KC Chiefs: Ranking every first-round pick since 2000
By Matt Conner
5. Marcus Peters
If ths list is going to create any major debate so far, then it’s likely going to start here with the inclusion of mercurial cornerback Marcus Peters in the top five—especially over other players who were with the team for much longer and/or who were perhaps more consistent and/or even well-liked. But since we’re the ones in charge of the list, we say Peters belongs right here.
The arguments against Peters’ being ranked No. 5 are understandable. He’s opportunistic. He didn’t exactly ingratiate himself with fans. He was a cost-controlled top cornerback still playing out his rookie deal who was apparently such a cancer that the team decided to trade him away for two mid-round picks. Yet whatever it was that didn’t allow Peters to mesh with the team that drafted him over the long haul, what’s not up for debate is the incredible on-field talent he brought to Arrowhead (and now to the Baltimore Ravens).
Peters was selected at No. 18 overall in the 2015 NFL Draft by John Dorsey and he immediately looked like a shutdown corner at the highest level. He led the entire NFL in passes deflected (26) and interceptions (8) during his rookie year and became a rookie sensation in the process, winning Defensive Rookie of the Year. He made the Pro Bowl his rookie year and was First-Team All-Pro in his second season, in which he added another six interceptions. Even in four postseason games in K.C. he came away with two interceptions.
In only three seasons in KC, Peters had an incredible 19 interceptions, which is in the franchise’s top 20 ever and certainly the best stretch by any defensive back in the last two decades at Arrowhead. Love him or loathe him, he’s a game-changing talent who could have enjoyed a Canton-esque career in red and gold.