The Kansas City Chiefs won the Super Bowl back in February largely on the back of a dominant defense and last-minute Patrick Mahomes heroics against the San Francisco 49ers.
But, the Chiefs made waves this offseason by trading away star cornerback L’Jarius Sneed in a blockbuster deal with the Tennessee Titans.
As the offseason program gets underway, the Chiefs haven’t made any marquee additions at cornerback, and that might be for good reason.
Perhaps defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, head coach Andy Reid, general manager Brett Veach and the Chiefs believe Joshua Williams is ready for an expanded role in the secondary following Sneed’s departure.
Pro Football Focus NFL Analyst Bradley Locker put together a list of each team’s breakout star for the 2024 season, including Williams taking the title for Kansas City.
“Someone is going to have to help mitigate the loss of L’Jarius Sneed,” Locker writes. “And Williams should assist. Last season, the 2022 fourth-rounder amassed a 74.4 overall grade and four pass breakups while missing only 4.2% of tackles. Steve Spagnuolo has a knack for developing unheralded corners, and Williams is poised to be next in line.”
Last season, Williams appeared in 16 games while producing 18 total tackles and breaking up four passes as opposing quarterbacks posted a meager 78.5 passer rating when throwing his direction and receivers averaged just eight yards per reception.
If Williams can replicate that production in an expanded role, the Chiefs’ cornerback room will be in exceptional hands.
It is absolutely stupid what Veach did in that 2022 draft. I mean, it may be the most successful draft in NFL history.
Maybe not the best draft, but at least the most successful. The Chiefs have had those drafted players for two years so far, and have won two Super Bowls. [Reply]
Love Williams, mocked him to us in the 4th that draft. Sneed is going to be a tough loss for sure, but Veach has done an excellent job keeping the DB cupboards stocked.
The secondary is the one area besides QB/TE that I’m just not worried about. I mean, will they be as good without Sneed? No, of course not. Will they be a liability? Lol, with Spags they might not be quite as good, but Spags will smooth things over and they’ll be just fine. Spags is a genius with the secondary. [Reply]
Originally Posted by Megatron96:
The secondary is the one area besides QB/TE that I’m just not worried about. I mean, will they be as good without Sneed? No, of course not. Will they be a liability? Lol, with Spags they might not be quite as good, but Spags will smooth things over and they’ll be just fine. Spags is a genius with the secondary.
This D will still be a top 5 unit. What a group of super young players that will only get better. It's an amazingly deep unit as well... [Reply]
