Hunt ready for another year with Chiefs after having full offseason to prepare

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Kareem Hunt/ Photo by Matt Pike

By MATT PIKE

The Kansas City Chiefs entered this year’s training camp at Missouri Western State University loaded at the running back position.

A healthy Isiah Pacheco, a newly signed Elijah Mitchell, and drafted Brashard Smith have had a good start to camp, not to mention Carson Steele and Kareem Hunt.

For Hunt, who was signed three weeks into the season last year, feels he’s really benefitted from having a full offseason of preparation

“I was more locked in staying on schedule,” Hunt tells reporters. “Because I didn’t know when I was going to get picked up or when I was going to have the opportunity, or if I was going to have the opportunity to play again, so I stayed on top of things this offseason, made sure I stayed in good shape from OTA’s and just able to keep building on what I’ve already built.”

Hunt rushed for 728 yards last season and seven touchdowns, primarily used as a short yardage back, which could again be his role if he earns his spot.

The competition on the offensive line will continue to be a focus for much of Chiefs Training Camp as the Chiefs majorly refocus on reshaping their offensive line.

Seeking left tackle consistency, the Chiefs drafted Joshua Simmons and signed former San Francisco 49er Jaylon Moore to replace Wanya Morris and Kingsley Suamataia

Center Creed Humphrey says with two new tackles coming in, it’s all about building chemistry along the offensive line

“That’s why camp’s really good for this, you get a ton of reps in, a ton of looks against Spags defense, so it’s preparing you all for the season,” Humphrey says. “So, we’re excited about it, we’ve got some really good talent in that room right now and it’s going to really good competition.”

Suamataia is competing to replace Joe Thuney at left guard after the Chiefs traded Thuney to the Chicago Bears. Kansas City has also been without Jawaan Taylor to start camp as he’s on the PUP list

In a move that was overshadowed by the resigning of Trey Smith and contract extension of George Karlaftis, the Chiefs linebacking core got a boost early this offseason, bringing back a fan favorite, who’s also a leader on the defense.

Nick Bolton signed a three-year contract extension to stay with the Chiefs, after many thought he might leave. Defensive Coordinator Steve Spagnuolo called Bolton the Patrick Mahomes of the defense

Linebacker Leo Chenal echoes the sentiment saying having Bolton back means everything

“When he’s on the field it’s just different, you guys can see it I’m sure, not only his play, his leadership, his loud, bold communcation, just his positivity, you can go down the list of what a leader is and Nick Bolton checks the box,” Chenal says. “So, it boosts morale to the whole team and makes everybody play better around him.”

For Chenal, he enters this season on the final year of his rookie contract, but says he’s keeping his mind off it as best he can and is focused on doing his best for the team

The Chiefs practiced for just under two hours today. They are back at practice tomorrow at 9:15, before an off day on Saturday.

Rashee Rice (4) cathces a pass with coverage by linebacker Leo Chenal (54)/ Photo by Matt Pike
Rashee Rice (4) cathces a pass with coverage by linebacker Leo Chenal (54)/ Photo by Matt Pike

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