Kansas City Chiefs: Who’s Making The Grade?
Aug 7, 2014; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs defensive back Malcolm Bronson (41) runs the ball during the first half against the Cincinnati Bengals at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Defensive Backs
Making the Grade
Chris Owens: +0.9 overall grade
While Owens may not be setting the world on fire, he is the only Chiefs CB that is going to make the 53 man roster that currently has a positive PFF grade. He’s proven to be a valuable addition at the nickel back position where he has a positive grade in both coverage and pass rushing. Owens looks like he might be one of those quality under the radar signings by John Dorsey similar to Akeem Jordan and Geoff Schwartz last season.
Malcolm Bronson: +3.7 overall grade
Malcolm Bronson has been the biggest surprise of the secondary this preseason in a very positive way. Bronson’s +3.7 grade is the fourth highest by a safety in the NFL this preseason and unlike some of KC’s other highly rated players, Bronson has earned his high grade while getting a lot of first string defensive snaps. The most encouraging thing of all may be that his +3.8 coverage grade is the best in the NFL by a safety thus far. In a secondary that has some major coverage issues, if Bronson can carry his play over to the regular season it would be a real boost to the defense.
Missing the Mark
All The CBs Not Named Chris Owens:
I wish there was just one cornerback that I could single out as struggling, but much like the reserve ILBs there are plenty of poor grades to go around. The list of negative PFF grades includes Ron Parker (-0.9), Marcus Cooper (-1.0), DeMarcus Van Dyke (-1.0), Sean Smith (-1.3), and Phillip Gaines (-3.5). The sad part is that two of those players are going to have to start at CB for KC this season. I still have hope for the development of Marcus Cooper and Ron Parker has now shown both good and bad in three preseason games. Sean Smith on the other hand has been a real disappointment. He has the physical tools to be a solid NFL starter, but I’m beginning to think that he lacks the work ethic and smarts to succeed.
Next up, my final thoughts……