Juan Thornhill has been one of the standouts for the Kansas City Chiefs’ defensive unit during training camp.
Thornhill, who was known at the University of Virginia for his ability to create turnovers on the defensive side, is making impressive strides for the Chiefs. It wasn’t a foreseen conclusion that Thornhill would see the field early for the Chiefs. After missing OTA’s with a calf injury, many thought it’d set him back a ways. Additionally, Steve Spagnuolo isn’t the type of coach to throw a rookie into the water and see if he can swim.
“I’m not privy to starting rookies right away,” Spagnuolo said. “I think they need to earn it. I’m still old fashioned in that way.”
The play making ability of Thronhill has snowballed since training camp began. He’s working to prove to Spagnuolo that he’s the best option at that position over veteran safety Daniel Sorensen. Thornhill has notched numerous interceptions during practice. In Wednesday’s practice he had an impressive diving interception on a throw from Chiefs starter Patrick Mahomes.
“I think he’s right on track,” Spagnuolo said of Thornhill. “There were a of couple things here today the game might be a little fast right now, but that’s to be expected. That’s why you’ve got to get in some game competition and get up to speed with it, but I think he’ll be fine.”
Thornhill’s teammates speak highly of the young rookie. He’s getting tutelage from veterans like Tyrann Mathieu, and Charvarius Ward recently spoke about Thornhill following practice.
“Yeah, Juan he’s pretty good,” Ward said of Thornhill. “He caught, I think, four or five interceptions this training camp. So he’s getting better, as well as Mecole (Hardman). Juan might surprise a lot of people this year with his play on the field.”
Thornhill is currently leading all Chiefs players in interceptions at training camp and he even notched another today. If he can continue making steady improvements and making plays on the ball, he could be the opening day starter opposite Mathieu. He’s already beginning to get looks with the first team ahead of the preseason opener.
