What can the Chiefs expect from their draft picks?

Jul 22, 2016

The Kansas City Chiefs on Wednesday begin a three-day rookie camp at Missouri Western State University in St. Joseph. All nine of their draft picks are under contract and scheduled to participate.

Here is a look at each of the nine players and their prospects for playing time this season.

DL Chris Jones, second round, Mississippi State: Playing time will be available for Jones, but he will have to earn it. Starting linemen Allen Bailey, Dontari Poe and Jaye Howard are highly paid and well-entrenched. But Jones could be the first defensive lineman off the bench to provide relief to the starters and could find himself starting if one of the three veterans is injured. The Chiefs are intrigued by Jones’ potential as a pass-rusher. While the Chiefs have been comfortable with the combination of Bailey and Poe as their inside rushers in passing situations, Jones could earn some playing time in that role as well.

CB KeiVarae Russell, third round, Notre Dame: The Chiefs moved slowly with Russell in offseason practice. Though one starter, Phillip Gaines, was limited because he’s coming off a knee injury, Russell was consistently working with the second team. The Chiefs will start training camp with Gaines and Marcus Peters as their starters and Steven Nelson as the nickelback. Gaines could see some time as an extra defensive back in passing situations, but he’ll have plenty of competition for that role. A more likely scenario, at least early in the season, is for Russell to contribute on special teams.

Rookie guard Parker Ehinger has the best chance of any of the Chiefs’ rookies to start from day one. Joe Robbins/Getty Images

G Parker Ehinger, fourth round, Cincinnati: He has the best chance among any of the draft picks of starting …

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