K.C. Chiefs can watch Quinn Meinerz, Greg Newsome II at pro days

Greg Newsome II, CB, Northwestern

We understand the quizzical look at this point when you read the word “cornerback.” After all, the Chiefs have other needs for their first round pick, and some fans will riot if it’s not some help in the trenches. However, Greg Newsome II is a special talent and he’s been linked to the Chiefs already.

First, the need: the Chiefs have a potent young core in the secondary at this point, so it makes sense to overlook cornerback for now. L’Jarius Sneed looks like a star-in-the-making at corner, and Deandre Baker will be back and ready to play a full season after largely sitting out last year. Remember he was the first corner drafted back in 2019. Rashad Fenton will return to help round out the unit, and the Chiefs also have the right of first refusal on Charvarius Ward in free agency this year. In addition, Chris Lammons, BoPete Keyes, and Alex Brown are hoping to make some noise this year.

But let’s not forget that Bashaud Breeland has been an important starter outside for the Chiefs for the last couple years, and he’s also scheduled to hit free agency. If Ward leaves as well, that’s a lot of experience going out the door. And in the NFL, you need a lot of depth at corner. Sneed could easily slide inside as he did in part last year if the Chiefs had someone else on the boundary which brings us to Newsome.

Greg Newsome II was a shutdown corner for Northwestern last year in a much-improved season for the defensive back. He’s a long, lean corner who’s already been linked to the Chiefs in mock drafts before in the first round, and his stock is likely to climb higher if his pro day shows off some impressive measurable.

Last year, Newsome allowed only 12 catches on 34 targets all season long for the Wildcats although his body of work is a bit limited compared to others. Perhaps that could knock him down some draft boards, but the Chiefs would be getting a well-rounded corner who has experience in various schemes. Starting him on the outside would give the Chiefs security as they hope Baker is ready, and the team would be set at corner for a very, very long time.

Other corners will generate more buzz with their body of work or even their names (as sons of former pro players), but Newsome is the real deal.