Rookies ready to roll: Chiefs sign entire 2020 NFL Draft class ahead of camp
The pandemic prevented the Chiefs’ 2020 draft class from a typical transition into the NFL, but they’ll all be part of training camp every step of the way.
The Chiefs officially signed all six of their 2020 NFL Draft picks after they each were finally able to step in the facilities for the first time this weekend.
That list is comprised of LSU running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire (round 1, 32nd overall), Mississippi State linebacker Willie Gay (round 2, 63rd overall), TCU offensive lineman Lucas Niang (round 3, 96th overall), Louisiana Tech defensive back L’Jarius Sneed (round 4, 138th overall), Michigan defensive end Mike Danna (round 5, 177th overall) and Tulane cornerback BoPete Keyes (round 7, 237th overall).
As part of new COVID-19 protocols agreed between the league and its players union, the rookies reported earlier this week but only for testing before returning home. They returned later in the week for a second test.
After consecutive negative tests, they each were allowed inside the team’s practice facility on Saturday, when they officially signed their contracts.
Edwards-Helaire is small in stature but was big in production at LSU, a versatile player who presents challenges as a runner and a pass catcher out of the backfield.
Gay is capable of playing all three linebacker spots and could make an immediate impact on a team that lost starter Reggie Ragland during the offseason. Gay has plenty of speed at the linebacker position (a 4.46 40-yard dash), and his coverage ability could allow him to move into an every-down player.
Niang, noted for his 6-7, 328-pound frame, is a natural tackle, but with the Chiefs set on the outside, he figures to compete at guard spots in the interim.
Sneed played both cornerback and safety at Louisiana Tech and blazed the 40-yard dash in 4.37 seconds at the NFL Scouting Combine. The Chiefs targeted him from the moment the fourth round began.
Danna is an edge rusher who had three sacks last season at Michigan after 9 1/2 sacks the year before at Central Michigan.
The Chiefs made a late trade to grab Keyes in the final round. He came on late in his career at Tulane, but the Chiefs see the tools with which to work there.
This story was originally published July 25, 2020 at 9:12 PM.