With OTAs set to come to close, it’s time to look towards possible Chiefs breakout candidates. The only things we have been able to see from OTAs have been short clips. One Chiefs player that seems to be making plays on many of these clips, is wide receiver Byron Pringle. For both himself and the team, could this breakthrough be coming at just the right time?
Currently, there is more questions than answers surrounding the wide receiver position. Whenever we get the answers to things like the Tyreek Hill situation and position battles in the preseason, it will start to become clear. Regardless of what those answers are, Pringle has a realistic possibility to be a top three wide receiver for the Chiefs in 2019.
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Picking Up Where He Left Off
This ceiling is not just a wild guess. Pringle really progressed well from the start of the preseason until the final preseason game. The performance he had in the final preseason game against Green Bay is where Pringle really blossomed. During that game, his four receptions led to 144 receiving yards, including a longest reception of 62 yards. Unfortunately for Pringle, a strong preseason finale resulted in a stint on injured reserve for the entire season. A hamstring injury hindered his chances at making the 53 man roster.
Pringle showed he has the ability to be a versatile receiver in that game. His strong hands allow him to be comfortable to run routes over the middle of the field. But, his route running added in with the speed he has is very well-rounded for a young player. Pringle has continued to grow and fine tune these attributes during OTAs. In fact, offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy noted how Pringle’s been “paying attention in the classroom and in individual periods.” Bieniemy also explained how that constant broadening in Pringle’s game is “coming out and showing in team drills.”
In His Own Words
Now nearing the end of OTAs, Pringle feels even more NFL ready this season. Pringle mentioned how his hard work this offseason is “finally paying off.” He added, “I’m taking advantage of my opportunity right now.” This opportunity is now getting noticed, but Pringle still wants to show fans he “belongs in this position.”
These opportunities for him are coming in special teams as well, not just in the offense. Pringle is excited for the position battle at kick returner. He believes that he has “taken it to another level” in that preparation.
Finally, Pringle realizes it will be a tight race to make the team. “There’s a lot of new guys who have come in and who have the same talents and ability. I want to let everyone know I’m going to put in my work every day. I’m just blessed to be in this position. A lot of people didn’t think I’d be in this position. I just want to let them know I work hard and I’m going to continue to work.”
Pringle now has more eyes set on him for training camp and the preseason. He wants it to be known what work he is putting in. With that being noticed, Byron Pringle has the ability to become a satisfying player for the Chiefs.
For more NFL offseason news, 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 Follow @ebearcat9//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js Follow @FPC_Chiefs//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js and Facebook.
