Kansas City Chiefs defensive backs coach Dave Merritt spoke with reporters after practice on Wednesday at Missouri Western State University. He shared an optimistic outlook that rookie defensive back Mansoor Delane could play in the preseason after recent practice performances.
"Yeah, seeing some of the things that we saw on tape coming out of LSU," said Merritt, (He's a) guy who has sticky coverage, and getting him back in pads and seeing that you can actually tackle people now. Hopefully, that's going to show up this weekend."
Delane has recently shed the non-contact practice jersey with impressive outings. Merritt understands the task he faces in assembling a new secondary after multiple offseason departures.
"You're losing the (Bryan) Cooks,
and you're losing (Trent) McDuffie and, of course, (Jaylen) Watson. So, you're trying to get the chemistry with (Alohi) Gilman and all these guys that are new back there communicating. We're still trying to make sure we tie these shoestrings really tight. Right now, to see the ones go out and play a little more together, we'll get a better assessment as far as where we are. But you're really not going to know until you hit full stride, and those guys are out there for a game."
Merritt will have plenty of combinations in the secondary under defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo's schemes. Delane's availability remains a significant factor in plans for the upcoming season.
This article originally appeared on Chiefs Wire: Dave Merritt reveals optimism for Mansoor Delane's game availability
