Five bold predictions for the Kansas City Chiefs in 2019
Juan Thornhill will have four interceptions
Juan Thornhill wasn’t the top pick for the Chiefs in the 2019 NFL Draft, but he may be the most NFL ready. The Chiefs didn’t have a first rounder, but they arguably got one in Thornhill. He has freakish athleticism, posting a time of 4.42 seconds in the 40-yard dash time and a 44-inch vertical leap— at 6’0, 205 pounds. He has the speed and build to play multiple positions for the Chiefs.
Even better, Thornhill was very productive in college at the University of Virginia. Beginning in his sophomore season, Thornhill developed a knack for the ball leading his team in interceptions with three. He would only get better, posting four interceptions his junior season and six his senior season. Add to that 19 pass breakups his final two seasons, and Thornhill might as well be a corner playing safety.
That’s likely a big reason why the Chiefs went after Thornhill. They were lucky that he dropped to them, but it’s clear the new defensive coaching staff values versatility at the safety position. After all, one of their major acquisitions this season was Swiss army knife Tyrann Mathieu who has experience playing both safety positions and even some slot corner.
It’s most likely that Thornhill will predominantly play the free safety position for the team. However, it wouldn’t surprise me to see both Thornhill and Mathieu play all over the field in 2019. With Thornhill’s athleticism and his ability and history of being a ballhawk, it’s not a complete stretch to think he will have four interceptions.
Conclusion
So there you have it. The Chiefs will be the best offense in the NFL next season, thanks in part to 1,500 yards from scrimmage from Damien Williams. Alongside their prolific offense they will boast a top-15 defense thanks to players like Frank Clark and Juan Thornhill.
What does this mean for the team? It means a couple things. First, the Chiefs should compete for their fourth straight division title. Truthfully, the only competitor I’m even slightly nervous about is the L.A. Chargers. Fortunately, we’ve only lost one game to them in the last several years and I feel this Chiefs’ team won’t allow a repeat of last season.
Second, the Chiefs should have a better record than they had in 2018. Currently, the Chiefs are favored in 12 of their first 15 games, with the Minnesota Vikings game being a pick ’em. It’s easy to see why. While the national sentiment might not be quite as high as what I’ve predicted, it is higher than any Chiefs’ team in recent memory. They won 12 games last year and could easily win more this year.
That brings me to my final point. The Chiefs in 2019 should win the Super Bowl. I’m not saying they will, as any number of things could happen that could prevent it. However, national sentiment is that the Chiefs are one of the best teams in the league. They’ve been the favorite in numerous betting publications since the end of the season.
I tend to go a step further. I think this Chiefs’ team is the best in the league and could be one of the best in recent memory. They have a chance to do something extraordinary this season and I can’t wait to watch.