The Chiefs are getting creative as they seek some additional offensive firepower. The team is set to sign rugby star Louis Rees-Zammit, according to Jordan Schultz of Bleacher Report.
The 23-year-old worked out for the Chiefs earlier this week and impressed the staff. According to Schultz, Rees-Zammit attracted interest from around the NFL, as the rugby wing also visited with the Jets, Browns, and Broncos. Rees-Zammit previously announced that he’d be leaving Gloucester Rugby with the hopes of catching on with the NFL International Player Pathway Program.
In Kansas City, Rees-Zammit will be utilized in a running back/wide receiver hybrid role. The six-foot-three athlete will also be utilized in the return game, with Schultz noting that the NFL’s recent kickoff rule changes could make Rees-Zammit a “significant” addition. Per the new rule, only the kicker and returner can move before the ball hits the ground, a change that the NFL is hoping will reduce high-speed collisions.
Rees-Zammit posted a 4.43-second 40-yard dash time during his pro day last week. He also recorded a 9’7″ broad jump and 29″ vertical jump, per Timothy Rapp of Bleacher Report. The rookie certainly possesses the physical attributes to contribute in both the receiving and running game, and he could earn a roster spot on an uncertain Kansas City depth chart.
The Chiefs brought in Marquise Brown to partly solve their WR woes, adding him to a grouping that already includes holdovers like Rashee Rice, Justin Watson, Skyy Moore, and Kadarius Toney. Rees-Zammit might have an easier path to playing time at the RB position, where the team still hasn’t re-signed Jerick McKinnon. That opens up a third-down role behind Isiah Pacheco, where Rees-Zammit could compete with the likes of La’Mical Perine, Deneric Prince, and Keaontay Ingram.
Speed is speed and he clearly can take hits since Rugby is padless and less breaks between plays.
Hmmm. It seems that returns will be the best way for Rees-Zammit to contribute early; McKinnon’s primary role with K.C. was one of experience. McKinnon knew ingame situations, and was a great pass blocker. For a player new to football like Rees-Zammit, pass blocking is the last piece of the puzzle to fit, and it’s hard to imagine him replacing McKinnon in that capacity. He also obviously doesn’t have the ingame experience that McKinnon does. If Rees-Zammit makes the roster, it will be based off his athleticism, which may leave another back off. I’m not sure where the rest of the Chiefs’ backs stand in terms of pass protection, but it would be hard for me to imagine Kansas City retaining three backs without pass blocking chops. The advantage for Rees-Zammit would be athleticism, which translates most easily to returns, at least initially.
Perhaps the Chiefs can kick over a rock and find a pickleball star who has pass blocking chops…lol.
Expecting him to make the roster and see game action this season is extremely optimistic to say the least. He’ll likely be stashed on the practice squad for a season or two while he gets acclimated to the game. Coming through the Pathways program provides them the ability to carry an extra player and protect him.
Chiefs love the gadget guys