A Look At The Kansas City Chiefs Cornerbacks Without Brandon Flowers

Oct 20, 2013; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs safety Husain Abdullah (39) celebrates against the Houston Texans at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Husain Abdullah – 6’0″ – 204 lbs – 6th season – Washington State

Husain Abdullah is slated to be KC’s starting FS this season, so some may find it strange that I’d put him on the list of players that may help fill the void left by Flowers departure. However, while Abdullah is listed as a safety there were times last season where KC used him as a nickel back on clear passing downs. In fact, PFF filed 52 of his 348 snaps at the CB position. I can see a couple of situations where Abdullah could fill that same roll this season. If Sanders Commings (or even Daniel Sorensen) proves to be a quality option at FS, they could play one of them at FS in the nickel and slide Abdullah into the slot. There has also been talk of Eric Berry playing back in coverage more. If Berry is playing back that could also create more opportunities for Abdullah to line up in man coverage.

Of the defensive backs that received regular playing time last season NOT named Eric Berry, Abdullah was the only one that finished with a positive PFF grade in pass coverage. Having a player like Abdullah that has shown the ability to play as a traditional safety or line up in man coverage is a valuable asset for any team. The fact that Abdullah played well in his first year back in the NFL after taking a full year off for his Islamic pilgrimage is encouraging and hopefully he will only improve in his second year in KC.

Sanders Commings – 6’0″ – 223 lbs – 2nd season – Georgia

Sanders Commings is another intriguing prospect that due to a lost rookie season is based more on speculation and potential than actually seeing him in action. Commings was a CB in college at Georgia and may in fact have the speed and agility to play there, but his large frame seems better suited for the safety position. Commings was actually an accomplished baseball player that was drafted to play outfield by the Arizona Diamondbacks. The Chiefs will be hoping that Commings can use some of those same outfield skills to play the safety position this season.

Commings is entering this offseason in a competition for the starting FS spot with the aforementioned Abdullah. While Commings appears to have the physical tools needed for the position, his lack of experience probably makes Abdullah the favorite for the starting position. With Commings experience at CB in college it isn’t a reach to think that the Chiefs could look to use him as an extra defensive back in nickel and dime personnel. However, with Commings larger frame he almost seems more like what KC looks for in their outside CBs as opposed to those that line up in the slot. However, as I mentioned before, if Commings looks good at FS his presence could allow them to drop Abdullah into man coverage.

While I’m not sure if Commings will actually personally fill any of the snaps vacated by Brandon Flowers at CB, if he proves to be a valuable member of the secondary it will free the Chiefs up to use other players in that spot and give them more options.

While it’s certainly possible that the Chiefs could sign another player to come in and compete or another young player competing for a roster spot could surprise and earn his way into the playing rotation I think the odds are that the players that will fill the void created by the Chiefs cutting Brandon Flowers are those listed above.

So what do you think Addicts? Is this group up for the challenge?

While this list certainly isn’t as accomplished as we would all like there is certainly a fair amount of upside and potential. Marcus Cooper and Phillip Gaines are the two players that probably will make or break this position group. If one or both of them can step up and live up to their potential the Chiefs will probably be okay at CB. However, if they both struggle it could be a long season in coverage for the Kansas City Chiefs. This is part of the reason that the defensive back position is one that I will be keeping a close eye on when training camp gets started next month.

On a personal note, for those that are regular weekly readers, I’m going to be on vacation for the next couple of weeks, but I’ll be back in my regular Monday slot when July roles around.

As always, thanks for reading and GO CHIEFS!!!!!!!!

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