One of the things that is under the microscope the most for NFL general managers is roster construction.

When examining position groups, most look for a superstar, quality depth, and youth. General manager Brett Veach accomplished all three of those standards while rebuilding the Kansas City Chiefs' defensive secondary over the last two offseasons. The unit has developed into one of the best in the league and perhaps the strength of the Chiefs' team in 2023.

Notable success for the Chiefs in the NFL draft

Veach drafted five defensive backs in 2022, which would later be nicknamed the "Fab Five." Two of them, cornerback Trent McDuffie and safety Bryan Cook, would go on to become starters. McDuffie was recently named a 2023 NFL AP All-Pro, and Cook was having a stellar season before landing on injured reserve with a severe ankle injury.

The rest of the "Fab Five" have been impressive as well. Cornerbacks Jaylen Watson and Joshua Williams have been quality depth players who have made an impact both off the bench and as starters when needed. Cornerback Nazeeh Johnson was a special teams ace in 2022 and was playing with the first-team defensive unit during training camp this past offseason, but unfortunately, his season ended in camp with a torn ACL.

In the 2023 NFL draft, Veach added two more defensive backs, safety Chamarri Conner and cornerback Nic Jones. Conner has played well in a reserve role and stepped up big in the divisional round against the Buffalo Bills when starter Mike Edwards went down with an injury. Jones is a special teamer and reserve this season, flashing enough ability to warrant being on the roster. He could see an increased role next year.

Chiefs' successes extend to free agency  

Veach has also nailed his defensive back signings. Safety Justin Reid has been the leader of the secondary since arriving in 2022. He's been a tone-setting tackler this season and better in coverage than he gets credit for.

Mike Edwards has been great both off the bench and filling in for Cook as a starter this season. His ball-hawking abilities are unrivaled and he's been pivotal in two defensive touchdowns. 

Even 2022 free agent signing Deon Bush has done an admirable job, both as a special teams contributor and reserve safety in Kansas City. 

Andy Reid commends the secondary

While speaking to reporters on Monday, Chiefs head coach Andy Reid was asked about the growth of the secondary compared to where they were last year. Of course, that group was good enough to help uplift the team to a Super Bowl victory. This time around, they're all a year wiser.

“So last year they got better every game, just with the experience and throughout the offseason, working." Reid said, "Throughout this season they’ve continued to get better and feel more comfortable challenging in man coverages and tightening up these zones and zone coverage. This will be – this coming week will be the biggest test of them all up to this point. They’ve got a great group of wide receivers, so I think our guys, once we get through the week here, they look forward to that challenge. They’ve done a nice job.”

Not to be forgotten, of course, is cornerback L'Jarius Sneed, who might be the best of the bunch. Sneed was a fourth-round steal in 2020, putting yet another impressive notch in Veach's belt.

Despite being an All-Pro and Pro Bowl snub, Sneed has consistently shut down No. 1 wide receivers all season long. He and the rest of the Chiefs' secondary will try to lock down the Ravens' talented receiving corps in the AFC title game and advance to Super Bowl LVIII.

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