Chiefs Training Camp Preview: Cornerback
By Andrew Jones
Marcus Peters
Peters proved himself a huge draft steal in 2015 with 8 interceptions and defensive rookie of the year honors. Peters can take the next step this year towards becoming the next great shutdown corner by taking on the leadership role vacated by the departure of Sean Smith in free agency.
Most likely, the Chiefs will never ask Peters to shadow the opponents number one receiver as that just isn’t how they run their defense. He will however, get plenty of opportunities to face the top receivers in the league as teams will be throwing a lot on this defense. Peters will need to improve his patience and emotion without losing his swagger in order to lead this secondary to prominence again.
Phillip Gaines
Gaines missed the majority of 2015 with a torn ACL suffered in Green Bay. He was primarily being used as the nickel back for the Chiefs defense that was already down Sean Smith due to a suspension. It is because of this that I believe he will continue as a nickel corner for 2016.
The Chiefs will put several different lineups together to see which works best but Gaines’ size and talent lends itself more to a slot receiver than a big target outside. He has yet to get his first interception in the NFL despite starting five games his rookie season. The Chiefs like this kid a lot and he has the talent to help improve the secondary.
KeiVarae Russell
Russell has the best chance of all the rookies to start on day one and I believe he will make the plays to do so. He plays a lot like Peters with speed and tenacity with the problem of being boxed out in the end zone.
The biggest difference is that Russell focuses more on his man rather than finding the ball which we know Peters is very much the opposite. He played stiff competition at wide receiver while attending Notre Dame which will aid him in his transition to the NFL.
Next: Reserves