Chiefs vs. Chargers: 10 exciting things to watch for in a meaningless game

9. Let some inexperienced corners earn some reps

If the Chiefs sit their top three corners, they are left with Kansas State rookie Ekow Boye-Doe, Ball State rookie Nic Jones and second-year player Joshua Williams. Williams is almost in the Jaylen Watson category, so I would start Boye-Doe and Jones for the majority of the game. Williams does not have anything to prove as cornerback number four on this team. 

Boye-Doe is an exciting local prospect who was an undrafted free agent in 2023. He views himself as an underdog, so it would be exciting to see him go out and display that. He has a slight frame at 177 pounds but has elite speed, running a 4.39 40-yard dash, so he can keep up with the best of them. He has been up playing special teams the past few weeks. 

Chiefs Kingdom should be clamoring for Nic Jones, because why would you not? Veach is just about batting a thousand drafting late-round defensive backs right now and that is exactly what Jones is. He is a long guy, standing at six-foot and forced 14 incompletions in college last year, which ranked 23rd in the country, according to PFF. Let’s see if these two can enjoy the same success the four above them have. 

10. Point Chamarri Conner toward a starting role

Safety Chamarri Conner has been contributing for weeks, even coming up with a huge momentum-changing interception against Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills a few weeks ago. There is no point in playing Justin Reid this Sunday, or Mike Edwards for that matter. With Bryan Cook injured, it will be good for defensive backs coach Dave Merritt to evaluate Conner as a full-time starter. 

Cutting Justin Reid can save nearly 11 million against the cap in 2024, so there is that factor as well if the Chiefs are thinking about going that route. Veach will need to know if he can rely on Conner, the Virginia Tech product, or if he needs to dip into the draft at safety once more. Veteran safety Deon Bush will be available to start alongside Conner.