Ranking the KC Chiefs biggest needs before the 2021 NFL Draft
By Matt Conner
3. Cornerback
The potential here at the cornerback position is such that it’s not a need at all. However, the questions are also so prevalent that it could become a major concern. Hence the nature of such a young corps of players.
Last season, L’Jarius Sneed showcased a lockdown ability from Week 1 to placate any remaining nerves about the Chiefs pass defense heading into a “run it back” campaign. Sneed was nothing short of a revelation for the Chiefs in his rookie year and much is expected of him now that the learning curve from La. Tech to the pros has been completed—or at least any rookie nerves.
Sneed is a potential starter outside and he should be joined by Charvarius Ward, who has been tendered at a second round level, which makes it very unlikely for another team to sign him in free agency. He’s yet to officially re-sign but the offer is there and he should be outside for another season for the Chiefs. From there, the Chiefs also have Rashad Fenton, who can certainly play inside, along with second-year special teamer BoPete Keyes, who could be in line for more snaps.
That’s a thin group, but it’s possible that everyone is pushed down the depth chart if Deandre Baker is able to return on time from a broken femur. The early reports back after the injury was that he had a clean break and successful surgery, which is good news for a cornerback group that could look young and loaded with his return. Baker was a former first round pick—and the first corner chosen in the 2019 NFL Draft—who joined the Chiefs on the cheap after the Giants cut him loose. He could be perhaps the most underrated major import for 2021.
Still, questions persist here. What if Ward doesn’t return for some reason? What if Sneed has a sophomore slump? What if Fenton collapses under the weight of more expectations? What if Baker isn’t healthy? What can we even expect or make of Keyes just yet? The Chiefs could silence a lot of these questions by asking Bashaud Breeland to dance for another year. Then again, that move might stunt the growth of in-house options who are ready to bloom. Perhaps another draft pick is the answer instead to increase competition while retaining youth.