Kansas Metropolis extensive receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling, who joined the Chiefs in free company this offseason following 4 seasons with the Inexperienced Bay Packers, is already hitting his stride together with his new group.
"It is enjoyable. Get on the market — new group, new atmosphere, new gamers, new teaching employees. (I am) simply embracing the chance, going out and placing my greatest foot ahead," he stated following Thursday's OTAs.
By the eyes of the the media over the previous three weeks, Valdes-Scantling has reportedly been noticed to be a favourite goal of quarterback Patrick Mahomes and probably the most closely focused gamers in apply.
"I am simply open," he provided as the rationale why. "Simply get open and Pat will discover you. He is one of the best within the enterprise at doing that — discovering open guys and giving them possibilities. That is simply type of what it has been."
Valdes-Scantling has additionally been seen often speaking with Mahomes — who beforehand stated the Chiefs' offense will contain "all people" this season — and quarterbacks coach Matt Nagy throughout OTAs. The 27-year-old receiver revealed that communication is a giant a part of his distinctive strategy to the sport.
"We type of simply all the time speak. … Discuss issues that they see — and the way they see it," he stated. "Clearly you wish to be on the identical web page as your quarterback. With the ability to suppose how he thinks and listen to how he thinks with him and his quarterback coach. So go over there and (ask), 'Hey, why did you guys do that?' These issues are tremendous necessary, so we are able to all the time be on the identical web page."
Valdes-Scantling was additionally noticed catching a no-look cross from Mahomes in apply, and he defined that taking part in 4 seasons with QB Aaron Rodgers helped put together him for Mahomes' signature transfer.
"I had the primary quarterback that did it," he stated. "You all the time type of [have to] remember that the ball may come to you at any given time. Taking part in with Aaron for 4 years, he did it loads. I feel one of many first passes he threw me at coaching camp was a no-look cross. So I am accustomed to it. … Pat's gifted like that the place he can do these sorts of issues. I am simply excited to have one other quarterback that is that gifted.
"[Mahomes and Rodgers] are one of the best quarterbacks to ever play the sport. I am simply tremendous excited to have had the 2 greatest quarterbacks throw me the soccer. I assume I am residing proper to have that."
Chiefs head coach Andy Reid additionally spoke extremely about Valdes-Scantling's influence since arriving in Ok.C.
"He is a giant child, however he is received actual good flexibility [and] hips. He can change course, and he is received that pace — which I feel all of us knew. He is in a position to work a number of the main beneath routes that perhaps he did not do as a lot in Inexperienced Bay. … Very good child. He is performed a pleasant job for us."
M.V.S. involves Ok.C. with 123 receptions, 2,153 yards and 13 TDs below his belt since becoming a member of the league in 2018. He was tied for the very best yards per reception common (18.4) from 2019 to 2021, and led the league in receiving yards per reception (20.9) in 2020. What's extra, he has caught no less than one 70-plus yard cross in every of the final three seasons, a flashy stat that goes proper together with the Chiefs' type of play.
Along with Valdes-Scantling, the Chiefs additionally not too long ago signed veteran free agent JuJu Smith-Schuster and undrafted free agent Justyn Ross, and drafted Skyy Moore within the second spherical of the 2022 NFL Draft.
