KC Chiefs: Six training camp matchups we can’t wait to watch

2. Demarcus Robinson vs. L’Jarius Sneed

L’Jarius Sneed is the brightest young talent in the Chiefs secondary. As a rookie in 2020, Sneed exceeded every expectation on his way to becoming the team’s best and most versatile corner. He can play out on the boundary, in the slot, or (if needed) at safety, as he did in his final year of college.

It will be important to see how Sneed plays in his sophomore NFL season, as the team places more responsibility on his shoulders. He is not a sure thing, as no second-year 4th round pick should ever be, but he’s the closest thing the Chiefs have to a #1 cornerback.

That said, we don’t fully know where Spagnuolo will line him up. Sneed dazzled in the second half of 2020 when he played in the nickel. He made big plays coming off the blitz and showed time and time again that he can be extremely valuable in the middle of the defense, where Spagnuolo often features his best players.

But if Sneed plays inside, the Chiefs will have a question mark on the boundary. Regardless, the Chiefs will likely use Sneed in both roles in 2021, so we look forward to seeing him matched up against Demarcus Robinson at camp.

Robinson has been a fringe roster player in his career with the Chiefs. But he’s geared up and ready to take the next step as a viable receiver in this league.

With a gaping hole at X receiver, the Chiefs need someone to step up. Robinson fits the bill at 6’1″, 205 pounds. He’s a viable threat in the downfield passing game and has a good rapport with quarterback Mahomes. His biggest area of improvement will be in his play without the ball, and the Chiefs hope to unlock that in 2021.

The Chiefs have shuffled up their offensive staff. Former WR coach Greg Lewis is now the RB coach, and will be replaced by former assistant QB coach Joe Bleymaier. Though Robinson has shown a propensity to make the occasional blunder, the hope is that a boosted confidence will allow the former Florida Gator to blossom with a larger role within Andy Reid’s offense. With larger snap counts and opportunity, Robinson will make plays in this scheme. He must.

If Robinson wants to secure the top spot on the depth chart, he’s going to have to see Sneed a fair amount of time. Is he up for the task? More importantly, if the sixth-year receiver succeeds consistently against the second-year corner, is that more of a statement about Robinson’s development, or an indication that we should temper our expectations of Sneed?

The next matchup is probably my favorite. Let’s talk about Patrick Mahomes and Willie Gay.