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We are in the prime of training camp. With August just beginning, preseason games will soon begin. That will lead to chances for players on the roster bubble that are hoping to make the final cut, as a result. There are many names that Chiefs fans are looking forward to seeing in the coming weeks. However, one name that is continuing to stand out is Deneric Prince.
An undrafted free agent rookie running back out of Tulsa, Prince is seemingly getting more comfortable within the Kansas City offense by each passing day. There is already a strong running back duo at the top of the depth chart, in Isiah Pacheco and Jerick McKinnon. Yet, there are questions about Clyde Edwards-Helaire and his chances of making the final roster. Deneric Prince is also beginning to shine somewhat consistently, at the same time.
It is one thing to look the part and build a tremendous case at being one of the final few to make the Chiefs roster. On top of that, there are certain traits and elements of Deneric Prince and his game that could make the difference in the battle for the RB3 spot. What aspects of his game could give him a boost to make the final 53-man roster in Kansas City? Let's kick it off.
Packing A Punch
Obviously, you are not going to get the same kind of competition in training camp, compared to what you will receive in live game reps. It is always easy to see the effort and hard work that certain players are putting in, nonetheless. For Deneric Prince, he has shown a consistent ability to finish off runs with power and steam. That is not that different than what Kansas City received from Pacheco last year. However, Prince is built a bit differently.
While Pacheco is more broad and sturdy as a runner, Prince is more compact to the ground. The Tulsa product is also relying on explosiveness from his lower half, more often than not. Pacheco has that ability, too. But, the second year running back can still pack a punch with his upper body. Prince will possibly offer more of an upper hand as a power runner than Edwards-Helaire or La'Mical Perine in the battle for RB3. There is just one catch for this specific runner. Can Deneric Prince show that power and explosiveness more routinely and use it to his advantage than what he displayed in college?
Upside On Passing Downs?
We have seen a wild offseason already for the running back position. This largely stems from the position becoming more and more devalued, while the runners themselves are hoping to see the average salary for the position rise. If there is anything that will help running backs get more opportunities, it is how they can perform on passing downs.
Overall, this is an area where Deneric Prince has excelled swimmingly so far at training camp. It may not have been impossible to imagine that taking place. Though, Prince has been highly impressive with his understanding of routes and attacking leverage points against coverage. The Chiefs will always be an offense that spreads the wealth greatly in the passing game. So even at the running back position, there will be eventual moments for everyone to capitalize as a pass catcher.
Deneric Prince may not necessarily separate himself in the RB3 battle on passing downs. Being confident and trustworthy in this area is what will make the difference, however. If Prince can continue to make catches in tight areas, he may develop early faith from the quarterbacks and coaching staff. Time will tell if that occurs in the upcoming preseason games.
Well-Rounded Skill Set Could Be Difference For RB3
Of course, the coaching staff will want to place belief in the player that appears to be the most well-rounded. The book on Edwards-Helaire is pretty much written completely at this point. On the other hand, CEH was arguably having his most superb production, from a rate basis, last year before getting injured. His potential as a pass catching threat has just never culminated.
As for Perine, his chances may be limited, compared to Deneric Prince. This is a runner who is battle-tested, though. Perine has been on a couple of different teams already in tight training camp battles. The veteran is more of a hard-nosed runner. Occasionally, he can catch opponents off guard with his adequate vision and change of direction skills. Could Deneric Prince still offer more upside as a runner than both of these guys? If training camp reps translate directly to flashes in preseason games, Prince could very well offer the most well-rounded skill set. That would lead to another lottery ticket, diamond in the rough as a depth piece for the Kansas City offense.
Be on the lookout for more FPC Chiefs articles and analysis throughout this week. For more great sports and NFL content, stay tuned to Full Press Coverage.
– Braden Holecek is the Kansas City Chiefs managing editor for Full Press Coverage. He covers the NFL. Like and follow on //platform.twitter.com/widgets.js //platform.twitter.com/widgets.js and Facebook.
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