Four minor moves that made a big difference for KC Chiefs in ’22

Trust the young secondary

Earlier we mentioned the bravery to trade away Tyreek Hill, and clearly, there was a belief in the Chiefs’ front office that the extra resources gathered should, at least in part, be used to remake the secondary front-to-back. The Chiefs selected five defensive backs with their 10 selections and that doesn’t happen by accident, whether in quantity or quality (e.g. moving up to get Trent McDuffie in the first round).

The key here was not just to raise the overall ceiling by making the biggest investment at cornerback in several seasons. It was also about replenishing a position that was getting by with a series of single-season signings. Joshua Williams, Jaylen Watson, Bryan Cook, and Nazeeh Johnson were also drafted along with McDuffie to restock the cupboards with loads of cost-controlled talent.

While the results were solid initially in some ways, the kids also showed the need for growth from the outset. McDuffie was injured for the first half of the year, but Williams was getting beat early and often and Watson struggled despite putting away a Week 2 win with a 99-yard pick-six against the Chargers. Johnson couldn’t even make the roster and Cook was making mental mistakes.

Here’s what’s incredible. The Chiefs didn’t just stick with their youth movement but they gave in to it. Before the season, Deandre Baker was released and Lonnie Johnson was cut even after they traded for him. Rashad Fenton was dealt at the deadline for peanuts, and the team held off on any secondary signing (note they were still busy on the front along the defensive line).

In other words, the Chiefs never panicked about the kids in the secondary. It was get burned and learn. The experience gained was the difference maker, and now the unit looks loaded in the postseason. This team is not only better for it now but they will be reaping these rewards for years to come.