Can the Chiefs rely on young cornerbacks to fill in for Bashaud Breeland?

Rashad Fenton

Fenton was forced to step up and play due to injuries last season. Most of his time was spent working in the slot, outside of Week 17 when he was tasked with playing the boundary. Chiefs defensive backs coach Sam Madison spoke to the media last Thursday and said the team told Fenton to be prepared to play both inside and outside at the start of training camp.

"“Coming into this camp, he knew his exact role being that he was going to be a dual guy, so he’s playing faster,” Madison said. “Now having the opportunity to mix him in with the ones, with the twos, playing corner, playing nickel is putting a lot on his plate, but yet still making sure he understands that he’s going to be needed in those roles later on during the season."

As of right now, it appears that Fenton is in the lead to take the starting role opposite of Ward. His versatility could mean that he will move around between the boundary and slot positions. Madison praised Fenton for what he has shown through camp and his progression from year one to year two.

"“With him, he is working hard every single day. I really like his work ethic that he’s putting in. He’s making some plays; he’s around the ball. His quickness, he’s shown some burst throughout the course of this camp.”"

Given the little time that the Chiefs defense has to get reps in before the season starts due to COVID-19, Fenton is the most likely option to earn the starting role. His experience within Spagnuolo’s system and familiarity with the personnel will help him over other candidates competing for the starting role. His best games in 2019 also came when he saw time on the outside.