Chiefs looking for cornerback depth options at training camp

Updated Jul. 31, 2024 3:28 p.m. ET

Associated Press

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs know what they have with their No. 1 cornerback in Trent McDuffie.

McDuffie, who was a first-team All-Pro in 2023, is atop the depth chart after the offseason trade of cornerback L’Jarius Sneed to the Tennessee Titans.

Figuring out the order after McDuffie, however, remains in flux as the Chiefs are in the third week of training camp.

“We certainly miss LJ (Sneed), but somebody’s got to step up there and take that,” Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo said. “But I’m waiting for somebody to, you know, assert themselves and say, ‘I’m that guy that can do it.’”

There are no shortages of candidates for the Chiefs to consider.

Spagnuolo has rotated Joshua Williams, the Chiefs’ fourth-round pick in 2022, and Kelvin Joseph, who signed in January, in training camp alongside McDuffie.

Second-year pro Chamarri Conner, who started seven games in 2023, has also rotated with the first-team defense’s nickel package at the slot.

But the Chiefs are dealing with injuries in the defensive backfield as Nazeeh Johnson has missed time with a knee injury and Jaylen Watson, who started eight games over the past two seasons, remains on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list.

“We know who our No. 1 is, right? We all know that,” Spagnuolo said. “We’re just trying to find guys. We’re going to have to find our next two best players, however that works out.

“I mean we know NJ (Johnson) is dealing with his little injury right now. Josh (Williams) has been out there, Kelvin (Joseph) — it’s a lot of guys mixing in there, but somebody’s got to surface. And if not, it gets tough.”

While the Chiefs need players to get healthy to effectively evaluate the position group, the absences of Watson and Johnson have allowed the coaching staff to get a closer look at other players.

For example, second-year pro Ekow Boye-Doe and rookie Miles Battle have gained valuable work as outside cornerbacks with the second-team unit.

“It’s good for the young guys to get some reps in there,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said.

Nevertheless, the Chiefs would likely hope to settle the order at cornerback sooner than later, especially when considering last season's defensive rankings.

Kansas City’s run to its second straight Super Bowl title was helped by one of the NFL’s best defenses, which ranked second in total defense and fourth against the pass (176.5 yards allowed per game).

The departure of Sneed leaves not just one hole, but possibly two in the defense. The Chiefs coveted Sneed’s versatility to line up either as an outside cornerback or inside to defend against a slot wide receiver.

But Conner, who can play safety and cornerback, believes the Chiefs have the right personnel to find the answer.

“This scheme is great for hybrid players that can play defensive backs,” Conner said. “Not just safety, not just corner, but a defensive back that can play all over the field. It’s definitely been great for me.”

As for who assumes the responsibility to cover an opponent’s top wide receiver, the Chiefs won’t need to look far to find the answer.

“I told Spags (Spagnuolo) wherever he needs me,” McDuffie said. “Like I always said, that’s where you can put me.

“I’m going against the best of the best, you know, that’s why we play this game, to go against the best of the best. Being able to compete, no matter who it’s against, I’m ready to do that.”

Outside of McDuffie and perhaps Conner, the hope for the Chiefs is for three or four cornerbacks to step up to the challenge and seize the opportunity to become entrenched as a contributor.

“It’s a lot of guys mixing in there, but somebody’s got to surface and if not, it gets tough,” Spagnuolo said. “You know, you can have the best pass rush in the world, but these receivers get open quick if you’re not able to cover them so. We got some developing to do.”

NOTES: Wide receiver Kadarius Toney (ankle), linebacker Nick Bolton (elbow), tackle Chukwuebuka Godrick (ankle) and guard McKade Mettauer (ankle) left Wednesday’s practice with injuries. … Defensive tackle Chris Jones, who missed Monday’s practice with a groin injury, returned to work Wednesday.

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