2018 NFL Draft: The 6 best players available on Round 2 for the Kansas City Chiefs
By Matt Conner
Justin Reid, Stanford, Safety
The Kansas City Chiefs already look thin at safety and that’s before you think too critically about the fact that Eric Berry is returning from a season-ending injury for the third time in his career. Berry is certainly an extraordinary athlete, and if anyone can return to form, it’s him. That said, is it a must that he will be as dominant as before when the Chiefs suit up in Week 1? It’s hard to say.
Even with Berry back at full strength, the Chiefs are still in need of some young talent with a high ceiling at the position. Eric Murray is in place opposite Berry at this point with Daniel Sorensen around to back them up and play a hybrid role in subpackage situations. Ron Parker was released, however, and that mantle being placed on Murray’s shoulders is likely a bit too much.
Enter Justin Reid, brother of free agent safety Eric Reid, who was a second-team All-American at Stanford. Last season, Reid had 99 tackles, 5 interceptions, 6.5 tackles for a loss and 6 passes defended. He can step right in and start for the Chiefs, showing a nose for the ball while possessing the sort of speed to play deep at the next level. He’d be a nice fit next to Berry and would provide a high investment in case everything falls apart at the position.