The uniqueness of the 2020 NFL offseason poses a big challenge for Kansas City Chiefs players who are looking to make improvements from the 2019 season. While they’re getting more one-on-one time in the classroom than perhaps ever before, they’re not on the field practicing yet.
That could pose a challenge for those who are looking to elevate their game. Who will rise to the challenge and become the most improved Chiefs player in 2020? We’ve got a few players in mind, but be sure to let us know your choice on Facebook, Twitter and the Chiefs Wire forums.
CB Rashad Fenton
Fenton surprised some people with his performance in 2019. Not many sixth-round picks play 15% of their team’s defensive snaps during their rookie year. While Fenton didn’t draw any starts in 2019, it was clear that Steve Spagnuolo and the rest of the defensive staff trusted him more and more as the season went on.
In 2020, Fenton might be called upon to play early in the season. Second-year corner Bashaud Breeland is facing a possible suspension early in the season. The only corner on the roster with experience in the system besides starter Charvarius Ward is Fenton. Increased playtime doesn’t always mean better performance, but it’s looking like Fenton will get every opportunity to show that he’s made improvements in 2020.
DT Khalen Saunders
After a quiet preseason, Saunders was thrust into action fairly early in the season with injuries to Xavier Williams and Chris Jones. He looked a little outmatched by the competition early on and it felt like he was learning on the fly. As Chiefs players returned and Saunders got back to a rotational role, his performance improved. It seemed that Spagnuolo learned his strengths and could better put him in a situation for success.
Saunders just feels like the type of player that could take a big leap in his second year, both in his run defense and as a pass rusher. He only notched one sack in 2019, but given his natural athleticism, he has more upside in that area moving forward.
WR Byron Pringle
Pringle is entering his third season in Kansas City and this could be a make or break season for him. He’s proven to be an asset on special teams, but he’s failed to make much of an impact on the offensive side of the ball. He had just 12 receptions for 170 yards and a touchdown after playing all 16 games in 2019.
So what will an improved season look like for Pringle? If he can catch at least 25 passes and contribute as a kick or punt return specialist, that’d be a good start. It’s going to be hard to get more involved on offense with Demarcus Robinson returning, so he has an uphill battle for certain.
CB Charvarius Ward
One half of the Chiefs’ starting cornerback group, Ward is going on his third year in the NFL. The expectations are high and there’s really a clear route for improvement in the eyes of his coaches.
“He was in perfect position throughout the course of the season in plays but ended up with pass breakups,” Chiefs CB coach Sam Madison said. “He has to come down with those turnovers and making those big plays down the field.”
If Ward can unlock his full potential and come down with a few more of those jump ball type of plays, he could be looking at big improvements in 2020. He has lockdown corner potential and is on the cusp of greatness.
WR Mecole Hardman
Hardman’s running mate Tyreek Hill already claimed there’s no ceiling for the young receiver. After what he showed in his rookie season, it’s difficult to leave Hardman off our list of potential most improved players. He led the NFL in yards per reception (20.7) among players with at least 25 receptions.
Then you factor in what Hardman been up to this offseason. First, he’s working on beating press coverage with Rischad Whitfield, also known as “The Footwork King.” Then he’s off training in a variety of different locations, including with Patrick Mahomes in Texas, taking his craft to the next level.
This has all the making for an improved 2020 campaign for Hardman.
DE Alex Okafor
Okafor was the starter opposite Frank Clark for most of the season, but he also spent time in a rotation with Emmanuel Ogbah. Plenty was made of Ogbah’s impact prior to his injury, but when Okafor tore his pec against the Denver Broncos, fans didn’t make the same type of fuss. The truth is that Okafor was every bit as good as Ogbah. They played nearly the same number of defensive snaps and their stats are strikingly similar.
If Okafor can stay healthy for the 2020 season, he could be in for a much-improved season. Eight sacks wouldn’t be out of the question, especially with players like Clark and Chris Jones drawing attention from the offensive line. He’ll have tons of opportunities for 1-on-1 matchups and if he can win those, he’ll prosper.
RG Laurent Duvernay-Tardif
Duvernay-Tardif returned from a fractured fibula during the 2018 postseason but played in no games. The 2019 season was his true return from the injury and he was one of weaker players along the Chiefs’ offensive line. It seems like all the progress he made during the 2017 season went out the window in his return from injury.
Now, Duvernay-Tardif has restructured his contract. The next two years of his contract are voidable and he’s able to become a free agent in 2021. That means he’s going to want to put together a really good season in 2020 in the event that he hits the free-agent market.
