Kansas City Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes is thrilled with what he sees in two particular rookies

With the first week of OTA offseason workouts now in the books, the Kansas City Chiefs have now had the chance to work together as a team and build some chemistry. 

This time is especially valuable for rookies, who are trying to make a good first impression as they challenge veterans for roster spots. Getting the attention of coaches or established players will help their case big time, and that's exactly what happened with tight end Jared Wiley and safety Jaden Hicks.

Quarterback Patrick Mahomes spoke to the media at length on Wednesday, and here's what he had to say when asked about his first impressions of some of the new faces on the team. 

“I think y’all saw (Jared) Wiley, the more he gets down field he can really make those tough contested catches," Mahomes said. "I want him to play even more physical – I know it’s hard in OTAs you can’t really bump and do stuff like that. I think he can make those tough contested catches in the middle of the field and he’s faster than people think he is. He played good. Nikko (Remigio) has done a really great job being back. He was at the whole time we were in Texas getting the work in. Even watching the defensive guys like 21, (Jaden) Hicks play, he’s a big dude and he’s going to get better and better. You can see it early, he has the physical ability, it’s about putting together (Defensive Coordinator Steve) Spags' defense, which you have Spags' defense and (Head) Coach (Andy) Reid’s offense which is hard for the young guys to learn. I think we have a lot of guys that have come in – I mean (Kelvin) Joseph had the pick on me today – we have a lot of guys that have come in and shown they can really compete and be players for us.”

What's notable about Mahomes' response is that he wasn't asked specifically about rookies, but that's what two of the guys he named happened to be. In Wiley's case, Mahomes gets to have plenty of work with him as he throws him the ball. 

It sounds like Wiley's athleticism is showcasing, which was his billing when the Chiefs drafted him. Also impressive is Mahomes noticing Hicks' performance on the defensive side. He's another guy whose physical prowess jumps out at you, and it's just a matter of him learning the system and getting reps at the NFL level. 

Both Hicks and Wiley will likely be depth pieces in 2024 but have the upside to take on larger roles down the line. Getting on Mahomes' radar this quickly is a very positive sign for the two youngsters. Check out A to Z Sports conference editor Charles Goldman's draft grades for Hicks and Wiley.