AA’s Initial Grades For The Chiefs 2016 Draft Class

3rd Round – Pick 74
KeiVarae Russell – CB – Notre Dame

AA Grade: B+

My thoughts: I’ll admit that I hadn’t spent any time watching KeiVarae Russell before his name was called on Friday night. That having been said, I simply cannot complain about the Chiefs drafting a cornerback at this point. The Chiefs had again traded back and picked up another fourth round pick. Between where KC was originally slotted at the back of the second round and where they picked in the third round the only corners that went off the board were Cyrus Jones, James Bradberry, and Will Redmond. Perhaps KC would have picked one of those players if they had stayed put, but I don’t see any of them as clearly better than Russell. The corners I had hoped KC would target at the back end of the second round (Xavien Howard and Sean Davis) were both already off the board.

As I watched a little tape on Russell I definitely saw a player with starting potential at the NFL level. I worry a little about his size on the outside at 5-foot-11 and 192 pounds but he has good speed (4.44 forty), strength (17 bench press reps), and leaping ability (38.5 inch vertical). Perhaps more importantly, he shows the ability to mirror receivers in man to man coverage. He isn’t hugely productive in terms of pass break ups and interceptions. In three seasons as a starter he only averaged about six breakups and two interceptions per season.

So you aren’t looking at another big play corner like Marcus Peters. I don’t see Russell ever being a number one “lock down” corner, but he could be a solid NFL starter. If that’s the case he’s still a good pick for the Chiefs since they already have their “lock down” corner in Peters. If Russell becomes a solid starter across from him that will be a huge win for KC with their third round pick.

Next: Find out the grade for Parker Ehinger