These 3 players can be the top cover man of the future.
Last Thursday, Chiefs General Manager Brett Veach met with members of the media in anticipation of the 2023 NFL Draft kicking off this upcoming Thursday. Not only did Veach address his need for O-line help, D-line help, he mentioned that he liked the cornerback group just like last season when he drafted Trent McDuffie, Jaylen Watson and Joshua Williams. Wide receivers seem to be entering the league with more speed and talent than ever before, which makes rostering reliable cornerbacks a must. Players that are capable of erasing a player from the offense with shutdown coverage down the field help allow the rest of the defense to thrive as well.
Chiefs general manager Brett Veach noted that the cornerback class jumps out, as does the tight end class. He believes there is Day 2 or Day 3 linebacker value.
— Pete Sweeney (@pgsween) April 20, 2023
Whether the Chiefs is looking for the next ballhawk to compete with Watson or Williams or a rotational option, here’s a look at three CBs Kansas City needs to target when on the clock.
Jakorian Bennett, Maryland:
Jakorian Bennett is a bit of an overlooked name in this draft class because of Deonte Banks but that makes him a viable target for the Chiefs at he end of the third or maybe fourth round. The Maryland product showed off at the NFL Combine in March, logging a 4.30 40-yard dash and 40.5-inch vertical. His results were impressive and backed up his college statistics. In three years with the Terrapins, Bennett allowed only 49.3% of completed passes for 900 receiving yards and 4 touchdowns while facing some of the best pass-catchers the ACC had to offer with 5 career interceptions. Assuming he can figure out his penalty issues (7 drawn in 2022), Bennett could push for playing time with a strong showing in training camp this summer.
Jakorian Bennett from @TerpsFootball with the pick!
đź“ş: @seniorbowl on NFL Network pic.twitter.com/7amS1mJ8Au
— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) February 4, 2023
Eli Ricks, Alabama:
The Chiefs should do whatever it takes to have Eli Ricks making plays in front of the Sea of Red. That could mean trading up a few spots or simply making sure he falls to No. 95 or 122 overall. The Alabama and LSU standout showcased his dynamic coverages skills by racking up 10 pass breakups and 5 interceptions across 23 career games played. He has a knack for jumping routes in his area and possesses enough speed to keep up with any receiver that lines up on the opposite of him. One thing to keep in mind here is that Ricks might have issues due to his durability but he seems ready to start right away, which is an important factor for a Chiefs team whose looking to repeat as Super Bowl champions in 2023.
Thought Alabama CB Eli Ricks played really well in his first start of the season last week vs. Mississippi State. Four pass breakups (on 10 targets).
One of his better reps of the night. pic.twitter.com/lGTsa0lQ9a
— Jordan Reid (@Jordan_Reid) October 25, 2022
Myles Brooks, Louisiana Tech:
While Ricks has the makings of a day one starter, Myles Brooks out of Louisiana Tech is much more of a project. The 22-year-old regularly uses his length to disrupt pass attempts and posted 9 pass breakups to go along with 3 interceptions for the Bulldogs in 2022. However, some experts and scouts thinks his lack of the technical skills of an NFL level corner could make him go undrafted. The good news is that the Chiefs have experience bringing the best out of their players and Brooks’ raw potential alone makes him well worth the risk here. His ability to step up in rush defense or cover a receiver deep down the field would make him a perfect fit in Kansas City with another LA Tech alum in L’Jarius Sneed.
PICK SIX @myles_brooks10❗️@LATechFB | #CUSAFB pic.twitter.com/Z8UHA2ccFp
— Conference USA (@ConferenceUSA) October 9, 2022
Follow Chiefs Fan 4 Life on Twitter @ChiefsFan4Lyfe. Check out my articles, including 3 players the the Chiefs should move up for in the 2nd round, the 3 players the Chiefs should consider moving up for if it’s not Anton Harrison or Dawand Jones, and why I think Justyn Ross will have a breakout season in 2023.
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