KC Chiefs rookie report: Leo Chenal shines in victory over Seahawks

Bryan Cook, Safety (Round 2, Pick 62)

Bryan Cook had an average game on Sunday as 28 of his 31 defensive snaps were in coverage and allowed two catches on three targets for 39 yards. Both catches were by tight end Colby Parkinson and only one of them accounted for all 39 receiving yards. He also blitzed on one play, recording a hit on Seahawks signal-caller Geno Smith.

Cook has been average so far this season, which is perfectly fine for a second-round rookie. He’s been serviceable in coverage and hasn’t missed a tackle since Week 3. He’s also been a solid special teams player for Dave Toub’s unit.

Jaylen Watson, Cornerback (Round 7, Pick 243)

After seemingly being benched since the return of Trent McDuffie, Jaylen Watson played his most snaps on defense since just before the bye week. It was great timing as he played (by far) his most complete game of the season. He was solid against the run, including a defensive stop, and only allowed 6 yards in 26 coverage snaps.

After a promising start to the season, including a clutch pick-six, Jaylen Watson had been struggling for the past three months, but not on Saturday. He was excellent and may have secured his spot as the third cornerback on the depth chart heading into the postseason.

Trent McDuffie, Cornerback (Round 1, Pick 21)

It was another so-so game for Trent McDuffie as he (again) was slightly underwhelming against the run, despite three defensive stops, and wasn’t quite as great as one catch for seven yards on four targets across 45 coverage snaps would suggest. He also missed a tackle defending the run.

Trent McDuffie is a star in the making for Kansas City. He’s 6th out of 23 rookie cornerbacks in passer rating allowed when targeted in man coverage this season at 75.0; is 6th in passer rating allowed in zone coverage among rookies at 79.5, and is also tied-6th in passer rating allowed in zone coverage among rookies at 83.6, per PFF ($). He may be a little undersized, but he’s been fantastic this season in coverage and will only be getting better with additional playing time.