "passing camps." What does he mean when he calls OTAs by that name? He means that these camps benefit passers, receivers, and those tasked with defending them in coverage the most. 

Players aren't allowed to wear pads and there is no live contact during OTAs, so you can't really get a feel for the work in the trenches. However, you can work on a lot of the skills and drills that translate for quarterbacks, receivers, tight ends, and defensive backs once the pads do come on. 

With that in mind, here are six rookies that fans should pay close attention to during the course of OTAs

WR Xavier Worthy

As the Chiefs' top pick in the 2024 NFL draft, including Worthy on this list is probably a bit of a, "No duh" moment. There are a few things that I'll be looking for in particular from Worthy over the next few days. Is he playing with the first-team offense and how frequently? Is Worthy playing the X, Z, or Zebra WR position for Kansas City? How often is Dave Toub using him on special teams as a punt return specialist? All of these questions can provide us with information that will help us better understand Worthy's expected role as a rookie. Brett Veach and Andy Reid have both emphasized his smarts, but the proof will be in the pudding. 

WR Jaaron Hayek 

Hayek has already defied the odds by making the 90-man offseason roster after trying out during rookie minicamp. He was the only one of over three dozen tryouts to make the offseason roster after impressing with his hands, physicality, and ability to pick up the offense in short order. With veterans now in attendance, it'll be interesting to see where Hayek slots and how much of an opportunity he'll be afforded to impress coaches and decision-makers. 

TE Jared Wiley

Wiley was a big winner during rookie minicamp. He caught everything that came his way, especially in the middle of the field and in red zone work. 

Against veteran competition, I'm curious to see if he still continues to impress. I'm also curious to see how frequently he winds up working with the first-team offense for Kansas City. Travis Kelce and Noah Gray obviously have seniority, but there is a void in the No. 3 tight end spot without much experience behind those two veterans. 

S Jaden Hicks

Hicks was another player considered a big winner at rookie minicamp, boasting solid coverage abilities as a free safety in both 11-on-11 and 7-on-7 drills. After telling reporters that he was playing free safety at rookie minicamp, I'll be interested to see if the Chiefs move him to strong safety at all during OTAs and mandatory minicamp. The fourth-round draft pick played some of his best football in the box at Washington State.

CB Kamal Hadden

This sixth-round draft pick missed half of the past season with a shoulder injury. He said it was exciting to get back out there and get back to work during rookie minicamp, but there is also probably a sense that he needs to knock some of the rust off. The cornerback position is among one of the most competitive on the 90-man offseason roster in terms of sheer depth, so starting fast will be key for Hadden's ability to earn trust and make the 53-man roster. 

RB Emani Bailey

I mentioned earlier that you shouldn't pay much mind to running backs during this portion of the offseason, but I think Bailey might be the exception to that rule. Firstly, he had a dreadful pre-draft process from an athletic testing standpoint. Just seeing him in action and moving around should clarify that his testing doesn't tell the full story. Another reason that Bailey is someone to pay attention to now? He's a dynamic receiver. Whether it's screen passes, Texas routes, motioning out wide, or your typical dump-off pass, he should be heavily involved in the passing game for Kansas City.

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