KC Chiefs: Positions where injuries would hurt most

Defensive end Frank Clark #55 of the Kansas City Chiefs celebrates with defensive end Chris Jones #95 (Photo by Peter Aiken/Getty Images)
Defensive end Frank Clark #55 of the Kansas City Chiefs celebrates with defensive end Chris Jones #95 (Photo by Peter Aiken/Getty Images) /
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KANSAS CITY, MO – NOVEMBER 21: L’Jarius Sneed #38 of the Kansas City Chiefs runs with the ball after a fourth quarter interception against the Dallas Cowboys at Arrowhead Stadium on November 21, 2021 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images)
KANSAS CITY, MO – NOVEMBER 21: L’Jarius Sneed #38 of the Kansas City Chiefs runs with the ball after a fourth quarter interception against the Dallas Cowboys at Arrowhead Stadium on November 21, 2021 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images) /

Cornerback

The Kansas City Chiefs invested a lot in the cornerback position this past offseason. It’s also a position that is filled with youth. Heck, the player with the most seniority at the position for Kansas City is Rashad Fenton, who’s just 25.

I am a firm believer in the cornerback room for the Chiefs… long-term. Trent McDuffie and Joshua Williams could be starting caliber players within the next couple of seasons but it is very difficult for corners to be great in year one as the growing pains are unlike any other position, outside of quarterback. With youth at a position comes a lot of variance. Yes, both rookies could play above expectations and Fenton/L’Jarius Sneed could each take the next step, but that is the best-case scenario. The worst-case scenario is the two veterans plateau while the rookies play like rookies and the Chiefs have constant leaks in their secondary. They also have several other young guys, such as Jaylen Watson and Dicaprio Bootle, but I do not view them as potential starters this season.

If the Chiefs were to lose at least one of L’Jarius Sneed or Rashad Fenton, they would then be heavily reliant on young players, which isn’t always a bad thing but it is definitely risky.