Kansas City Chiefs should call on these veteran cornerbacks
By Matt Conner
Quinten Rollins, Green Bay Packers
If the Kansas City Chiefs had the luxury of what would be a “normal draft,” perhaps they would have turned in picks similar to that of the Green Bay Packers. Brian Gutekunst, the team’s GM, invested a first and second round pick both in restocking the secondary with the selection of two consecutive cornerbacks: Jaire Alexander (out of Louisville) and Josh Jackson (out of Iowa).
Both players were on the radar of many Chiefs draftniks who were keen on the team adding talent in the secondary at some point, but the Packers were quick to pick up both players were on the draft boards of many teams. Alexander was known as a potential lockdown corner and Jackson was a one-year starter who seemed to be a ballhawk.
The early returns on both players in the preseason has been very solid. Alexander could be a Day 1 starter and Jackson is pressing for serious playing time in a loaded secondary. The team also has Tramon Williams, Kevin King and Davon House along with Herb Waters, Demetri Goodson and Josh Hawkins as promising players to fight for any last roster spot and practice squad roles.
For our purposes, even some of the above names could be thrown in there, especially if the Packers want to stay young and set a veteran like House free. However, we’ve set aside both Quinten Rollins as a potential acquisition or signing.
Rollins was the Packers second round pick in the 2015 NFL Draft. The MAC Defensive Player of the Year in 2014 (same conference as Kareem Hunt) was snapped up out of Miami (Ohio) and showcased early potential with a couple interceptions during his rookie year. Unfortunately injuries have plagued him ever since. A groin injury in 2016 and an Achilles injury last year have marred his stock considerably, and he struggled to keep up with receivers at times on the outside, suggesting a potential move to safety this offseason.
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A change of scenery might do some good for a player now lost in the shuffle, but even if Rollins were not the right fit for one reason or another, the Packers remain a team to watch for their secondary depth.