Chiefs Draft Analysis: Safety, Cornerback and Linebacker

Chiefs Draft Analysis: Safety, Cornerback and Linebacker – there’s not much question in the minds of fans, pundits and analysts about the strengths of the Chiefs team and… where they’re exposed. Brett Veach has had Mission One this offseason: retain the core players of the team. We still won’t  know the success of that pursuit for quite some time, but we can take a look at where things stand with our position groups and deal with those players who are now free agents.

Brett Veach is working on how to retain DT Chris Jones and WR Sammy Watkins. That’s a ton of money to talk about if Jones or Watkins or somehow both can be retained. Today we’ll see if it’s plausible that other cuts can be made, or Free Agents not retained, but I’d suggest that Watkins will depart via trade or release and that Jones will be retaIned.

Safety

The Safety room is very solid.

The Landlord – Tyrann Mathieu

He has taken over as commander of the backend of the defense and provided versatility that was exactly what was needed since Eric Berry’s departure.

A Thorn in Their Side – Juan Thornhill

What more could you ask when you obtain a rookie who not only was a starter but played the game like an experienced pro!

Bright Light Shines: His time is Now – Armani Watts

Watts was on the verge of being a full time safety until his core muscle tear before the 2018 season began. He was overtaken by Thornhill but provides the talent and ball hawk skills that are necessary to the safety position mix. Still has the talent and speed to be a starter.

A Sore Point – Daniel Sorensen

True, I had decided in Spring of 2019 that “Dirty” Dan Sorensen could be a release to gain cap space. I’ve always appreciated his tenacity, willingness to work hard and stick his head in when supporting the run defense. His closing speed is not the greatest but reads and anticipation are excellent. I will admit that despite Sorensen’s success in 2019, he could, in my mind, become a cap casualty. His release would gain another $3.75M for other expenditures.

Jordan Lucas

His addition 2 years ago provided depth. He was not retained for the 2020 season and has signed with the Bears. He’ll have quite a job to do when the season arrives. Good for him. He did the Chiefs well after he was acquired in 2018.

The Fifth Man

In 2019 the 5th player was Jordan Lucas. I look for another addition with a UDFA that is appreciated by Veach and the scouting staff or… it could be a late round pick. The thought may well entail either but that player would have football moxie and the physical attributes that would benefit Special Teams which is how Lucas was used. I do think this is a need for the team. Keep in mind that Tyrann Mathieu lined up at CB in about 500 snaps in 2019 and Fuller lined up at Safety, especially toward the end of the season. Versatility for Spagnuolo is a factor. Sorensen has also played that hybrid role.

With Lucas departed in Free Agency as well as Kendall Fuller, and in consideration of how Tyrann Mathieu was used in 2019, it is very plausible that the Chiefs target a safety in the draft.

Linebackers

Whatever Veach decides to do with potentially cutting players including, CJ and Watkins, is going to have an effect on the decision making about the Linebacker position. First and foremost among considerations has got to be the position weakness. The question was, what would be done about Free Agent Reggie Ragland: that is resolved and he’s signed with the Lions. This also tells us where the Chiefs are going in the near future for the position.

The Matter Before the High Court

Something hasn’t yet happened, but most assuredly that something must get done, with LDT and Daniel Sorensen.

The charge brought before the court is that the Chiefs lack talent at linebacker. Veach worked to address the eventual loss of DJ by first signing Reggie Ragland and then Anthony Hitchens. However, neither would be touted as much beyond journeyman and now Ragland is gone.

Before the June 1 cut off time, the Chiefs need to come to a resolution on who to cut and how to fund the players they would like to keep. Players that I thought might be targeted among free agents have now strengthened the Vegas Raiders as they work to build a competitive team for the AFC West, as an example.

Anthony Hitchens

He will be with the Chiefs at least two more years due to the cost of his contract (under contract through 2022). He lacks the speed to play sideline to sideline and his pass coverage just isn’t going to see him being he 3-down LB that was hoped for when he signed. I am sure Hitch is one of the less admirable free agent acquisitions made by Veach. I am sure that contract annoys Veach to no end and there is no easy fix.

