Ranking the best secondaries on the Kansas City Chiefs 2024 schedule

1. Cleveland Browns

Choosing the Cleveland Browns for the number one spot was really a layup. When including both outside cornerbacks, the nickel cornerbacks and both safeties, the starting five is a clear upgrade over any of the Chiefs' opponents on paper.

Denzel Ward and Martin Emerson can both offer consistent teach tape type of plays in various facets. Whether it is pressing receivers, working with pass catchers down the field, or making plays on the ball, Ward and Emerson can flip the momentum on any snap. On the other hand, Greg Newsome II may not be a household name for the casual NFL fan, but he is quickly becoming one of the best nickel cornerbacks in the league. His length, technique in coverage, and athleticism make throwing his direction a poor decision on most plays.

If you look at the safety tandem of Grant Delpit and Juan Thornhill, this is a pair that matches up perfectly. Both players are more dangerous when being able to click and close downhill or remaining as a high-roof player. Their lateral quickness can surprise opponents in key situations as well.

Outside of that deep starting five, Cleveland owns an experienced and well-traveled set of depth options. Names like Rodney McLeod and Justin Hardee can fill any role that the Browns need on the backend. Additionally, players like Cameron Mitchell and Ronnie Hickman have produced when given increased opportunities. To say that the Chiefs will be in for a grind against the Browns' secondary may be a serious understatement.