This will be Sports Illustrated's Don Banks’ 25th year covering the NFL in some capacity.
On Monday, Banks was at Kansas City Chiefs training camp and shared a few thoughts on his impressions of the team heading into 2015, starting with coach Andy Reid.
"He just brings stability and he's very incredibly thorough and professional," Banks said. "You know you're getting a guy who has a plan. He's an upper-tier NFL head coach because he's been there—he's done that.
"He has an offense that he believes in and knows like the back of his hand and yet I think he still shows he can improvise. I think he's got a talented team here."
Banks was impressed with what he saw from the Chiefs on Monday.
"I think they've added to their speed, undoubtedly, and to their athleticism."
On the offensive side, Banks spoke about finding ways to pick up more chunk yardage and plays of 25-plus yards, an area the Chiefs could improve upon from 2014.
The Chiefs took to the field in full pads once again for the 2015 Training Camp held at Missouri Western State University in St. Joseph, MO.
"Jeremy Maclin adds verticality and speed, and hopefully De'Anthony Thomas takes that step where if they get him in the slot and really get him in space, then he can get some chunk yardage," Banks said.
On the defensive side, Banks praised the group up front.
"They have some really good defensive linemen at times that I think are not getting the credit they deserve. But I think the front seven is really pretty strong and I think getting Houston done was huge.
"I think that took the last big question mark off of this team and allowed them to just focus on football."
Coming off a season in which the Chiefs finished 9-7 and just missed out on the playoffs, the return of linebacker Derrick Johnson, defensive lineman Mike DeVito and others from injury, plus the offseason pickups, Banks feels optimistic about what this team could accomplish if things fall in their favor.
"They weren't fighting with as many weapons as most teams had and put up nine wins," he explained. "They beat some very good teams. If they win the division this year, I'm not going to be shocked at all. "I think Kansas City is an intriguing sleeper pick."
