Kansas City Chiefs gradecard: The defense
Safeties
Key Players On Depth Chart:
Eric Berry
Ron Parker
Daniel Sorensen
Stevie Brown
Jamell Fleming
Positional Grade: B+
At the end of last season the Chiefs grade for the safety position would have been an “A” if not an “A+” because of all the depth they had. The Chiefs still have two good starters in Ron Parker and Eric Berry, but the loss of both Husain Abdullah and Tyvon Branch have left the Chiefs a little thin on the back end. The grade is still good because of the starting talent and a little depth, but I can no longer go in the “A” range.
A big plus for the safety position will be if they have enough cornerback depth that Ron Parker can play exclusively at safety and not have to fill in at corner. Parker is an above average player when he can sit back and read the field in front of him. When he has to step up and cover man to man is when he can struggle.
Eric Berry is a physical force that can play both safety and a hybrid safety/linebacker in the sub package. His coverage skills may not be elite, but he can pick up tight ends in coverage. This isn’t the post to debate his contract and long term future with the Chiefs, but let’s just say I expect him to play with a huge chip on his shoulder this season.
Daniel Sorensen has seen some in game action as a third safety before, but I would feel much better with him as the fourth safety and mainly contributing as a special teams player. The Chiefs need either the veteran free agent Stevie Brown or converted corner Jamell Fleming to step up and earn that third safety spot if this position is going to return to the “A” level that it was last season. As of right now the group falls just short of this mark and KC has to be hoping for no major injuries in this group.
So what do you think, Addicts? Do you feel like these are fair grades going into training camp? Would you personally grade any of these groups much higher or lower than I did? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.
As always, thanks for reading and GO CHIEFS!!!!!