KC Chiefs: The six most important training camp battles of 2021

3. Which Cornerbacks Play?

Names to Watch: Charvarius Ward, L’Jarius Sneed, Rashad Fenton, DeAndre Baker, Mike Hughes

The first three camp battles on this list are all important, but the top three starting with cornerback is where things really come up a notch in importance. It is really hard to win against big time quarterbacks if you don’t have at least adequate cornerback play. The Chiefs enter training camp with two players we know will play a lot in Charvarius Ward and L’Jarius Sneed, but even where they play is in question depending on how the other guys do.

Ward will likely be one of the starters on the outside. Sneed was excellent in the slot last year, but the Chiefs may be looking to make him the starter on the outside opposite of Ward since they didn’t bring back Bashaud Breeland. After that, things get much more confusing.

Rashad Fenton, DeAndre Baker, and Mike Hughes are probably the three most likely guys to get a real shot at earning regular playing time and perhaps even a starting role. Fenton has played pretty well in limited action so far in his career. Depending on who you talk to he could be an option either in the slot or on the outside. Baker is probably just an outside option if he is fully recovered from his broken leg and Hughes is likely just a slot option.

Sneed’s versatility to play inside or out likely means Fenton, Baker, and Hughes all have a chance to earn the number three cornerback reps. If Fenton or Baker looks like a starter on the outside, then Sneed can play in the slot. If Fenton or Hughes look good in the slot, then Sneed can stay on the outside. You could even have a situation where Sneed plays outside in the base defense and then kicks into the slot in the sub package.

My prediction: While I believe this is one of the most wide open competitions in camp, I think Fenton might be better than we have given him credit for. While I really liked both Baker and Hughes coming out of college, I’m not so sure Fenton might not be the guy that gets the most snaps this season.

Next up, the biggest battle on the offense.