The Chiefs have drafted a lot of youngsters to play on defense. Could they add even more youth to the defensive backfield. We provide options for each round.
The Kansas City Chiefs have invested a bunch of draft capital into the defensive backfield. After adding three cornerbacks and a safety in last year’s draft, they still might have some openings on the roster. If the Chiefs are going to look to defensive back as a position of need, they are in for a treat as this draft class is loaded with talent.
So, who are some names that could be on the Chiefs’ radar, and who might be available in this year’s class? We’ve got you covered with a player for each round.
Round 1: Kelee Ringo, CB, Georgia
The Chiefs have been sniffing around some defensive backs before the draft with official visits and pro day observations. While Kelee Ringo is not one of them, it is safe to say that the entire NFL has had its eye on him all along. Ringo is a physical and lengthy corner with tremendous speed. He has been interviewed either at the combine or on a private workout for at least 17 teams. It seems certainly possible that he may be gone before the Chiefs pick at 31. If not, he would make a ton of sense in Kansas City.
Ringo plays with great closing speed and instincts. While some development is needed in his technique, he is a young player that could benefit from some consistent NFL-level coaching. Ringo would make for a great eventual replacement for L’Jarius Sneed.
Round 2: Antonio Johnson, S, Texas A&M
Admittedly, this is an unreasonable draft crush of mine. Antonio Johnson is not going to wow you with some big adjustment to the ball for an incredible interception. He will, however, play all over the field and fly downhill to lay the wood. Johnson is a talented tackler and rarely misses in the open field.
With the departure of Juan Thornhill, a second-round investment in Antonio Johnson would make some sense. While there are areas of concern and areas where he needs some improvement, one thing is for sure: Antonio Johnson is a natural football player. With some work in his technique, he could develop into a star, even if it is just as a box safety.
Round 3: Mekhi Blackmon, CB, USC
Smart, smart, smart. Mekhi Blackmon is a very intelligent player that can play in a number of different roles. Although he has a small frame, he plays big. He is aggressive at the catch point and is as sure of a tackler as cornerbacks can be. With all of that in mind, he seems to be overpowered by blockers easily and he has an injury history that is likely causing him to fall.
For the Chiefs, Blackmon would have to fill a more specific role as a boundary player. If he is inside, he could become a liability in the run game. So, he may have to be a rotational guy that only comes in to play on obvious passing downs. All in all, the ceiling and floor are both pretty high for a player like Blackmon.
Round 4: Rejzohn Wright, CB, Oregon State
A fourth-round option that has gotten a lot of attention is Oregon State star Rejzohn Wright. While it is clear that he is not the fastest or most explosive cornerback, he has great length and instincts. At times it looks like he knows where the quarterback is going with the football before the quarterback does. That is a great skill that you can’t teach.
With all of that in mind, there are a number of things that he will need to learn at the next level. Wright could be a great developmental piece for the Chiefs that could play in the Dime from day one. While he is not refined, he is certainly an intriguing option.
Round 5: Kendall Smith, S, Illinois
An older rookie, Kendall Smith is probably not going to get drafted before the 5th round. He lacks experience and high-scale speed, but he is a ballhawk. Smith seems to find himself in a position to make a play frequently and logged five interceptions last year.
In Kansas City, he could make for a tremendous special teams player and may develop into a great depth guy at safety. He is a solid tackler that could play in the middle of the field on a rotational basis.
Round 6: Cory Trice Jr., CB, Purdue
Cory Trice, if he is there in the 6th, would be a home run for the Chiefs. While he has some areas of concern in his zone coverage and ability to play at the catch point, he has tremendous length and man coverage ability. For a team like Kansas City, which occasionally likes to dial up huge blitz packages, Trice would fit like a glove.
Trice is also a ferocious corner. He is not afraid of contact or lowering his shoulder. The Chiefs love physical players and grabbing one as talented as Trice in the 6th would be a great move.
Round 7: Cameron Brown, CB, Ohio State
If you draft Cameron Brown, you are banking on his upside. The fact is, he is not a great tackler and has struggled with injury throughout his career. However, if you get his best, you get a player that works well in a man coverage scheme, especially in a non-press defense. He could be a core special teamer as well.