KC Chiefs who could make their first Pro Bowl in 2022

KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI - OCTOBER 10: Willie Gay Jr. #50 and Nick Bolton #54 of the Kansas City Chiefs react after sacking Josh Allen #17 of the Buffalo Bills during the second half of a game at Arrowhead Stadium on October 10, 2021 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /

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Kansas City Chiefs safety Juan Thornhill (22) Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports /

Juan Thornhill, Safety

After he predicted an All-Pro season in 2022, why shouldn’t fans expect Thornhill to contend for a spot on the Pro Bowl roster this season? Entering the final year of his rookie contract, Thornhill will not only have to play for a spot on those celebrated teams but also a new contract. Justin Reid and Bryan Cook will compete with Thornhill for a starting spot in base defense, with Reid expected to already be a starter.

Despite ending the year with a major injury, Thornhill exceeded expectations in his rookie season and has been a popular breakout candidate ever since. He had a little bit of a sophomore slump in 2020, which is understandable given he was coming off of a torn ACL and didn’t see as many snaps as expected in the first quarter of 2021 but once he did begin to see starter snaps, he played very well.

After the departure of Tyrann Mathieu, Dan Sorensen, and Charvarius Ward, the Chiefs will take any competent level of play they can in the secondary, no matter where it comes from. If Juan Thornhill can be named a Pro Bowler, then the Chiefs may have some additional hope for a quality defense in 2022.

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