Head coach Ron Rivera, manager Martin Mayhew and Executive Vice President of Football/Player Personnel Marty Hurney give their scouts plenty of insight into what they’re looking for in players, but none of that trumps the personal, face-to-face experience.
“I think intelligence, toughness and the ability to communicate are really the most important things,” college scout Peter Piccerelli said. “We’ve spent over a year scouting these guys, and it really comes down to … not just the person and the athlete, but their intelligence level and how early they’re going to be able to come into our team and contribute.”
The answers players give during these interviews can go a long way in determining a player’s place on the team board. This happened with Sam Howell when Rivera asked him a simple question: “What do you do best as a soccer player?”
“I think what really sets me apart is my ability to rally a team and just drive it,” Howell responded. “I went to a program that had won three games the previous two years, and when I got there, I went in there and set a new standard and held myself accountable to that standard every day.
“I was able to earn the respect of the team because of that,” Howell added.
That response may have played a role in the Commanders’ decision to take Howell early in the fifth round. So far, his limited sample size has set the stage for what could become a solid career.
With the draft about to begin in Kansas City, we’re a week away from seeing which players from this year’s crop of talent have impressed the Chiefs the most.
Be sure to watch the latest episode of “Commanders Log” tonight at 7 p.m. You can also watch previous episodes HERE.