Chiefs' young stars are learning as they go

Three young Kansas City Chiefs players are discovering that earning a role at training camp requires more than talent. It also demands adaptability, attention to detail and a willingness to contribute wherever needed.

Defensive back Jadon Canady believes his college journey prepared him for the complexity of Defensive Coordinator Steve Spagnuolo’s system. Canady attended three schools during his career, including Ole Miss and Oregon, forcing him to repeatedly learn new terminology and defensive responsibilities.

“I am glad I went through that to make this easier, but definitely hard as well here,” Canady said.

With several players having departed from last season’s secondary, Canady sees an opportunity for a new group to grow together. He has been developing a close relationship with cornerback Mansoor Delane, both on and off the field.

“This year is basically a whole new back end,” Canady said. “Me and Soor talk a lot about the plays and hang out and eat lunch together. Still building that bond.”

Canady spent the six weeks between organized team activities and training camp preparing for the physical and technical demands of his position. In addition to adding weight, he worked on the drops and coverage patterns Spagnuolo expects from his defensive backs.

On offense, wide receiver Cyrus Allen is also adjusting to a demanding system. Allen has a familiar teammate accompanying him through the transition in fellow receiver Jeff Caldwell, who played with him at Cincinnati.

“When I saw he got signed here, I was happy,” Allen said. “I was one of the first persons to congratulate him.”

That familiarity has helped as Allen navigates what he described as one of the NFL’s most difficult training camps. His primary challenge is mastering a playbook that requires receivers to understand multiple positions and responsibilities.

Allen is trying to learn more than his own assignments. He is also studying protections and the responsibilities of the other players around him so he can be ready whenever an opportunity arrives.

“I’m a guy that tried to learn the whole playbook,” Allen said. “That’s kind of how I think, so I can be available if my number is called.”Rookie running back Emmett Johnson is taking a similarly meticulous approach. Johnson has been putting in extra work on the Jugs machine before and after practice, continuing a routine that dates to his high school days.

Johnson said he and his brother traditionally completed 200 catches per day. Although his brother is not at camp, Johnson has maintained the habit as he works to become a reliable receiving option out of the backfield.“I try to make sure I get out here early enough to catch the ball, so I have no drops,” Johnson said.Johnson has also welcomed the demanding coaching style of Offensive Coordinator Eric Bieniemy.

“He’s going to push you a lot,” Johnson said. “He wants the best for me at the end of the day. I’m not going to take anything personal. I pride myself on hard coaching.”

While Johnson is competing for snaps at running back, he understands that his quickest path onto the field could come through special teams. He has already been entrusted with responsibilities in that phase and is willing to contribute on both kick and punt returns.

“If I’m not a starter, I want to go out and help on kick returns, punt returns—whatever it takes to help the team,” Johnson said. “I take big pride in helping the game in all phases, and special teams can make or break a game.”

For Canady, Allen and Johnson, the opening days of camp have delivered a common lesson: versatility creates opportunity. Each is attempting to make an impression by learning multiple responsibilities, embracing hard coaching and preparing to help the Chiefs in any role available.