Chiefs Training Camp Preview: Cornerback

This is where a very talented and experienced Kansas City Chiefs team gets a little thin.

The loss of Sean Smith in free agency and the injury to Philip Gaines last season leaves this group with only one full season of experience to their starters. While we were all impressed with Peters and his ball hawking skills, he was still targeted more than any other cornerback besides Stephon Gilmore of the Bills. He gave up quite a few touchdowns and big plays along with his interceptions and pass deflections.

On the other side, the starting job will be decided in camp where Philip Gaines enters his third year but he was primarily a nickel corner his rookie year so he will be mostly inexperienced on the outside. Rookie KeiVarae Russell and second year man Steven Nelson will also get their chances to start in training camp.

The Chiefs will have their pick of many as they don’t lack for bodies at the position but they will need some guys to grow up very fast as opponents will gladly test this secondary.

Overall Grade: C

This group will be heavily tested this season so we should see plenty of the first team offense throwing deep to push these guys. It could be very good for the offense to get into a deep pass rhythm with the receivers before the season begins and open up the route tree. The Chiefs will cycle through every one of their corners to find that right match to start. This can change a lot through camp as Chiefs fans have seen the rise and fall of several defensive backs over the years.

Currently the corner with the most experience is Stevie Brown at 6 years but he did not even find a roster in 2015. The next up is Jamell Fleming who is famous for his inability to cover Emmanuel Sanders followed by Marcus Cooper. The combined seasons of experience for the Chiefs cornerbacks is only 14 years. To put that in perspective, the Broncos who have 4 fewer players at the position, have 25 total seasons of experience.

This will be the most interesting position battle in camp for the Chiefs this August. There will be plenty to fight for as only Peters has a lock on a starting gig. Look for plenty of variations on the defensive backfield at least until the third preseason game. If the Chiefs can turn this apparent weakness into a strength then they will be close to unstoppable in 2016.

Next: Starters