Four free agent defenders that could give the Kansas City Chiefs draft flexibility

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JANUARY 28: Ndamukong Suh #93 of the Los Angeles Rams talks to the media during Super Bowl LIII Opening Night at State Farm Arena on January 28, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JANUARY 28: Ndamukong Suh #93 of the Los Angeles Rams talks to the media during Super Bowl LIII Opening Night at State Farm Arena on January 28, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 4
Next
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – OCTOBER 14: Cornerback Morris Claiborne #21 of the New York Jets runs the ball 17 yards for a touchdown after making an interception against the Indianapolis Colts in the first quarter at MetLife Stadium on October 14, 2018 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – OCTOBER 14: Cornerback Morris Claiborne #21 of the New York Jets runs the ball 17 yards for a touchdown after making an interception against the Indianapolis Colts in the first quarter at MetLife Stadium on October 14, 2018 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images) /

3. MORRIS CLAIBORNE

Charvarius Ward had a quality end to his 2018 campaign. He saw major snaps in the final four games, and according to Pro Football Focus, graded “Above Average” or better in nearly every category. Understandably, the coaching staff and fans alike have high hopes that he can fill the need at the third cornerback spot.

But again, given 2019 should see the Chiefs be a legitimate Super Bowl contender, why not give yourself ultimate flexibility going into the draft and training camp. Morris Claiborne is a player with experience who could be an inexpensive additional body to push competition in camp.

Now, Claiborne’s numbers are not particularly impressive. According to Pro Football Focus in 2018, his grades ranged from “Below Average” to “Above Average.” But, he did grade out at “Above Average” against the run and “Average” against the pass.

These numbers could be concerning if you expected him to come in and start for the Chiefs at one of the outside spots. However, this wouldn’t be the expectation. The Chiefs could likely sign him to an incentive-laden deal, and he could provide depth and push Charvarius Ward in camp.

I’ll be honest, he is not going to come in and start for the Chiefs. He might not even make it past final cuts. But, on a new team with a new, high-quality coaching staff, he might surprise us. What is the risk?