Training camp is in full swing.

Camp observations:

Throughout the off-season and prior to training camp I projected the beginning of the end of WR Mecole Hardman’s tenure in Kansas City. I must admit thus far Hardman is proving my early take on his demise as a Chief quite wrong. Hardman has attacked this pre-season and training camp with a vengeance. He has displayed crisp route running, consistency running through his stems even if the play is not coming his way and sticky hands when the ball does fly in his direction. Hardman is listed as the Chiefs’ WR2 behind ace playmaker Tyreek Hill, and so far it come well-deserved.

Tyreek Hill had some knee issues early on, missing a little time on the practice field due to knee tendonitis. Appears that minor downtime was mostly just young veteran maintenance and Hill has been practically uncoverable in camp.

Rookie WR Cornell Powell, a fave of mine after becoming a member of Kansas City via the draft, has not impressed his coaches once the pads wee donned. A couple of drops, however, have caught the eyes of his coaches.

One newcomer that is also catching the eyes of the KC coaches in a good way is former Viking/49er RB Jerick McKinnon. McKinnon is flashing speed, confidence and terrific hands catching the ball. QB Patrick Mahomes has noticed McKinnon’s burst and receiving chops and made it know how impressive the new KC back has been. Darrel Williams has been the rubber-stamp handcuff to starting back Clyde Edwards-Helaire all off-season, but fanballers best make note of Jerick McKinnon’s seriously fierce challenge to that role.

Darrel Williams is back on the practice fields but only after missing a few sessions. Williams is a reliable run and catch back-up to Clyde Edwards-Helaire. He remains a step ahead of Jerick McKinnon for that role on the strength of his outstanding pass-pro work. Better than both McKinnon and Edwards-Helaire. Reports about McKinnon having a quietly hot camp are valid, but Williams remains the likely next-man-up behind Edwards-Helaire.

Returning OG Laurent Duvernay-Tardif will be out 4-6 weeks with a broken bone in his hand. Though he’s been a starter most of his tenure in KC, LDT may have unofficially forfeited his starting gig by opting out of the 2020 campaign, noble as his reasoning was. Given his propensity to always have one eye on his eventual post-football medical career, it is a wonder if this hand injury might end up being the closer event to push the longtime interior lineman for the Chiefs into an early retirement. Stay tuned.

Rookie OL Trey Smith is getting rave reviews from coaches and qualified on-lookers at practice. Smith is another reason the Chiefs have set the early depth charts showing Laurent Duvernay-Tardif in a reserve capacity. Coach Andy and Coach Heck sure can spot em in the later rounds.

Veteran OT Mike Remmers returned to the fields after out with a back issue. Remmers’ absence opened the competition doors for OT Lucas Niang. Niang opted out last season. Remmers would make a terrific swing OL should Niang win-out.

Coach Heck has developed an darn awesome blocking scheme labeled G-T Counter. It is basically a unique alteration on the counter-trey mixed with cut-back blocks by the oulling guard and tackle. It is a big-play machine if performed correctly.

TE Nick Keizer retired after three years in the NFL.Rookie Noah Gray will likely serve as Kelce's backup this year.

OG Kyle Long (knee) on the active/PUP list. He was injured in last month's OTAs sessions.

Frank Clark is in camp and practicing.

Rookie DE Josh Kaindoh is playing with a mission and getting noticed. He is fast to the QB and showing toughness versus the run.

LB Willie Gay is athletic, swift and talented but rather raw. Maturity seems to have set in and Gay is killing it so far. The light appears to have turned on and IDP folks might have a winner here.

Rookie LB Nick Bolton is always around the football. He is really looking sharp as heck.

DB Devon Key has made a statement almost every practice. HE is sticking the KC wideouts regardless of their speed or size.

Newcomer CB Mike Hughes is battling fiercely and showing he has the wheels to shadow even the fastest receivers out there, including Tyreek Hill.

The Chiefs’ D-line is coming hard and fast after QBs. The front line leans in on the snap and takes off. Problem with that aggressiveness is the pass-rushers are rushing right past the back with the ball on draws and delays.

More to come in the next EYE IN THE SKY REPORT from KANSAS CITY.

End.