Though the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs boast the sport’s finest tight finish in transcendent star Travis Kelce, the place might even see some turnover for the approaching season.
The Chiefs introduced in reinforcements behind the 34-year-old Kelce by signing veteran Irv Smith Jr. in free company and utilizing a fourth-round draft choice on former TCU standout Jared Wiley.
Talking after Thursday’s organized staff exercise (OTA) session, Chiefs tight ends coach Tom Melvin expressed optimism about what he’s seeing from the brand new additions however refused to make predictions for roles at this level within the offseason.
Photograph by Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire through Getty Pictures
“We’ve obtained no clue till they put pads on,” Melvin declared. “Guys look totally different in shorts. Irv is a extremely good, instinctual man. And that’s displaying on the market. He’s doing issues {that a} vet would do. The rookies would run right into a wall the place he’s pulling up. I like what he provides us, and the rookies are doing their factor.
“We’ve obtained an extended technique to go. We’re simply joyful when guys sort of flash at you. ‘Ooh he’s obtained that,’ is best than going, ‘He can’t do this.’ And we’re extra of the constructive elements proper now.”
Melvin famous that the rookie, Wiley, is adjusting — not essentially to a brand new function however to the quantity of reps he’s seeing.
“We’re throwing lots in any respect these guys,” the coach defined, “and he’s completed an excellent job assimilating to what we name issues. He’s [been in a] comparable offense, so it’s not likely that international. The amount is. He’s completed a pleasant job doing that, and he’s performed a bit of bit quicker each of the week goes. It’s good to see. He’s obtained an extended technique to go, however we’re inspired with the place he’s at and what he’s been doing.”
At rookie minicamp, Wiley predicted a easy transition into the Chiefs’ offense because of having to study 5 totally different offenses over his tenure at Texas and TCU. Melvin has been impressed along with his adjustment.
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Photograph by Sam Hodde/Getty Pictures
“Him having to return in, perceive a brand new language, perceive that somebody is asking him to do the identical factor however calling it one thing totally different,” Melvin noticed. “I suppose you possibly can have a look at it [as] it advantages him so far as him having to do it that manner. However he’s dealing with it effectively. We’re inspired with it.”
One participant Melvin doesn’t have to concern himself with is Kelce, now coming into his twelfth season.
“Trav,” he defined, “he’s been within the league lengthy sufficient to the place the offseason, it’s extra for him simply to go away and go do this stuff. We’ll fear about it whenever you get again. It’s a constructive for him as a result of he wants one thing to maintain himself busy. He’s any person that wants lots occurring. He handles it very well.”
Whereas the higher could have solely not too long ago turn into conscious of Kelce’s larger-than-life antics, Melvin shared an anecdote that exposed when he first turned conscious.
“The persona was at all times there,” he confirmed. “I bear in mind after his first 12 months, I went to the mix and got here again. We had the rodeo right here — the Professional Bull Riders rodeo. I used to be sitting within the stands with my spouse, and right here’s Travis on the highest of the dugout dancing round. Immediately, that’s him. It’s nothing new.”
