Greg Newsome II could be a luxury pick for K.C. Chiefs

One name who is generating “lots of buzz” early in the pre-draft season before the 2021 NFL Draft gets underway in late April is promising young cornerback Greg Newsome II out of Northwestern. Justin Melo of The Draft Network reports that he’s held virtual meetings with nearly half the league this point—including the K.C. Chiefs.

Melo went on to note that the Indianapolis Colts, Washington Football Team, New York Jets, Cleveland Browns, Denver Broncos, Seattle Seahawks, and Arizona Cardinals have also already spoken to Newsome. In short, Melo’s quick report has listed nearly nearly half of all NFL franchises.

It’s not surprising that teams want to do their homework on Newsome given his pro potential as a long corner who’s earned praise for his athletic skill set and body of work at Northwestern.

What’s also important here for teams is that the quantity of tape is limited for this last season. Given the abbreviated calendars this year in the wake of a global pandemic, Newsome generated  limited highlights in 2020 with only three games played against Nebraska, Purdue, and Wisconsin. He had 8 tackles, 7 deflected passes, and 1 interception for the Wildcats this season.

The K.C. Chiefs have shown interest in CB Greg Newsome II.

As for the Chiefs, the play for Newsome would be unsettling for some if the team had to reach in the first round to grab him. Melo mentions him in conjunction with the first round above, and Kent Swanson at Arrowhead Pride also describes him as a top 50 talent (and K.C. has a single pick in that span). Kyle Crabbs at the Draft Network gives him a second round grade and it’s possible Newsome is there for the Chiefs later in the second. It’s also possible the Chiefs use their bevy of picks to trade up in the second, if needed.

Overall, however, the positional value isn’t there for the 2020 campaign, which is why it would be “unsettling,” as earlier described, unless there are some surprises in free agency. The Chiefs will bring back L’Jarius Sneed, Deandre Baker, Rashad Fenton, and Alex Brown next year with real potential to also re-sign Bashaud Breeland in free agency (who has taken consecutive one-year deals to play in K.C.). The team also holds rights of first refusal for Charvarius Ward, who is a restricted free agent.

If Ward and Breeland are both gone from the roster by the time the draft arrives, the selection of Newsome or someone else in that role makes plenty of sense. If, however, Newsome joins a crowded cornerback room, it will feel a bit more like a luxury pick for the present when other positions are likely needing a greater infusion of youth.