Most Perplexing Kansas City Chiefs Offseason Questions

Dec 28, 2014; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs strong safety Ron Parker (38) is congratulated by cornerback Sean Smith (21) after Parker breaks up a pass play during the second half at Arrowhead Stadium. The Chiefs won 19-7. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

5. Another Cornerback

In the season finale against the San Diego Chargers the Chiefs had only three active cornerbacks on the roster, one of which was a waiver pickup mid-season in Jamell Fleming. Needless to say, the Chiefs could use some help at that position.

Rookie third round pick Phillip Gaines looks to be a promising corner the Chiefs can build around, and Fleming did show some positive things when healthy this year, too. Sean Smith had a tremendous season but he’ll be a free agent after the 2015 season. Marcus Cooper’s stock has come crashing back to earth so it is probably his spot on the roster that is up for grabs, and Chris Owens is a free agent.

Kansas City lacks the sort of ‘number one’ or ‘shut down’ corner on their roster in much the same way the wide receivers group lacks a top-end guy. Would you feel comfortable with Sean Smith going up against A.J. Green this weekend if the Chiefs were to face them in the playoffs? Adding someone with that kind of upside is something the Chiefs need to attempt to acquire.

The question is where are the Chiefs going to find that player? The draft is probably the best place for them to find a guy this offseason, but there does not immediately seem to be a guy who will come out of the draft and dominate. Jalen Collins out of LSU and Trae Waynes out of Michigan State are two guys to keep an eye on as early round picks. Both have the size/athleticism combination Dorsey seems to favor in a defensive back.

Free agency doesn’t look as promising to find a the kind of cornerback the Chiefs are looking for, but pay attention to the San Francisco cornerbacks, Parrish Cox and Chris Culliver, who could hit free agency. Neither are top-end guys but both have that physical nature about them that the Chiefs may want to add if they cannot find what they want in the draft.