Juan Thornhill gives Kansas City Chiefs a versatile ballhawk in secondary
By Matt Conner
The Kansas City Chiefs are going to love the versatility and nose for the ball on their newest defensive back, second round pick Juan Thornhill.
The Kansas City Chiefs have several needs in the secondary at this point of their defensive makeover. The team needs an infusion of young talent in the defensive backfield, and they also simply need more bodies. The team has been linked to cornerbacks and safeties alike, and their newest import in the second round brings them a player who can play either position: Virginia defensive back Juan Thornhill.
Thornhill was the Chiefs pick at No. 63 overall, the second of their two choices in that round. The Chiefs also traded up a few spots to pick Georgia wideout Mecole Hardman at No. 56 overall, but Thornhill gives the Chiefs their first defensive draft pick.
With the addition of Thornhill, the Chiefs add a playmaker on the ball who has a penchant for creating turnovers. Thornhill had 13 interceptions in three years as a starting corner and safety for the Cavaliers.
Given his versatility with several starts at every position in the secondary, the Chiefs are going to be able to use him as a dynamic weapon with a nose for the ball from multiple angles. That’s a plus when you already have a Swiss army knife of sorts in Tyrann Mathieu, who signed with the team this offseason in free agency.
Here’s a sampling of what others were saying about the selection of Thornhill after the Chiefs made their second round announcement.
Virginia's Juan Thornhill is a versatile safety with ball skills (13 career INTs).
— Chiefs Reporter (@ChiefsReporter) April 27, 2019
He has played both safety spots and spent two years as a CB.
Talked to him at the Senior Bowl and the Scouting Combine. Great personality.
Andy Reid essential just comfirmed that Juan Thornhill & Tyrann Mathieu can both be versatile in the back end of the secondary. Says both players can be interchangeable per situation of the game & scheme. https://t.co/ZLgVaEfXn3
— Nate Taylor (@ByNateTaylor) April 27, 2019
New Chiefs S Juan Thornhill had the lowest passer rating when targeted among ACC draft-eligible safeties a season ago. #NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/QlLMhrPxaF
— PFF (@PFF) April 27, 2019
Juan Thornhill was a first-round value to a lot of people. That's a steal for the #Chiefs
— Matt Verderame (@MattVerderame) April 27, 2019
#Chiefs select S Juan Thornhill. Athletic freak. 44 inch vert and nearly 12-foot broad jump. Heck of a player
— TOM MARTIN (@LetItFlyTom) April 27, 2019
@Juan_Thornhill and @Mathieu_Era gone be a scary duo 😳
— David Johnson (@DavidJohnson31) April 27, 2019
Juan Thornhill is a safety with coverage ability and a corner background. Excellent athletic profile. This is a great selection here. He was a top 50 player on our board.
— Kent Swanson (@kent_swanson) April 27, 2019
Juan Thornhill is REALLY athletic. Like, REALLYYYYYYY athletic. And he’s a good player. Can line up all over. Good in coverage. I like this pick. pic.twitter.com/AejMBHnZLj
— Brandon Kiley (@BKSportsTalk) April 27, 2019
S Juan Thornhill is an excellent player. He is a ballhawk. He matches up great against TEs and slot WRs. Typical FS and he covers ground quick too. He isn’t great against the run when he gets blocked, but when used right, he will make a difference. #Chiefs
— Shane P. Hallam (@ShanePHallam) April 27, 2019