UDFA LB Cam Jones ready to learn from veterans on Chiefs defense

© Rich Janzaruk/Herald-Times / USA TODAY NETWORK Linebacker is a sneaky-good position group in the 2023 NFL draft, but it’s also one of the positions that the Chiefs are most set at. Bringing in a player like Jones, who has the pedigree of a downhill run defender with a knack for making plays in zone coverage, could be a wise move with the future in mind. Drue Tranquill is only here for a year and Willie Gay Jr. is set to become a free agent next March.

Undrafted free agents often have to go the extra mile to make a final roster in the NFL, but linebacker Cam Jones seems poised to defy the odds after a standout showing at the Kansas City Chiefs rookie minicamp.

He spoke to reporters following the conclusion of the camp, detailing his thought process in joining the team and seeming hopeful that he could make the cut for the 53-man roster in August.

“I think it’s a great opportunity,” Jones explained. “Looking at what the Chiefs did over the past couple (of) years, it’s like why not come be a part of greatness and I think that I fit the type of coaching style that they have and just the overall players. I think that’s a great fit.”

Asked about the opportunity he has and what he might be able to gain by being in Kansas City through the rest of the offseason, Jones was optimistic that he would be able to soak up valuable knowledge from the Chiefs’ veterans at the linebacker position.

“I think coming in being able to learn from guys like Nick (Bolton), Willie Gay, and Leo Chenal and Drue (Tranquill). Just learning from those guys and taking my game to the next level,” He said. “I know that those guys – they all have something to give and for me being a young guy coming in, I’ve got to learn how to put that into (a) part of my game and just grow as a player.”

Whether Jones will be able to find traction with the Chiefs is unknown at this juncture, but he could prove to have the inside edge over his other undrafted counterparts. Being a sponge around his veteran teammates certainly won’t hurt his cause.

In a year where Kansas City is looking to defend their Super Bowl title, the team will need all the help they can get, especially on defense.

MORE:

Chiefs’ travel distance ranks eighth most in the NFL in 2023

Chiefs to host Lions for Week 1 2023 NFL season opener

Chiefs to play Raiders on Christmas Day

Chiefs projected to have the third toughest strength of schedule in 2023

Chiefs to visit White House to celebrate Super Bowl LVII win on June 5