Cornell Powell is 'looking sharp' for Chiefs

CLEMSON — Cornell Powell knew he was walking into a great situation, but earning playing time could be difficult in Kansas City.

With Andy Reid at the helm and two-time All-Pro selection Patrick Mahomes at quarterback, there is no denying that it is Super Bowl or bust for everyone at Arrowhead Stadium. After last year’s blowout loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the Super Bowl, the Chiefs are chomping at the bit to get back on top.

Tyreek Hill is a sixth-year veteran and one of the fastest players in football. The 27-year-old and former fifth-round pick sets the tone in the wide receiver room. The five-time Pro Bowl selection is one of the most feared players in the league. Hill is a true superstar and he likes what Powell has brought to the table at Chiefs minicamp.

“Yeah, he’s definitely a smart kid,” Hill told the media last week. “Me and him got similar things going for us — he was drafted in the fifth round, I was drafted in the fifth round. So I had a conversation with him, telling him that if you want to play on this team, it’s a certain mindset. We all believe that we can dominate and be the best group in the league. He’s definitely coming into a tough group who loves to compete, who loves to challenge each other.”

The good thing for Powell is that the same mindset required was similar at Clemson. The former four-star recruit had to scratch and claw his way to earn playing time for the Tigers. All that hard work turned into a breakout redshirt senior season where the receiver became the team’s best big-play threat.

“I take pride in competing,” Powell said after being drafted. “I take pride in doing the little things right. Just dominating every rep whether it’s a pass or run. Making a way for my teammates, supporting my brothers, you know the ultimate goal in this team sport is to win championships. Being at Clemson, I learned how to do that. I’m just ready to transition that mindset, that focus, that drive, that energy to Kansas City and giving them all I got.”

With Hill, Mecole Hardman, Demarcus Robinson, and Byron Pringle returning to the lineup, the climb could be steep for Powell to earn playing time as a rookie. However, that is nothing new to him. Powell had to grind for playing time at Clemson and will do the same for the Chiefs. He has the attention of some of the veterans in the Kansas City locker room.

“He’s been looking sharp so far,” said Hill. “Good, tough catcher, big hands, silky in his routes. He looks good so far.”