Sean Smith will likely be suspended for DUI conviction

The Kansas City Chiefs have good corners, but they are likely to be down a man at the start of the 2015 season. Sean Smith, the team’s top corner, will likely be suspended two games under the NFL’s personal conduct policy because of his DUI conviction. Smith was sentenced to two years probation on Tuesday, according to Terez Paylor of the Kansas City Star.

If Smith is indeed out of commission for two games, the Chiefs are in trouble. Phillip Gaines is the projected starter on the other side, but who fills in for Smith? The first name that comes to mind is Jamell Fleming, but he only started one game last year. Marcus Cooper is the other option, although Cooper was benched after playing poorly in the first five weeks, never to reclaim his starting job. The slot position remains uncertain with last year’s slot corner, Chris Owens, still a free agent.

This suspension will not only cost Kansas City, but also Smith. The 28-year-old is entering the final season of his three-year, $16.5 million contract. If suspended, he will be docked game checks and more importantly, hurt his value on the free-agent market come 2016.

Look for general manager John Dorsey to aggressively draft corners in a few weeks. The Chiefs need help in that department anyway, and the potential suspension of Smith only exacerbates the situation.