Chiefs 2021 NFL Draft prospects: Shaun Wade and other cornerbacks
Looking ahead to the 2021 NFL Draft, here are some cornerback prospects that could with the Kansas City Chiefs defense.
Once again, the cornerback position looks to be one of the needs for the Kansas City Chiefs heading into the 2021 offseason. What separates this offseason from the last few years is viable, proven starters remaining in town. Bashaud Breeland will once again hit free agency, and Charvarius Ward will be a restricted free agent. Ward will likely return, leaving the Chiefs with multiple cornerbacks that have proven they can start in the NFL.
Rashad Fenton has seen limited opportunities in 2020 but has capitalized when he’s gotten on the field. Rookie L’Jarius Sneed started opposite of Ward in the first few games of the season while Breeland was suspended before suffering a shoulder injury against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 3. Since returning from injury, Sneed has changed roles to play more slot and safety roles. Whether he’s been on the boundary or playing in the slot with a mixture of safety, the rookie cornerback has been outstanding.
Even with that trio of cornerbacks, the Chiefs shouldn’t avoid looking at the cornerback position for an upgrade. Whether or not they want to extend Ward soon is something the front office will have to decide on. Given the trend of pass-heavy offenses in the NFL, finding more secondary contributors or starters is a path that should be explored.
The 2021 NFL Draft class is loaded with cornerback talent. Sitting at the back end of the drafting order, it’s doubtful that Kansas City will have the opportunity to snag guys like Caleb Farley out of Virginia Tech or Patrick Surtain II out of Alabama. Still, the depth of the class leaves plenty of options.
Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo likes his big, long cornerbacks on the outside to play physical in press-man coverage with help over the top. He also tends to like guys that can play a variety of roles within the defense. In 2019, Kendall Fuller returned from injury to play a hybrid role between slot and safety. We have seen Sneed and Fenton playing those roles as well in 2020.
Having the ability to move guys around and disguise the coverage calls is a massive advantage. It also allows Tyrann Mathieu to play more of a robber role to make plays on the ball more consistently. Given the Chiefs’ draft order and the variety of cornerback types, we will explore three options at the cornerback position that could be found on each day of the draft in April.