3 early Chiefs training camp standouts who fans can’t ignore
By KC Proctor
2. Rookie CB Joshua Williams
Charvarius Ward and Tyrann Mathieu left Kansas City’s secondary in free agency this year and left behind two massive gaps in the Chiefs defensive back room — both in terms of production and leadership.
For the first time since 2015 (when they selected Marcus Peters), the Chiefs used a first-round draft pick on a cornerback. Trent McDuffie from Washington was picked 21st overall and is expected to fill a void immediately.
While McDuffie was the highest profile defensive back that the Chiefs drafted and has received praise thus far in camp, the biggest standout so far in the secondary is a fourth-rounder from Fayetteville State, Joshua Williams.
Earlier this week Pete Sweeney of Arrowhead Pride laid out a thread of notes following the Chiefs’ indoor practice which allowed limited attendance. He mentioned how things were shaking out among the drafted cornerbacks and what it means for competition in camp.
4) I think the Chiefs really like their draft picks at CB beyond Trent McDuffie (1): Joshua Williams (4) and Jaylen Watson (7). That is going to make it a tough call on veterans Deandre Baker and Lonnie Johnson, among others.
— Pete Sweeney (@pgsween) August 3, 2022
Early on Sunday, it was announced that the Chiefs released former first-round pick Deandre Baker, a testament to just how committed to — and impressed by — this rookie class the coaching staff is.
The certain locks at corner this year will be McDuffie, L’Jarius Sneed, and Rashad Fenton when he is healthy. Williams is making an excellent case for himself to be the fourth in line thus far in camp.