Louis Rees-Zammit

BluePlanet

Anybody following Louis Rees-Zammit?
Welsh rugby player that is part of the International Player Pathway Program.

He was picked up by the KC Chiefs and was originally training as a WR, but then later we were told he's trying out as RB. I suspect WR is too specialized a position for a rugby player.

Infact I think there are very few positions that a rugby player could transition into.
RB and FB, maybe TE.
OL maybe (if you're a big prop).

So far the Chiefs have had LRZ run the ball at least once against the Jags, but a DL made a good play coming off a block and tackled him before he could get beyond a couple yards.

LRZ also caught a pass from Mahomes in the flat on a 2nd down that didn't go very far, again Defense was there.

He kicked off at least once, which might actually be a good position for him as he is big enough to tackle.

Last outing he also returned the opening kickoff but probably should have taken a knee and got the ball on the 30. He managed to break through 1 tackle and was brought down on the 27 i think.

So all in all, rather lackluster and I'm assuming doesn't make the 53 man roster.

Xavi6

Chiefs fans so yep, I've been following since he signed. All of the plays you outlined about just shows how hard it is to make it at NFL level, especially coming from another sport. It would be a great story if he was signed and he's very marketable (the Chiefs gave him a lot of social media publicity when he joined) but practice squad might be his best bet.

Fr Tod Umptious

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058365233/louis-rees-zammit

It's impossible for someone who has only done a 10 week crash course in the IPP and then whatever time from then to now to take and hold down a skill position spot on an NFL roster, and in the process beat out guys who have played the position since the they were 5.

There is always a lot of hype from the media this side of the world about rugby players breaking the NFL but it always fizzles out.

He might be kept as a specialist kick or punt returner or something but nothing more than that.

What is far more interesting from an Irish point of view is Charlie Smyth, former Down GAA u20 goalkeeper signed as a kicker by NO after the IPP.

He kicked a game winner(only 35 yards mind you) a few weeks ago and has appeared as a kick off guy in both games so far.

He also kicked a 65 yarder in some other Saints training camp game they played.

Whether he shows enjoy to take a roster spot off the incumbent is another thing.

And even if he does a kickers life is a precarious one, a bad Sunday and you are on the kerb Monday morning.

Xavi6

4 carries for 21 yards with a long of 10 in the final preseason game. Not bad but also not as impressive as Carson Steele who had a highlight reel moment and looked good again. Pacheco, Edwards-Helaire, Prince, and Steele are all ahead on the pecking order.

BluePlanet

Watched a video there talking about LRZ.
They were making the point that talking about Practice Squad isn't a demotion.
Making it onto the Practice Squad is winning.
There are only like 16 places or something like that.

ArmaniJeanss

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122534392#Comment_122534392

Practise squad salary is $50K a month, so 5 months of that wouldn't be too much of a downgrade on his expected rugby earnings anyway. Would probably justify the risk he took.