Damien Wilson

One move Veach made to solidify things was the contract tendered to Damien Wilson. That’s a solid move as Wilson played well at the LB position in 2019. Not only that but his was among the top 3 Chiefs to man the position in terms of snaps. He was, in my opinion, our best LB at PD.

Ben Niemann

Niemann also worked his way into the LB configuration. His snaps exceeded those of Reggie Ragland. He reads plays extremely well and is explosive to the ball. I lament my previous lack of astute observation about Niemann’s contribution to the position.

These three players were the top three players in terms of snaps, on the defense. They are also on the 2020 roster, however, none are noted for pass defense and none are sideline-to-sideline players who are coveted at LB.

Dorian O’Daniel

The DO’D draft choice has me mystified. He just doesn’t have the heft to play as a starting LB. He does have speed and when deployed that way, it appeared to me to work. He can defend against the pass but, if it is a big TE or RB he struggles. Spagnuolo used him so sparingly, he got hardly any snaps, with only 5 on defense all year. He has speed for Special Teams and is willing to get his head in on plays to make tackles, still, the draft pick is a mystery for me. He is under contract through 2021.

Darius Harris(R)-Mid Tn St; Emmanuel Smith(1)-Vanderbilt are both players on the Chiefs current roster.

The Brett Veach LB Mission 

Veach’s task is to add a 3 down linebacker to the mix. If he is able to accomplish that goal, plus get a starter for the CB position, it would be a highly successful draft. That LB must have a full complement of skills. The best outlook that I have remains the need to draft the right player early in the 2020 draft. For me, this means using the 32nd pick to get that LB if at all possible or, trading back because filling the Cornerback void is equally as important.

As a side note,  I thought Mike Mayock’s moves for Vegas to be the type of Free Agent signings (two players: Kwiatkoski and Correll), to be moves that will significantly improve their Linebacker room. Now, I don’t see Free Agents who fit the bill.

Cornerbacks

If you look at the weakness of the the 2019 CB group, consider:

• Bashaud Breeland – Breeland had a very rough start to the 2019 campaign but settled into his role outside and was a solid performer for the latter 2/3 of the season, including the playoffs. In his own mind he fulfilled the prove it season. He’s probably looking for top CB money but I cannot see that he performed well enough to earn it from his 2019 performance. Due to cap constraints, I don’t think Veach can tender a contract that is going to suit him. So, it appears that Breeland will also depart the Kingdom. 
• Charvarius Ward – Far underrated but who showed in the title game he could play at a fairly high level and be a solid starter… and then some.
• Rashad Fenton – Worked himself up to a starting role. It’s up to Fenton to prove it in 2020 but, he will be targeted frequently.
• Antonio Hamilton – Newly added Free Agent. Appears to be a player for the CB depth role & Special Teams. Although, he’ll have a shot to compete for a starting job and prove he is more than just a role player. A change of scenery is said to do some players wonders and Hamilton is very positive about coming to the Chiefs.
• Keith Reaser – I really liked Reaser from the beginning. A brief history though includes 2108 and 2019 where injuries prevented him from gaining a roster spot. Perhaps it was bad luck and he makes it to opening day and secures a spot on the Roster. I cannot see Brett Veach counting the chickens before they hatch. Personally, Reaser possesses the tools to succeed in the NFL. He proved it in the XFL. The question is: can he stay on the field of play.
• Alex Brown – Ability unknown.

The Brett Veach CB Mission 

Certainly, Brett Veach is trying to find Cornerbacks on the market. Equally, Veach must also make the right choice and draft one, or possibly two, Cornerbacks. It’s possible he is able to bring in a Free Agent but the lack of monies means he tries to get the right Free Agent on a: prove it one year contract. I think it is a nearly certain lock that Veach will select a CB with one of the first two draft picks.

Status of Chiefs FAs at LB, CB & S

• • Bashaud Breeland (CB) – Not tendered,UFA
  • Reggies Ragland (LB) – Signed with the Lions
  • Kendall Fuller (CB) – Signed with the Redskins
  • Jordan Lucas (S) – Signed with the Bears
  • Derron Lee (LB) – Not tendered, UFA
  • Morris Claiborne (CB) – Not tendered, UFA

David Bell – ArrowheadOne

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