Chiefs DT Derrick Nnadi shares first impression of two rookie defenders
The Kansas City Chiefs invested heavily in their defensive line during the 2023 NFL draft.Their first pick brought Kansas City's own Felix Anudike-Uzomah to the Chiefs. They'd later reinforce the edge rush group with Stephen F. Austin EDGE BJ Thompson and Texas DT Keondre Coburn. Traditionally, defensive linemen have one of the biggest learning curves […]
The Kansas City Chiefs invested heavily in their defensive line during the 2023 NFL draft.
Their first pick brought Kansas City's own Felix Anudike-Uzomah to the Chiefs. They'd later reinforce the edge rush group with Stephen F. Austin EDGE BJ Thompson and Texas DT Keondre Coburn.
Traditionally, defensive linemen have one of the biggest learning curves entering the NFL. The athleticism of the players they're facing is kicked up a notch in the league. They're often asked to do a lot more from a mental and schematic standpoint than they were in college.
For a player like Anudike-Uzomah, he's learning an entirely different position in Steve Spagnuolo's defense after mostly playing in a 3-4 defensive scheme.
So how exactly are players like Coburn and Anudike-Uzomah adjusting to the NFL game in training camp? Veteran DT Derrick Nnadi provided his first impressions on Wednesday, saying that the sky is the limit for those two rookies.
“They have a lot of potential," Nnadi said. "They show flashes day in and day out coming to practice. They’re like sponges, especially Keondre (Coburn), I’ve been working with him just trying to make sure he stays locked in on the things we got to do. Felix (Anudike-Uzomah) is improving every single day in terms of one on ones, pass rush, things like that. I expect a lot of promising things from these two kids.”
Anudike-Uzomah is playing catch-up after missing the majority of rookie camp, OTAs and mandatory minicamp due to an injury. Coburn has admitted that the playbook is tough to learn, enlisting help from veterans like Nnadi and Tershawn Wharton.
Even though both players might be slightly behind the curve, they seem to have impressed upon Nnadi that they're capable of picking things up. Having that capacity to learn is perhaps the biggest key to success in the NFL. As the two continue to show progress, they should earn more and more opportunities to work with Nnadi and other veterans on the starting defense.
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Featured image via Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
