The Kansas City Chiefs wrapped up the voluntary portion of the offseason training program on Friday as the players completed a third (and final) week of Organized Team Activities (OTAs) at the team facility.
"Phase 3" of the offseason training program, which includes OTAs, is significant because it permits for 7-on-7 and 11-on-11 offensive vs. defensive drills to take place for the first time since last season ended.
"It's been a good turnout. The guys are working hard," said Head Coach Andy Reid. "I appreciate the improvement that they're making, especially the young guys who are pushing through these things. It's a good lead-up for them as they get ready for [training] camp."
The Chiefs completed 10 practices under "Phase 3" rules over the last three weeks on a voluntary basis, and while next week's minicamp will operate the same way, the major distinction between the two is that minicamp is mandatory for all players to attend.
In the meantime, here's what stood out during Thursday's practice, which was open to members of the media:
- There was a new player on the field this week as the Chiefs signed tight end Kevin Foelsch. The 6-foot-4, 250-pound Foelsch, who has yet to appear in a game as a professional, spent the majority of last season on the Eagles' practice squad. In a corresponding move, the Chiefs waived defensive tackle Siaki Ika.
- Coach Reid revealed that it was "Raiders Day" on Thursday, which included play installs designed specifically for Las Vegas. The Chiefs famously devote at least one OTA practice to each divisional opponent every spring.
- Wide receiver Rashee Rice had a busy day with five receptions between 7-on-7 and 11-on-11 drills.
- Cornerback Nazeeh Johnson made one of the top plays of the day when he jumped a route and hauled in an interception during a 7-on-7 period. Johnson corralled the pick despite wearing paddles on his hands (which the corners often wear during 7-on-7 for technique purposes).
- Quarterback Patrick Mahomes found running back Brashard Smith for a completion deep down the sideline during 7-on-7 drills. It was a great throw by Mahomes, who hit Smith in-stride.
- Mahomes was 9-for-9 passing during one team period, which included completions to Rice (3), wide receiver Skyy Moore (2), running back Elijah Mitchell (1), wide receiver Xavier Worthy (1), tight end Noah Gray (1) and wide receiver Tyquan Thornton (1).
- One of Mahomes' top throws of the day took place during a latter team period when he zipped a pass over the middle to Gray, who made a leaping catch.
- The red zone was clearly an area of emphasis on Thursday, which included a drill in which the offense needed to execute two plays within the constraints of a 20-second running clock. Mahomes, specifically, found Gray and tailback Isiah Pacheco for touchdowns during the period.
- Defensive end George Karlaftis swatted a pass at the line of scrimmage during team drills.
- Defensive tackle Omarr Norman-Lott dropped into coverage and tipped a pass to cause an incompletion during a team period.
- Linebacker Brandon George made a leaping interception over the middle during team drills.
- Safety Jaden Hicks broke up a pass down the sideline during a 7-on-7 period.
- Cornerback Nohl Williams executed good coverage and broke up a pass during 7-on-7 drills.
- Cornerback Trent McDuffie recorded a pass-breakup in the corner of the end zone during a team period.
- Safety Glendon Miller tallied a pass-breakup deep down the sideline during team drills.
- Kicker Harrison Butker connected on nine of his 11 field goal attempts, including a 60-yarder on his final kick.
- In addition to the field goal operation, the special teams unit worked on returning punts.