JerickMcKinnon

Charles Goldman·Jul 30

With Walker joining the offense alongside a season of relative stability on the offensive line, Kansas City is looking at the perfect storm

to get the screen game moving in the right direction again. Walker’s performance during screen drills has already drawn praise from teammates. Offensive linemen Trey Smith and Creed Humphrey described him as “a monster” after his first three OTA sessions. Compare that to the running backs during Eric Bieniemy’s heyday as offensive coordinator. In 2021 and 2022, Darrel Williams and Jerick McKinnon each recorded at least 40 receptions per season under Bieniemy. His offenses during his five years as coordinator ranked in the top five in passing yards each season. They also ranked no higher than 16th in rushing yards. The running backs he had to work with were simply better suited for the passing game. Walker is the first true volume rusher Reid’s offense has featured in years, but everyone knows this system is pass-first. That makes unlocking the screen game again all the more important.

Matthew Coller·May 9

Claiborne immediately stood out during rookie minicamp because of his explosiveness, burst, and movement skills. His acceleration, sharp cuts, body control, and ability to change direction were noticeably different, and he looked extremely natural catching the football. He carried himself like an NFL-caliber player right away, with a level of quickness and fluidity that consistently jumped off the field. Claiborne’s skill set brings a similar type of versatility and energy that Jerick McKinnon once provided, offering suddenness, speed, and the ability to create chunk plays in space. Even though he is undersized, his athletic traits are difficult to ignore. The shiftiness was especially impressive, as he showed the ability to sink and redirect effortlessly while maintaining speed. His sixth-round draft position feels lower than his talent level suggests because the burst and playmaking ability are very evident. While size and pass protection may limit how heavily he is used early on, his speed, receiving ability, and explosiveness give him a real chance to carve out an offensive role quickly.