Chiefs Draft Fits: the Secondary

Chiefs Draft Fits: the Secondary

by Ransom Hawthorne | February 15, 2019

While the 4-3 transition, need not spark major changes, in the secondary, the Kansas City Chiefs were due for an overhaul there anyway. Charvarius Ward showed nicely, at the end of the year, and Kendall Fuller is excellent in the slot, but Chiefs don’t have a starting 3^rd CB, with Nelson hitting FA. They were also pretty lucky that their three starting CBs stayed healthy most of the year. At safety, K.C. has a few bodies, but not much certainty. New DC Steve Spagnuolo uses Safeties a bit differently than Sutton, as well. Here’s a look at some of the best fits, in the draft, for the Chiefs.

#1 CB Byron Murphy, Washington 6’ 175 lbs

If Murphy played the same way, about 15 pounds heavier, he’d be a top 10 pick, and way out of reach. As is, he may fall within striking distance, of the Chiefs. Great in both man and zone coverage, good ball skills and a solid tackler. There’s really nothing to dislike about Murphy’s game. He’s a little skinny, which gives you some durability concerns, long-term, but he’s absolutely worth the risk. Already good, with upside to be a household name. Chiefs might have to hope he has a bad combine, so they can get him, though. Guaranteed 1^st round pick.

#2 CB JoeJuan Williams, Vanderbilt 6’2” 205 lbs

Huge CB, and solid athlete, to boot. Physical in coverage. Aware of what’s going on, will sniff out a screen. Doesn’t always get his head around to look for the ball, but long arms allow him to keep track of his receiver and have eyes in the backfield, at the same time, on a lot snaps. Gave some Ole Miss WRs, who will go in the first round, a lot of trouble. Like most big CBs, he may struggle with smaller, quicker WRs, but his ability to lock down bigger guys is something that Chiefs have absolutely been missing. For games against the Chargers, in particular, he’d be a perfect fit. Size and play-hard attitude also bode well for zone coverage responsibilities, should Spagnuolo choose to feature more of it. Depending on his combine results, he could go between the 2^nd and 4^th rounds.

SS Jonathan Abram, Mississippi State 6’ 210 lbs

Physical guy, who brings it every snap. Looked good in man coverage vs TEs. Has a really nice burst, downhill, but limited speed deep, and shouldn’t be considered a candidate for FS. Ability as a blitzer is PERFECT for what Spags asks of his SS. Football instincts need a little bit of work. Doesn’t always see the play unfolding. As a high effort box player, who likes to bring the fire, and get after the QB, Abram is a good fit for Chiefs’ scheme. His lack of versatility, to play deep, isn’t a problem for Spagnuolo, who uses more specialized DBs, over the ‘jack of all trades, master of none’ types that Sutton preferred. Abrams should be available between the 3^rd and 5^th round.

FS Nasir Adderley, Delaware 5’ 11” 200 lbs

For the record, I don’t think Chiefs need a new FS. Murray, Watts, Berry, and Lucas all fit that role just fine. To me that says any draft pick spent, on the position, has to be a game changer. Adderly fits that description. He’s a solid athlete, with a versatile skill-set. Background as a CB helps him be sticky in coverage, has good instincts, and good technique. Few obvious flaws to his game. He lacks top end speed, but he’s not slow. If Chiefs are looking for a guy who can be a day one starter, at FS, they’ll likely have to spend a first round pick on Adderley, or trade up, in the 2^nd. I don’t think that’s a good investment, given the valuation of the position, but I won’t be upset if Chiefs go that route, because securing Adderly would mean they could stop investing, at that position, for the next 5 years.

Chiefs need a starter at CB, and a quality #4, as well. Would love to get both Murphy and Williams (must have ALL the Williams). I think the safety position is best addressed in free agency. Either Landon Collins, or Adrian Amos would do admirably. That said, if Chiefs can’t swing an impact starter there, Abram would be a solid addition. With his athleticism, and competitive fire, he could turn into a major centerpiece, on defense, with a little polishing. Can’t go wrong with Adderly. Even though Chiefs have in-house options, it’s always nice to definitively plug a hole, rather than just theoretically doing so. If Berry has lost a step, but Chiefs aren’t ready to move on, yet, they may want to move him to SS. In that scenario, Adderly could make sense. So long as the CB position is addressed, I’ll be happy with Chiefs secondary, going into the year.

Ransom Hawthorne — ArrowheadOne

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