Kansas City Chiefs: The Cornerbacks Contenders

KeiVarae Russell
5-foot-11, 192 pounds
Rookie

KeiVarae Russell, the first of KC’s three cornerback draft picks definitely has the highest ceiling of those selected. He’s fast (4.44 forty), strong (17 bench press reps), has the best vertical leap (38.5 inches) of any of the corners on this list, and has quality experience having started for Notre Dame against some big time teams in some big time games. That upside combined with the fact that KC liked him enough to draft him ahead of the other two rookies has to make Russell the early front runner amongst the rookies. That’s not to say that he’s a lock to play ahead of the others if they outperform him, but if you were putting money on it he’d have to be the best bet of the three.

I spent some time this week watching tape of Russell and there is a lot to like and a couple of concerns. First and foremost, Russell comes across on tape as highly athletic. He may not be a burner, but he has enough speed to compete. He may not be a big corner, but he has enough strength to get the job done. He may not be a master of technique but his athleticism keeps him in plays. Another thing to consider is that Russell is still relatively new to the position. He came to Notre Dame as a running back prospect and only has three years of cornerback experience. If the Chiefs coaching staff can improve his raw technique and combine it with his plus athleticism there is some potential there.

While Russell is strong enough and a willing tackler I didn’t actually see him knock a lot of wideouts off the line and while he has decent speed he can be beaten over the top at times. While I like his upside I do have some doubts about his ability to play right away as a rookie. I think Russell will eventually start at corner for the Chiefs and have a successful NFL career, but I think it may take a year or two with the KC coaching staff to get him there.

Next up, the most physical of KC’s draft picks…

Next: Contender #4: Eric Murray