Nikko Remigio, Kahlef Hailassie headline Chiefs' biggest winners in preseason opener
The Kansas City Chiefs might have been losers in their preseason Week 1 tilt with the New Orleans Saints, but plenty of their players walked away from the game as big winners. For the decision-makers in Kansas City, the preseason is all about player evaluation. From undrafted rookies to seasoned veterans, the Chiefs had a […]
The Kansas City Chiefs might have been losers in their preseason Week 1 tilt with the New Orleans Saints, but plenty of their players walked away from the game as big winners.
For the decision-makers in Kansas City, the preseason is all about player evaluation. From undrafted rookies to seasoned veterans, the Chiefs had a number of players to stand out from the rest in the most positive of ways on Sunday.
With that in mind, here's a look at eight players who boosted their stock with the team set to return to St. Joseph, Missouri for the final three days of training camp practice:
Biggest Chiefs' winners from the preseason opener
- WR Nikko Remigio: The rookie undrafted free agent finished the game 4-of-6 receiving for 71 yards, which was the best mark of the day by a Chiefs wideout. The most impressive part about it was the fact that he had multiple chunk-yardage receptions where he had to adjust to the ball in the air. That's something you can't always teach.
- CB Kahlef Hailassie: Not only did this undrafted rookie secure the lone interception of the game, but he tied for the third-most tackles on the team. His pick was as impressive as they come, elevating in front of a receiver to secure the takeaway. He passed the eye test with sticky coverage for the remainder of his snaps.
- DT Danny Shelton: The former first-round pick stood out in a game where the defensive line was really in focus. He recorded a sack on a stunt and looked noticeably slimmed down from a season ago. He could sneak onto the 53-man roster if he keeps this up.
- WR Justyn Ross: If scoring your first NFL touchdown in your first football game played in over 600 days isn't a win, well, I don't know what is. Ross had some really solid production in his preseason debut and looks to have validated every ounce of hype he earned this offseason.
- EDGE Felix Anudike-Uzomah: After a quiet offseason, Anudike-Uzomah looked the part. He pressured the quarterback on numerous occasions and was winning around the edge with speed, bend, and power. He even had the pressure that forced the aforementioned interception to CB Kahlef Hailassie.
- LB Leo Chenal: The second-year linebacker is taking home the early "most-improved" award. In just 13 snaps, he managed two run stops and allowed two receiving yards on two targets in coverage per Pro Football Focus. He passed the eye test too.
- QB Shane Buechele: The third-year quarterback out of SMU started off with a rough tip-drill interception, but quickly bounced back to lead the team in passing yards (155) and touchdowns (2). His play changed the conversation about his role. Is he competing with Chris Oladokun for the No. 3 job or is he making a push for the No. 2 spot?
- OT Jason 'Chu' Godrick: It's a little crazy that Godrick is advanced enough to be getting snaps at this point. The international player had never played a game of organized football until Sunday night. He clearly still needs some technical refinement, but he did an incredible job for his first game.
Key observations from Chiefs’ preseason loss to Saints
There is more to the preseason than winning. Here are a few of the most important observations to be made from the Kansas City Chiefs’ preseason loss to the New Orleans Saints.
Featured image via Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
